Dulles Airport: Efficient Federal Inspections Services For Travelers

Washington Dulles International Airport, located 26 miles west of downtown Washington, D.C., in Loudoun and Fairfax counties in Northern Virginia, is home to a Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility. All airports with international flights are required to have an FIS facility, which is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The CBP is responsible for securing America's borders and facilitating legitimate travel and trade while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws and regulations, including keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country. The FIS facility at Dulles International Airport enhances security-screening operations and facilitates the arrival of international passengers.

Dulles Pass & ID Office

The Dulles Pass & ID Office is located on the baggage claim level of the airport. It is responsible for issuing and reissuing ID badges to employees and managing the Customs Seal application process for individuals who work in or are present in the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Security Zones.

If an employee loses their badge, has it stolen, or it becomes unaccounted for, they must immediately report it to the Pass and ID Office by calling 703-572-2780 or Airport Operations at 703-572-2730. To be reissued a badge, they must complete and submit the Unaccounted Badge Form. All badges that are found must be turned in to the Pass and ID Office, Airport Operations, or Airport Police.

Organisations working for or sub-leasing from existing businesses at Dulles International must use Checklist B, while governmental agencies, including federal, state, or local governments, must use Checklist C. They must then register their entity with the Pass & ID Office by submitting an email to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). The email should include scanned copies of all the necessary documents found in the appropriate checklist. A Pass & ID Office representative will then contact them to complete the registration process and advise of any discrepancies or additional documentation needed.

The Customs and Border Protection – Port of Washington at Dulles has implemented CBP Security Zones for regulated areas. These include the Federal Inspection area (FIS), aircraft, sterile corridors, jetways, elevators, stairways leading to the FIS, and in-transit facilities. All individuals who work in or are present in these areas must apply for a Customs Seal and complete the new Seal Application Process upon renewal of their airport-issued ID badge. The completed customs seal application packet, including CBP Form 3078 (Application for Identification Card), must be sent via email to the Certification Official for the applicant.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is an independent airport authority that manages the two major airports serving the US national capital: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. MWAA was created by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia, with the consent of the US Congress, to oversee the management, operations, and capital development of these airports. The authority leases the airports from the United States Department of Transportation, with the federal government retaining ownership of the underlying airport property except for property acquired by MWAA after the lease.

MWAA's responsibilities include the daily operation of the airports, their central administration, and their police and fire departments. Notably, MWAA has its own full-service, state-accredited police department that patrols airport properties, including the Dulles Airport Access Highway, the Dulles Toll Road, and the area within 300 yards of the airports. The authority's Fire and Rescue Department provides a range of services, including aircraft rescue and firefighting, structural firefighting, and emergency medical services.

In addition to its airport management duties, MWAA also operates the Dulles Toll Road and manages the construction project for extending the Washington region's Metrorail system from the East Falls Church station in Virginia to Dulles International Airport and beyond into Loudoun County. Tolls collected on the Dulles Toll Road are used to maintain and improve the road and also contribute to funding the Metrorail extension project, along with federal grants and loans, and contributions from local counties.

The governance structure of MWAA includes a 17-member board of directors, with appointments made by the Governor of Virginia, the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the Governor of Maryland, and the President of the United States. The current president and chief executive officer of MWAA is John E. Potter, who has been leading the authority since 2011. Each airport operated by MWAA is under the direction of a vice president and airport manager, who serve six-year terms and are appointed for their roles.

US Customs and Border Protection

The CBP's mission is to facilitate travel while maintaining the highest standards of security for residents and visitors. All passengers arriving at US airports, seaports, or border crossings are subject to CBP primary inspection. The CBP's San Juan Field Office issues advisories to improve travellers' experiences when entering the United States via Puerto Rico and the USVI. For example, travellers can take steps to prevent unnecessary delays and ensure smooth CBP processing.

The CBP has implemented enhanced employee inspection processes at Dulles International Airport, as directed by the federal government. Employees are subject to inspections at entrances to restricted spaces, and must ensure that they do not carry prohibited items. The CBP has also updated the processing of Seals for access to regulated areas, with minor procedural changes, particularly for renewal applications.

The CBP operates over 70 Deferred Inspection Sites across the United States and its outlying territories. These sites provide assistance to individuals who were scheduled for a deferred inspection at the time of entry into the United States or believe their documentation requires review and possible correction. Deferred inspections are used when an immediate decision about an arriving traveller's immigration status cannot be made due to a lack of documentation.

Interfaith Chapel

The Interfaith Chapel at Washington Dulles International Airport is a quiet sanctuary open to all, offering a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of travel and work. Whether you're an employee seeking a brief respite, a passenger in need of prayer or reflection, or a visitor looking for spiritual reading, the chapel is always open.

The Interfaith Chapel is more than just a place of worship; it's a ministry founded as a spiritual and theological resource for the diverse population that passes through Dulles International. With sacred scriptures and literature available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Urdu, Amharic, and Polish, the chapel caters to a wide range of faith backgrounds.

The Airport Chaplaincy, staffed by ordained clergy and dedicated lay volunteers, provides essential pastoral care services to passengers, airport staff, and airline personnel. They are committed to assisting anyone facing emergencies or challenging situations, offering support and guidance.

Reverend Nace Lanier leads the chaplaincy as the Senior Chaplain, with Assistant Chaplains Reverend Anne Smith, Reverend Andrew Phillips, and Reverends James Hayes, ensuring that a variety of faith traditions are represented.

Conveniently located at the south end of Terminal 2, across from Gates B10 to B22, the Interfaith Chapel is easy to access. Its proximity to the gates and the familiar landmark of Dunkin Donuts make it a welcoming haven for travellers seeking a moment of tranquility before embarking on their journeys.

Pet Relief Areas

Washington Dulles International Airport offers four designated Pet Relief Areas for travellers with pets. Two of these are located inside the concourses, and the other two are outside the Terminal. The airport aims to make your trip as pleasant, comfortable, and efficient as possible.

The Pet Relief Areas are a great option for pet owners who are travelling with their pets and want to give them a chance to stretch their legs and relieve themselves. These areas are designated spaces where pets can roam freely and attend to their business without causing any disruptions to the airport's operations. It is important to note that pet owners are expected to clean up after their pets and properly dispose of any waste to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the airport.

The Pet Relief Areas are easily accessible and well-marked within the airport premises. They are typically located in areas that provide a comfortable and safe environment for pets to relieve themselves. These areas may include features such as grass patches, waste disposal stations, and even play areas for pets to enjoy some exercise. It is recommended to keep your pet on a leash when outside the designated areas to ensure the safety of your pet and the comfort of other travellers.

In addition to the Pet Relief Areas, Washington Dulles International Airport offers a range of other amenities to cater to the needs of travellers and their pets. These may include pet-friendly lounges, water stations, and even pet-sitting services. It is advisable to check the airport's website or contact their customer service for specific information on pet-related services and guidelines.

By providing designated Pet Relief Areas and other pet-friendly amenities, Washington Dulles International Airport demonstrates its commitment to accommodating the diverse needs of its travellers. These facilities ensure that both pets and their owners can have a positive and stress-free experience during their journey through the airport. It is always advisable for pet owners to be prepared and familiarise themselves with the airport's pet policies and facilities before their travel date.

Frequently asked questions