Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Filling in a customs form
• Part 2 of 3: Going through passport control
• Part 3 of 3: Passing luggage and customs
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Before gaining entry into the US, all passengers must first pass through security checkpoints maintained by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Many people feel a little intimidated by the thought of this experience, but it is really simple and straightforward. Follow CBP's instructions to go through it hassle-free. The employees scan your passport and customs form, ask you a few simple questions and then send you on your way.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Filling in a customs form

1. Pack your passport and carry it with you. A valid passport is essential to gain entry into the US. Even US residents need it. You must refer to it to fill out the customs form, so have it ready. Do not put it in checked baggage.
   • Don't try to get through customs without your passport. CBP will not let you into the country. If you lose your passport while traveling, go to the nearest embassy or consulate as soon as possible. They can help you get a new one.
2. Obtain a customs clearance form from personnel on the plane or boat. Before you disembark, the flight attendants will hand out the forms. Both US and foreign citizens are required to fill out this document, so make sure to get one. You only need to fill in 1 form per family.
   • The shape is a small rectangular card, usually colored blue. The words "customs declaration" are printed at the top. If you don't get one, ask flight crew about it.
   • The Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) now has Automatic Passport Control (APC) cabins at many major airports. US, Canadian and international travelers with a visa waiver can use the booths without filling out a customs form.
3. Fill in the form with your basic personal and travel information. Write your information legibly in the space on the form with a dark pen. You must provide information such as your name, country of residence, passport number, flight number and countries you have visited. Please refer to your passport and travel ticket to help you fill out the form.
   • Make sure the information you provide is correct. Any mistakes can slow down the customs process.
   • Customs forms are only required for travelers arriving by boat and plane. If you're traveling overland, border guards will still check your bags and ask you a few questions.
4. Determine the value of all the items you need to declare. The form asks a few yes or no questions about the items you are transporting. Customs officers need to know if you bring in fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, large amounts of money, or have been around livestock. The form will also instruct you to add up the commercial value of any goods you have purchased or plan to leave in the US.
   • If you are a US citizen, estimate the total value of goods you have bought abroad. This includes gifts that you have not sent individually. You don't need to include anything you used before boarding the plane.
   • For visitors, calculate the total commercial value of all items you plan to leave in the US. You do not have to bring your personal belongings that you plan to take home.
5. Write a list of indicated items on the back of the form. Items that you must declare are included in the trade value calculation on the form. This can include gifts, purchases, duty-free items, items to be sold, items you inherited, and items you repaired. Also list money, including cash, traveler's checks, gold coins, money orders, and so on.
   • Please be as accurate as possible to ensure your journey through CBP checkpoints is as smooth and fast as possible.
   • Tax returns are used for tax and security purposes, so CBP needs to know exactly what you are bringing into the country.

Part 2 of 3: Going through passport control

1. Walk to the passport control room for US or foreign citizens. When you get off the plane, you usually have to walk a short corridor to reach the first checkpoint. Signs along the walls or ceiling will show you where to go. Join the checkpoint area in the correct row.
   • If you need help, ask an officer for help. Don't try to hang around the checkpoint area.
   • Sometimes you will see a third lane for passengers going to connecting flights. Use this opportunity to speed up the customs process if you have another flight to catch.
2. Give your passport and customs form to the officer. The officer will review and then scan your passport to verify its authenticity. They also validate the customs form and return it to you. It's a very quick and easy process, but make sure you get both documents back before you go.
   • For international travelers, CBP can print an I-94 form and staple it in your passport. Keep this form with you as you will need it when you leave the US.
3. Answer questions about your journey that the officer asks you. You don't have to go into detail about your journey, but try to be as accurate as possible with your answers. The officer will ask for a general reason for your trip. If you are a visitor they will also ask how long you plan to visit and where you plan to stay. They may also ask for more information, such as related to your planned activities or occupation.
   • For example, if the officer asks you about the nature of your trip, simply say something like "I was on vacation" or "I'm visiting relatives."
   • The CBP officials are only trying to do their job, which is investigating travelers on the safety of the country. Be respectful to them and they will likely return the favor.
   • If you are a visitor, bringing documentation can help. For example, bring communications from a company, university or host that demonstrate your reason for traveling.
4. Give your fingerprints and photo if you are a visitor. CBP takes this information from all visitors for their biometric database. The officer will slide a small pillow towards you. Place your fingers on the electronic pad to upload your fingerprints. Then stand still while they take your photo.
   • Even if you have submitted a photo for your visa application, you still need to go through this process. The CBP agent will walk you through the steps.

