How to Get Through Customs and Immigration As Quickly As Possible
If you’re like most people, the thought of dealing with customs and immigration at an airport can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be as dreadful as it’s often portrayed. The next time you travel overseas and need to fly back to the US, find out how easy it is to get through immigration.
What to do before booking
Before you book a flight, consider the schedule and load. If you are flying on an empty flight and flying on less busy days of the week or times of day, this can help save time at customs and immigration. A tool like ExpertFlyer (at $99.99/year for an annual premium subscription or $4.99/month for a basic subscription) can help you find flight schedules and traffic (and it offers many other tools).
Check for Accelerated Programs
Some airports offer accelerated programs that you can access depending on the status or class of service you are flying. There may be times when you may be able to pay to access an expedited service. The best way to find out if these services exist is to Google the name of the airport + expedited immigration.
Sit near the front of the plane (and hustle)
If your flight is full and you land at a busy time of the day, plan to sit in front and hurry up after you get off the plane. The more people you meet on your way to the immigration office, the less you will have to queue behind. Postpone going to the restroom while waiting for your luggage in the baggage claim area or after clearing customs.
Sign up for Global Entry or NEXUS
These programs allow you to quickly clear customs and immigration with little or no waiting. Instead of waiting in line to speak to a border agent, you will be able to walk up to the Global Entry kiosk (even if you have a NEXUS). You will confirm some information on the screen, you can get a printout (depending on the exact type of car you are using) and then you can easily go through customs and immigration. Quite a few credit cards will refund your $100 Global Entry application fee , and some will even refund your $50 NEXUS application fee.
Get the Mobile Passport App ( Android , iOS )
Even if you have Global Entry or NEXUS, you should still download the Mobile Passport app. This application will allow you to fill out a customs declaration form on your phone before you even get to the airport. If you don’t have a Global Entry, this is the best way to get through Customs and Immigration faster. But even with a Global Entry, this gives you another option if the Global Entry is reserved. However, keep in mind that once you have completed your Mobile Passport, you must use this method to enter the country.