Philadelphia Airport Customs: Slow And Steady?

The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is often regarded as having one of the most streamlined customs processes among US airports. However, wait times can still vary based on factors such as the number of arriving flights and the time of day. On average, travellers can expect to spend 30 minutes to an hour getting through customs at PHL. Those with Global Entry or Mobile Passport can significantly reduce their wait times, with Global Entry cutting the wait time by up to 70%.

Global Entry kiosks speed up the customs process

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Members can access the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports, including Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

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 the process has been completed successfully.

The Global Entry program costs $100 for five years and can reduce wait times by up to 70%. Travellers must be pre-approved for the program and all applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.

As an alternative to using the kiosks, members can also download the Global Entry Mobile App to validate their arrival to the U.S. on their iOS or Android device prior to entering the Federal Inspection Services area.

Other programs to speed up the customs process

Mobile Passport is a free app approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that lets travellers fill out their customs declaration form online and skip the traditional line.

Mobile Passport app can be used to skip the traditional line

The Mobile Passport app is a great way to skip the traditional line at Philadelphia Airport Customs. The app is free and easy to use, and it can save you a lot of time on your next trip.

Here's how it works:

First, download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before your trip. Once you have the app, you'll need to create a profile using your passport information. This is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. You'll also take a selfie, which will be used for identification purposes.

When you arrive at Philadelphia International Airport, you'll be guided to the immigration area. Have your passport and Customs Declaration Form ready. If you haven't received a form already, don't worry; you can fill one out in the immigration area.

The Mobile Passport app streamlines the customs process by allowing you to submit your travel documents, photo, and customs declaration information electronically. You won't have to fill out any paper forms, and you can skip the traditional line. Instead, look for the designated Mobile Passport lane, which is usually much shorter than the regular customs line.

After your plane has landed and you have a signal, open the Mobile Passport app and enter your trip information, such as the arrival airport and airline. You will then answer the standard CBP inspection questions, such as how long you were abroad and whether you have any goods to declare. Answer these questions truthfully to avoid unexpected fines.

Once you've answered the questions, you'll receive a scannable digital QR code on your phone. Show this code, along with your physical passport, to the CBP officer in the designated Mobile Passport lane. They may ask you a few follow-up questions, and then you'll be on your way!

The Mobile Passport app is a secure and efficient way to speed up the customs process. It's important to note that the app doesn't replace your passport, and you'll still need to carry it with you when you travel. However, by using the app, you can reduce your wait time and streamline your entry process into the United States.

Customs wait times vary depending on the number of arriving flights

Customs wait times at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) vary depending on several factors, one of which is the number of arriving flights. When multiple flights arrive simultaneously, the customs process can take longer due to the increased volume of passengers. However, PHL has been noted to have a relatively streamlined customs process compared to other airports.

On average, travellers can expect to spend around 30 minutes to an hour getting through customs at PHL. This duration can be significantly reduced by enrolling in the Global Entry program, which allows pre-approved, low-risk international travellers to bypass the standard customs queue. Global Entry members can use designated kiosks to complete the process more efficiently, reducing their wait time by up to 70%. The program costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck for domestic flights.

Another option to expedite the customs process is the Mobile Passport app, a free alternative approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This app enables travellers to fill out their customs declaration form online and join a separate, often shorter line upon arrival. However, some travellers have reported issues with the availability of the Mobile Passport app at certain airports, including PHL.

Additionally, the time of day can influence wait times at PHL. Early morning flights, particularly before 8 am, tend to result in longer wait times, while clearing customs later at night, after 9 pm, typically leads to shorter queues.

It is worth noting that the customs process at PHL involves several steps, including immigration, customs declaration, baggage claim, and customs inspection. Each step has its own set of requirements and procedures, which can impact the overall duration of the customs process.

By being prepared, enrolling in expedited programs like Global Entry, and choosing appropriate flight times, travellers can effectively manage their customs wait times at Philadelphia International Airport.

The customs process includes immigration, baggage claim, customs inspection and exiting customs

The customs process at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) includes several steps: immigration, baggage claim, customs inspection, and exiting customs. Here's a detailed guide on what to expect during each step:

Immigration

After disembarking your flight, you'll be guided to the immigration area. Have your passport and Customs Declaration Form ready. Some flights will distribute these forms onboard, but if not, you can fill one out in the immigration area. Present your passport to the customs officer and be prepared to answer routine questions such as your destination, trip duration, purpose, and whether you have any goods to declare. This process is usually brief, lasting only a minute or two. U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents can bypass long immigration lines with Global Entry, allowing quick passport scans and fingerprint verification at a kiosk.

Baggage Claim

Once you've cleared immigration and submitted your declaration form, proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your checked bags. The time taken for your luggage to arrive can vary, ranging from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the volume of flights. Keep an eye on the luggage carousels to avoid any delays.

Customs Inspection

After retrieving your baggage, you'll move to the customs inspection area. Here, a customs officer may ask follow-up questions about your trip or the items you're bringing into the U.S. If you've declared any items on your form, be honest and provide any additional information if requested. In most cases, this part of the process is straightforward, especially if you don't have anything to declare. However, on some occasions, you may be randomly selected for a secondary screening.

Exiting Customs

After clearing customs, you have officially completed the customs process and are ready to exit the airport. From here, you can proceed to ground transportation options, including taxis, rideshares, or public transit, to reach your final destination in Philadelphia. If you're connecting to another flight, follow the signs for re-checking your baggage and proceed to security before heading to your next gate.

The time taken to navigate through Philadelphia Airport's customs process can vary. On average, it takes around 30 minutes to an hour. However, with Global Entry, this time can be significantly reduced to as little as 10-15 minutes. Additionally, programs like Mobile Passport or the CBP mobile passport app can expedite the process by allowing you to fill out your customs declaration form online and use a separate, usually shorter, line.

The time taken to clear customs at Philadelphia Airport is between 30 minutes to an hour

The time taken to clear customs at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is between 30 minutes to an hour. This time can vary based on the number of arriving flights and the time of day. The process involves passing through immigration, customs declaration, baggage claim, and customs inspection.

For those who wish to speed up the process, programs such as Global Entry and Mobile Passport are available. Global Entry allows pre-approved, low-risk international travellers to skip the queue and use a kiosk instead. It costs $100 for five years and can save travellers a significant amount of time. Mobile Passport is a free app that allows travellers to fill out their customs declaration form online and skip the traditional line.

The efficiency of the customs process at PHL has been praised by some travellers, who have described it as "streamlined" and "much easier" compared to other airports. However, others have reported longer wait times, especially when retrieving checked baggage.

It is recommended to have your passport and Customs Declaration Form ready upon exiting the plane. Some flights will distribute these forms onboard, but they can also be filled out in the immigration area.

Frequently asked questions