Detroit Airport: Customs Clearance And Passenger Experience

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is an international airport that serves as a port of entry into the United States. All passengers arriving on international flights must complete U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry procedures at the CBP counters located in the International Arrivals Area of the airport's two terminals. The airport has also introduced Mobile Passport Control (MPC), a free mobile app that eligible travellers can use to submit their travel documents, photos, and customs declaration information to streamline their entry process.

Customs for international arrivals

All passengers arriving at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on international flights must go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry procedures. CBP counters are located in the International Arrivals Area of the McNamara Terminal and near Carousel 2 of the Baggage Claim Area in the Evans Terminal.

Procedures

Upon arrival, passengers must declare all items purchased, any currency over $10,000 U.S. or foreign equivalent, and any food, beverages, plant life, or other agricultural items in their checked or carry-on baggage. Passengers can use the Automated Passport Control kiosks to expedite the entry process. Alternatively, passengers can apply for the CBP Global Entry Program, which grants expedited clearance for low-risk passengers. This requires pre-approval, a background check, a $100 non-refundable application fee, and an in-person interview.

Mobile Passport Control

Detroit Metropolitan Airport also offers Mobile Passport Control (MPC), which allows eligible travellers to submit their travel documents, photos, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphones or other mobile devices. This can reduce passport control inspection time and overall wait times. The MPC mobile app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Connecting Flights

For those with connecting flights, it is important to note that you will need to collect your checked baggage after clearing customs and before proceeding to your next flight. If you are connecting to another international flight, you will need to go through TSA security again. Detroit Airport is known for being easy to navigate, with a tram and moving walkways to help you get to your next gate quickly.

CBP counters in McNamara and Evans Terminals

All passengers arriving at Detroit Metro Airport on international flights must complete US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry procedures. CBP counters can be found in the International Arrivals Area of the McNamara Terminal, which is located on the lower level, one level below the domestic baggage claim. The Evans Terminal also has CBP counters near Carousel 2 of the Baggage Claim Area on Level 1.

The McNamara Terminal, also known as the North Terminal or Edward H. McNamara Terminal, is one of the two main terminals at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. It primarily serves Delta Air Lines and its SkyTeam partners. The terminal features a range of modern amenities, including dedicated check-in counters, efficient baggage handling, and a variety of dining and shopping options. It is also equipped with elevators and ramps to ensure accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.

The Evans Terminal, previously known as the North Terminal, is home to a number of domestic and international carriers, including Turkish Airlines. This terminal also offers a range of facilities and services to enhance the passenger experience, including check-in and ticketing options, baggage drop-off and handling, and a variety of dining and duty-free shopping choices.

Both terminals provide US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) services to facilitate the entry of international passengers into the United States. Passengers arriving at Detroit Metro Airport on international flights must declare all items purchased, any currency exceeding $10,000 US or foreign equivalent, and any food, beverages, plant life, or other agricultural items in their checked or carry-on baggage.

The Global Entry Program

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) does have customs, with CBP counters located in the International Arrivals Area of the McNamara Terminal and near Carousel 2 of the Baggage Claim Area in the Evans Terminal.

Now, here's some detailed information about the Global Entry Program:

At the Detroit Metro Airport enrollment center, the suggested parking location is the Big Blue deck parking garage. The enrollment center is situated in the domestic baggage claim area, at the far south end behind the escalators, near Bag Belt #2. It is important to note that GPS instructions will only lead to the airport, not the specific location of the enrollment center within the airport. Additionally, applicants with a previous arrest are required to bring court documentation, and those with prior travel to Cuba must provide a copy of their Cuba travel authorization.

Mobile Passport Control

The MPC app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After downloading the app, users will be prompted to create a profile with their passport information any time prior to arriving in a CBP facility. Up to 12 profiles can be created for family members and a single household can submit a single MPC transaction.

Upon arrival at participating U.S. or Preclearance locations, travellers can take a selfie for every member of the travelling group and submit their information to CBP through the MPC app without completing a paper form.

MPC is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors and returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with approved ESTA.

It's important to note that travellers must still present a valid U.S. passport, U.S. lawful permanent resident card, Canadian passport or Visa Waiver Program passport to a CBP officer upon arrival.

Customs for US citizens

US citizens must complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B when arriving in the United States. This form itemises all purchased merchandise and agricultural products. There are several ways to complete this form: on paper, obtained at the port of entry, on the flight, or on a cruise; at a Global Entry kiosk (for pre-approved Global Entry members); or at an Automated Passport Control kiosk.

US citizens travelling abroad should be aware of prohibited and restricted items, which can be found on the US Department of the Treasury Cuba Sanctions website and other government resources. It is also important to note that CBP officers are authorised to inspect everyone arriving at a US port of entry. They may ask questions about your trip and your personal background, including the nature of your trip and any items you are bringing back to the US that you did not have when you left. Officers are legally authorised to search you, your baggage, or your vehicle.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport has US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) counters located in the International Arrivals Area of the McNamara Terminal and near Carousel 2 of the Baggage Claim Area in the Evans Terminal. Passengers arriving on international flights must complete CBP entry procedures. This includes declaring all purchased items, any currency in excess of $10,000 US or foreign equivalent, and any food, beverages, plant life, or other agricultural items in checked or carry-on baggage.

Frequently asked questions