The U.S. arrival process looks intimidating from the outside, but it follows a predictable order. Know the steps, keep your documents handy, and you'll usually be through in under an hour.
1. Before you land — ready your forms
On international flights you may complete a customs declaration, or do it at a kiosk on arrival. Know your U.S. address (where you're staying), your flight number, and roughly what you're bringing in. Keep your passport, visa and return ticket easy to reach.
2. Immigration (passport control)
Follow signs for "Arrivals" then "Passport Control" or "Customs and Border Protection." Join the line for visitors / non-citizens. An officer will check your passport and visa, take your fingerprints and photo, and ask a few simple questions:
- Why are you visiting? (tourism, study, business, family…)
- How long will you stay, and where?
- Sometimes: who you're travelling with, or who you'll see.
Answer honestly, briefly and consistently with your visa. This is routine — stay calm and polite.
3. Baggage claim
After immigration, follow signs to baggage claim and find the carousel for your flight number (shown on overhead screens). Collect your checked bags. If a bag is missing or damaged, report it at the airline's baggage desk before you leave the area.
4. Customs
With your bags, head to the customs exit and hand over (or scan) your declaration. Most visitors walk straight through; occasionally an officer may inspect a bag. Declare fresh food, plants, meats, and cash over $10,000 — and don't carry prohibited items.
5. Connecting to a domestic flight
Even with a through-ticket, at your first U.S. airport you usually must collect your checked bag, clear customs, then re-drop the bag at the airline's connection desk and pass domestic security again. Allow plenty of time — a connection under about 90 minutes is risky for a first arrival.
6. Domestic security (TSA)
For onward U.S. flights you'll pass through TSA security: liquids in containers of 100 ml or less in a clear bag, electronics out unless you have PreCheck, and shoes off in standard lanes. Our Trusted Traveler guide explains how to skip some of this.
Quick tips
- Download your airline's app for live gate and baggage info.
- Carry a pen for paper forms, and a charged phone with your hotel address saved.
- Free airport Wi-Fi is common — connect before you exit to reach your ride or family.
- Ride-share and taxis are well signed; follow "Ground Transportation."
Want your flights, airport transfers and hotels arranged end-to-end? Our travel concierge plans and books it for you.
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