Lois Larson
Airports are considered ports of entry, and as such, customs checks and luggage screenings are carried out by customs officers. These officers are responsible for inspecting goods brought into the country and determining whether they are legitimate and that appropriate duties are paid. They also ensure that passengers are admissible to the country and may search people's belongings for contraband. Passengers are required to declare goods and their history on a customs form. Some items, such as food and agricultural products, are subject to additional screening or may not be allowed through the checkpoint. Passengers should also be prepared for health screenings, especially if arriving from a country with current public health risks. Overall, understanding the port of entry procedures and packing accordingly can facilitate a smoother travel experience when passing through airport security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a port of entry | According to the Code of Federal Regulations, "the terms 'port' and 'port of entry' incorporate the geographical area under the jurisdiction of a port director." |
| Types of ports of entry | International airports, road and rail crossings on a land border, seaports (only if a dedicated customs presence is posted there) |
| Airports of entry | Large urban airports with heavy scheduled passenger service, small rural airports serving general aviation exclusively |
| US port of entry procedures | Customs check, luggage screening, declaration of goods and history, valid US Visa, US Green Card, Permanent Residency card, US citizenship, or passport from Visa Waiver Countries |
| Customs inspection | Scanning of bags, manual inspection, allowance or denial of carrying declared items |
| Health screening | Visual checks of passengers, special screening for passengers arriving from countries with public current health risks |
| Security screening | Screening of passengers, baggage, and cargo for prohibited items and other threats to transportation security |
| TSA PreCheck® | Expedited screening where passengers don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets |
| Rights when encountering law enforcement at the airport | Right to wear a religious head covering, opting children out of an airport scan, bringing breast milk and formula in quantities greater than three ounces |
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What You'll Learn
Screening processes at airports
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers play a crucial role in conducting security screenings at airports. While most TSA officers are not law enforcement officers, they are responsible for screening passengers, baggage, and cargo. TSA screeners can search individuals and their belongings at checkpoints, utilizing Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and Automated Target Recognition software to detect metallic and non-metallic threats. TSA procedures are adapted based on evolving threats, and the public is encouraged to report suspicious activities.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents are also present at airports, particularly at the border. They have the authority to stop individuals, inspect luggage, and search electronic devices for contraband, regardless of suspicion. However, officers cannot select individuals for personal searches based on religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs.
It is important to note that passengers have certain rights during airport screenings. They can opt their children out of airport scans, and children under 13 can keep their shoes, light jackets, and headwear on during screening. Passengers can also assert their right to wear religious head coverings. Additionally, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents cannot be denied entry for refusing to answer questions about their religious or political beliefs.
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Customs and immigration checks
Immigration checks focus on verifying a traveller's identity, purpose of visit, and right to enter a country. Travellers usually undergo mandatory immigration processes, including interacting with an immigration officer who stamps their passport, verifies their passport and visa (if required), and asks questions about their stay. Immigration officers may also inquire about a traveller's immigration status and ask additional questions to determine admissibility to the country.
Customs, on the other hand, involves inspecting the items travellers are carrying to ensure they comply with legal restrictions and duties. Customs officers may search luggage for contraband or prohibited items, such as certain plants, meat, or produce, which may result in fines or confiscation. Travellers are required to declare certain goods, including gifts, food, alcohol, tobacco, and high-value items. In some cases, customs officers may also request access to electronic devices like laptops and mobile phones, along with their passwords, although this is a contested legal issue.
The order of customs and immigration checks may vary depending on the country. In some cases, travellers may go through customs after clearing immigration and collecting their luggage. However, in other cases, such as when flying to the United States from certain countries, travellers may undergo US customs in their departure country before boarding. Additionally, some countries have mutual agreements to expedite the customs and immigration process for travellers.
It is important to note that travellers have certain rights during these checks. Officers are not permitted to select individuals for questioning or inspection based on religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs. Travellers who feel their rights are being violated are encouraged to request to speak to a supervisor or contact an attorney.
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Prohibited items
When travelling by air, it is important to be aware of prohibited items to ensure a smooth journey. Here is some information on a few common items that passengers may wish to bring on a plane and whether they are permitted.
Nail Polish
Nail polish is allowed in carry-on luggage, according to the TSA. However, it is recommended to pack nail polish bottles in plastic bags to prevent leaks due to pressure changes. Some travellers also suggest wrapping each bottle in bubble wrap and then placing it in a plastic bag for added protection. It is also important to check the lids securely to avoid any spills.
