Customs Clearance At Tucson Airport: What To Expect

Tucson International Airport (TUS) is a civil-military airport owned by the City of Tucson, Arizona. It is the second busiest airport in Arizona and has been designated a Port of Entry airport. As such, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provides a full range of services at the airport, including passenger and cargo processing, as well as a Global Entry Enrollment Center. The CBP processed almost 16,000 international passengers at TUS in 2021, a 143.2% increase from 2020.

Tucson International Airport is a designated Port of Entry airport in Arizona

The CBP facility at Tucson International Airport is located at 7081 S. Plumer Ave., at the base of the airport's iconic air traffic control tower, which has "T-U-C-S-O-N" spelled out on its exterior. The new facility, which opened in December 2020, was made possible by a $1.8 million renovation of the old tower, which had been largely unused since 2016.

The CBP at Tucson International Airport processed 15,942 international passengers arriving on 3,258 aircraft in 2021, a significant increase from the previous year. In addition, the CBP handled almost $2.2 billion worth of exports and imports at the airport in 2021, although this figure declined from 2020 due to the pandemic and supply chain disruptions.

Tucson International Airport is a busy airport, serving approximately 398,009 passengers in March 2024, making it the busiest month at the airport in 16 years. The airport offers both domestic and international flights, with several airlines operating from its A and B gates. The airport is open 24/7, but individual tenants, including airlines and retail outlets, set their own hours.

Customs and Border Protection provides a full range of services, including passenger and cargo processing

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provides a full range of services at Tucson International Airport (TUS), including passenger and cargo processing. As a designated Port of Entry airport in Arizona, CBP ensures that all aircraft crossing into the United States through the Tucson sector stop at the TUS federal inspection facilities. This is unless prior arrangements have been made for them to do so at another airport.

In 2021, CBP at TUS processed nearly 16,000 international passengers, a significant increase from the previous year. The airport also handled a substantial amount of cargo, with almost $2.2 billion worth of exports and imports processed.

CBP's services at TUS include the Global Entry Enrollment Center, which offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers entering the United States. The program includes expedited TSA Pre✓® at most US airports, including Tucson International Airport. To enrol in the Global Entry program, travellers must undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview.

The CBP facility at Tucson International Airport is located in the iconic air traffic control tower, providing a convenient and welcoming space for business leaders and VIPs arriving at this Port of Entry. The location of the facility helps solve congestion and parking issues that previously arose when customs officers worked from the main terminal.

Tucson International Airport is committed to providing a seamless travel experience for its passengers. With its range of services, CBP plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of international travel through the airport.

Clearance for US Customs is in the building at the base of the tower with 'Tucson' spelled out

Tucson International Airport (TUS) is a designated Port of Entry airport in Arizona. As such, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provides a full range of services, including passenger and cargo processing, as well as a Global Entry Enrollment Center.

The Clearance for U.S. Customs at TUS is located in a building at the base of the iconic tower with "TUCSON" spelled out down its sides. The address is 7081 S. Plumer Ave. This location is easily accessible from Valencia Road by heading south on either Plumer Avenue or Tucson Boulevard. Turning right onto East Airport Drive from Tucson Boulevard will also lead to Plumer Avenue, where a left turn can be made. Free parking is available adjacent to the office.

The CBP office at TUS is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with additional hours available upon advance notice. Inbound pilots should notify CBP before 8 p.m. on the preceding weekday of their planned arrival and provide essential information, such as the aircraft registration number, the name of the pilot in command, the place of last departure, and the estimated time and location of the border crossing.

The Global Entry Enrollment Center, a program that offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers, is also located at 7081 S. Plumer Ave. at the base of the tower. The enrollment process involves creating a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account, completing an application, undergoing a background check, and participating in an in-person interview.

The Tucson International Airport is committed to providing efficient and comprehensive customs services for both passengers and cargo, ensuring smooth and secure travel experiences.

Pilots must notify Customs before arrival and provide specific information

Tucson International Airport is a designated Port of Entry for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). All aircraft crossing into the United States over the Tucson sector are required to stop at the TUS federal inspection facilities unless confirmed arrangements have been made to do so at another airport.

Inbound pilots must notify CBP before arrival and provide the following specific information:

• Aircraft registration number
• Name of the pilot in command
• Place of last departure
• Estimated time and location of border crossing
• Intention to make TUS the airport of first landing in the U.S.
• Number of U.S. citizen passengers on board
• Number of resident and non-resident alien passengers on board
• Estimated time of arrival at TUS

Pilots should also include an ADCUS (advise Customs) notice in the remarks section of their flight plan. However, it is important to note that this notation does not guarantee that Customs personnel will receive the ETA notification.

The CBP at TUS processed approximately 16,000 international passengers arriving on 3,258 aircraft in 2021, a significant increase from the previous year. The efficient processing of passengers and cargo at Tucson International Airport is facilitated by the Customs and Border Patrol facility located in the iconic air traffic control tower, providing a seamless experience for travellers and supporting the growth of international flights to the region.

Global Entry is a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers

Tucson International Airport (TUS) is a designated Port of Entry airport in Arizona, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provides a full range of services, including passenger and cargo processing, as well as a Global Entry Enrollment Center.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports.

At airports, program members proceed to the Global Entry lanes, where processing technology will be used to expedite the members by capturing a photo to verify their membership. Once the photo has been captured, the member will receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer who will confirm that they have successfully completed the process.

Global Entry members can also use the TSA PreCheck lanes at airport security checks in the United States. The program includes expedited TSA PreCheck through TSA Checkpoints at most U.S. airports, including Tucson International Airport.

To be eligible for Global Entry, travellers must undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrolment. Applicants must bring a valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID card. If the applicant is a lawful permanent resident, they must present their machine-readable permanent resident card.

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