Part 3 of 3: Passing luggage and customs

1. Go to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. Keep walking down the hall and read the signs if necessary to get to the nearby baggage claim carousels. You must claim your baggage even if you board a connecting flight. Check the screen in the baggage area to find the carousel number assigned to your flight, then wait for your baggage to appear.
   • As a rule, you must claim your bags and check in later if you need to board another flight. Give yourself enough time to get through security.
   • If you travel by boat or bus you still have to claim your bags. For bus trips, the staff must move your bags back into the vehicle after CBP has finished checking.
2. Take your bags to the correct line at customs. Walk down the hall from the baggage claim area to the customs checkpoint. In the customs area, you will see a lane labeled "nothing to declare" with a green arrow. The other row, marked with a red arrow, is for travelers to declare with "goods".
   • Choose the correct row to get through customs without any hassle. If you try to sneak through the faster queue, security can stop you. Consult your customs form to know what to declare.
3. Give the officer your customs form. After a short wait you will arrive at the next checkpoint. Please make sure your form is completed correctly before you get to the CBP officer. They will ask you a few basic questions such as where you went and what you bought during your trip. They look for items on the restricted list, contraband or anything off the customs form.
   • Be as specific and as soon as possible when answering. That way you can get through this checkpoint as quickly as possible. Slow or vague answers make the officers curious and ask more questions.
4. Listen to the officers when you are chosen for a random search. The CBP officers can take you out of line for a more thorough inspection. This is rarely personal. The officers can search your bags by hand or with an X-ray machine. They can also ask you more questions about your trip.
   • Making it difficult for the cops will only make your day worse. Graciously hand your bags over to the agent. Remember that they are doing their job and not trying to make things difficult for you.
5. Continue your journey or leave space. After the CBP agent exits you through the checkpoint, walk down the hall to end up in the building lobby. When you are at your final destination, you are free to go. If you need to board another flight at an airport, look for the sign that says "Connecting flights" or "Connecting baggage drop-off". Place your bag on the nearby conveyor belt to send it on the go.
   • Before checking your baggage, make sure the tags match your next destination.
   • After placing your luggage on the conveyor belt, you must pass through a nearby security checkpoint to enter the hall.
   • Be sure to put liquids, gels, and aerosols above 85 g (3 oz) in your checked baggage, along with any other items restricted by the TSA.

Tips

• Be nice to the officers. Most likely they will then be friendly back.
• Often times, a PBC officer is at the head of the passport control line that directs visitors to the next open booth. The booths are also numbered to help you figure out where to go.
• Don't worry about getting lost. The facilities are simply designed to be as fast and efficient as possible. You cannot wander in the wrong direction. Follow the signs if you are lost.
• Most Canadian airports and some international airports outside of Canada have US preclearance facilities. The check-in process is similar to US Customs. When you get off the plane, you can go directly to the baggage claim area.
• There is no reason to be nervous at the checkpoints. As long as you answer the agents clearly and honestly, you probably won't have any problems.
• Keep your basic information on hand to make the process easier. This can be your travel dates, return date, hotel address and your reason for visit.
• The customs lines can sometimes seem very long and slow. Be patient.
• Learn about which items are banned in the US Raw fruits, vegetables, meat, and animal products are the number one concern, along with contraband. You usually cannot bring in goods from a country if the US imposes economic sanctions. You must also declare large sums of money.
• Depending on the country you are visiting, you get a tax exemption for up to $ 1,600 USD worth of goods. For visitors to the US, this amount is only $ 100, so keep that in mind.
• If you are detained, CBP officers will take you to a small room and ask you questions. The interrogation can take hours. You will then be released or denied entry and returned to your point of departure.

Warnings

• Photography, smoking, and cell phone use are never allowed in US customs and immigration facilities. Remember, you are in a very secure federal facility.
• Do not joke about violence, smuggling, or other illegal acts. CBP agents must take these threats seriously.
• As soon as you leave the baggage claim and customs area you are not allowed to enter again. Make sure you have all your personal belongings before you go.

Necessities

• Valid passport
• Customs form
• Pen