Perfumes and Aerosols
Perfumes and other aerosol products are permitted in carry-on luggage, but there are restrictions on the total amount allowed per person. The total quantity of all aerosol toiletry articles cannot exceed 2 kg or 2 litres, and the capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg or 500 ml. Additionally, the aerosol release devices must be protected by caps or other means to prevent accidental discharge.
Matches
Safety matches (non-strike anywhere type) are permitted in carry-on luggage, but only one book of matches is allowed. All matches are prohibited in checked baggage.
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices, such as cell phones, are allowed in carry-on luggage. However, these devices may be subject to additional screening, and officers may request to power up the devices to ensure they are functional. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard.
It is important to note that even if an item is generally permitted, it may be prohibited if it triggers an alarm during screening, appears tampered with, or poses security concerns. The final decision rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
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Rights and restrictions
When entering a country, individuals usually pass through a port of entry (POE), which is a place where one may lawfully enter a country. International airports are usually POEs, as are road and rail crossings on a land border. Seaports can be used as POEs only if a dedicated customs presence is posted there. The choice of whether to become a POE is up to the civil authority controlling the port. An airport of entry (AOE) is an airport that provides customs and immigration services for incoming flights, allowing it to serve as an initial POE for foreign visitors.
At POEs, individuals will typically encounter Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, who may stop people at the border to determine whether they are admissible to the country and may search people's belongings for contraband. CBP officers may also ask questions to determine how long an individual can stay in the country. While CBP takes the position that individuals are not entitled to an attorney during primary and secondary inspection, it is recommended to have the contact information of an attorney or legal services organization readily available.
During security screenings, individuals may be subject to searches of their person and belongings by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers. TSA officers are not typically law enforcement officers, and while they can search individuals and their baggage, they cannot arrest them. TSA screenings aim to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering sterile areas of the airport. TSA recommends arriving at the airport early to allow sufficient time for the screening process.
It is important to note that officers are prohibited from selecting individuals for personal searches or secondary inspections based on characteristics such as religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs. Individuals have the right to wear religious head coverings during security screenings. Parents traveling with children are permitted to bring breast milk and formula, but these items will be inspected, and the liquids may be tested for explosives.
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Security roles and responsibilities
TSA officers also rely on the public to report any suspicious activities, such as unattended bags, individuals with threatening items, or attempts to enter restricted areas. They employ unpredictable security measures and advanced imaging technology (AIT) to enhance security. Passengers wearing light outerwear or bulky clothing may be asked to remove them for screening, and additional screening may be required for certain items, such as electronics, powders, and snacks. TSA PreCheck® allows passengers to expedite the screening process without removing certain items.
At the border, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents are responsible for determining the admissibility of individuals into the country. They have the authority to search individuals and their belongings, including electronic devices, regardless of suspicion. CBP officers may ask questions during primary and secondary inspections, and failure to answer may result in delay or denial of entry. While CBP maintains that individuals are not entitled to an attorney during these inspections, it is advisable to have legal representation if rights are violated or in cases of prolonged detention.
Airport police and other law enforcement officers are also present at airports to maintain security and address any incidents that may arise. They work in conjunction with TSA and CBP officers to ensure the safety and security of all individuals passing through the airport. It is important for travellers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities when interacting with security personnel and to comply with screening procedures to facilitate a smooth travel experience.
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Frequently asked questions
A port of entry (POE) is a place where one may lawfully enter a country. International airports are usually ports of entry, as are road and rail crossings on a land border. Seaports can be used as ports of entry only if a dedicated customs presence is posted there.
At a port of entry, there will be border security staff and facilities to check passports and visas and to inspect luggage to assure that contraband is not imported. Customs officers may also inspect goods and deny admittance to certain items.
CBP officers facilitate trade to and from the US and around the globe by securing it from acts of terrorism and assuring that goods arriving in the US are legitimate and that appropriate duties and fees are paid. They also determine how long non-citizens can stay in the US based on their visa type.
You have the right to wear your religious head covering and may opt your children out of an airport scan. You do not have to answer questions, but refusal to answer may result in delay or further inspection and may result in denial of entry for non-citizen visa holders and visitors. If you feel your rights are being violated, you should ask to speak to a supervisor and contact an attorney.
