Sachin Walls
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, or DFW, is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving nearly 1.5 million passengers during the 2025 Memorial Day weekend period alone. With such a high volume of travellers, DFW has implemented various measures to streamline the customs process, including a colour-coded wayfinding system, the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, and the Global Entry Program. The location of customs at DFW Airport varies, with customs areas located in each terminal to maximise traveller flow and reduce wait times. Terminal D, in particular, houses the CBP Cashiers Office and the Global Entry office, which are located on the lower level. DFW's customs areas aim to provide a smooth and efficient experience for travellers, especially those returning from international destinations.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Global Entry Program
The Global Entry Program at DFW International Airport is designed to expedite the customs process for frequent US citizen travellers. The program allows participants to bypass the traditional passport control line and proceed directly to automated kiosks to complete their customs declaration. This can be done through the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) application, which can be downloaded onto a smartphone or tablet.
Upon completion of the customs declaration, travellers will be issued a ticket and directed to baggage claim. The Global Entry office is located in Terminal D, on the lower level, in the hallway just south of the International Arrivals area. It can be identified by the overhead sign displaying 'Global Entry' above a door with a 'Department of Homeland Security' seal.
To enrol in the Global Entry Program, travellers must first submit an application and receive conditional approval. The conditional approval process can vary in duration, from 24 hours to several months, depending on factors such as application volume and individual background. Once conditionally approved, applicants must schedule an interview at the Global Entry Enrollment Center, also located in Terminal D, next to International Arrivals. It is important to note that a valid travel document, such as a passport, resident card, or visa, along with a driver's license, is required for the interview.
Additionally, the CBP Cashiers Office, where items like I-94 corrections, deferred inspection permits, and customs documents are handled, is also located on the lower level of Terminal D, at D23, to the left of International Arrivals. This office is open daily from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Airports Safety: Current Measures and Future Challenges
You may want to see also
Explore related products
CBP Cashiers Office
The CBP Cashiers Office at DFW International Airport can be found on the lower level of Terminal D at D23, located to the left of International Arrivals. The office handles items such as I-94 corrections, deferred inspection permits, and all customs documents. It is open daily from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.
The Global Entry Program is also available at DFW Airport, allowing frequent US citizen travellers to skip paper customs declaration forms and traditional lines when re-entering the USA. The program is available to those who are conditionally-approved Global Entry applicants. Travellers can bypass the passport control line and proceed to automated kiosks to answer customs declaration questions. The Global Entry office is located in the hallway just south of the International Arrivals area in Terminal D, on the lower level.
To speed up the customs process at DFW Airport, eligible travellers can download the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, which streamlines the processing of eligible travellers entering the US. This can be downloaded on smartphones or tablets from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
DFW International Airport experiences higher volumes of travellers on Sundays, in the afternoons, and on weekends. Travellers have reported long lines at customs, with few agents working. To avoid lengthy waits, it is recommended to fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays before 5:00 pm when traffic is lower.
NYC Airports: Which is the Best?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mobile Passport Control (MPC)
Eligible travellers can download the free MPC app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Android and iPhone users can submit their passport information and customs declaration form to CBP via the app prior to arrival. The app does not require pre-approval and does not collect any new information from travellers. It also does not replace your passport. Users will still need to bring their passport and smartphone or tablet with their digital bar-coded receipt to a CBP officer.
To use the service, travellers will need to create a secure profile with their passport information, name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship. Upon arrival in the U.S., users will be prompted to select their arrival location, take a photo of themselves, and answer a series of required trip and customs declaration questions. By submitting these travel details through the app ahead of time, travellers can speed up their interaction with the CBP officer.
MPC is currently available at 33 U.S. airports, 9 preclearance locations, and 4 cruise ports around the country. The program has been well-received, with reports of reduced wait times in customs lines for eligible travellers.
Doha Airport: Accepted Currencies for Travelers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Customs wait times
To expedite the customs process, DFW International Airport offers a Global Entry Program that allows eligible travellers to bypass the regular passport control line. This program is designed for frequent international travellers and provides expedited processing upon arrival in the US. Participants can use automated kiosks in Terminal D to answer customs declaration questions, receive their ticket, and proceed directly to baggage claim. The Global Entry office is located on the lower level of Terminal D, in the hallway just south of the International Arrivals area.
Additionally, the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) application can streamline the customs process for eligible travellers, including US and Canadian citizens and lawful permanent residents. By downloading the MPC app on their smartphones or tablets, travellers can expedite their entry through dedicated lanes, significantly reducing their wait times.
To further reduce wait times, travellers are advised to have all the required documentation readily accessible, including their passport, visa (if applicable), and customs declaration form. It is also recommended to travel during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening, to avoid higher traffic periods.
DFW airport also employs a colour-coded wayfinding system to maximize traveller flow and reduce wait times. Travellers can determine their travel status by asking themselves a set of questions and following the corresponding colour-coded instructions to navigate through the customs process more efficiently.
Clear the CMA Exam with Confidence and Ease
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Customs location
When flying internationally, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has designed its customs areas to maximize traveler flow, reduce wait times, and efficiently direct passengers to their next destination.
The airport offers a color-coded wayfinding system to help passengers navigate their way through customs. In addition, the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) application is available for eligible travellers entering the US with a smartphone or tablet. This can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
For US citizens who are frequent international travellers, the Global Entry Program offers an even faster route through customs, bypassing the passport control line. Global Entry travellers proceed directly to automated kiosks in Terminal D, Lower Level, where they answer Customs declaration questions. They are then issued a ticket and directed to baggage claim. The Global Entry office is located in the hallway just south of the International Arrivals area, with a "Department of Homeland Security" seal on the door.
The CBP Cashiers Office can be found in Terminal D at D23, on the left of International Arrivals. It is open daily from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, handling items such as I-94 corrections, deferred inspection permits, and all customs documents.
Airports and COVID Tests: What's the Current Status?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
P.O. Box 619050 DFW Airport, TX 75261-9050 United States.
DFW airport offers a variety of transport options, including car, rail, and the Skylink, Terminal Link, or by foot. The airport also offers multiple security checkpoints in each terminal.
Eligible travellers can download the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app or sign up for the Global Entry Program.
The Global Entry Program allows frequent US citizen travellers to skip paper customs declaration forms and lines when re-entering the USA.
The airport is usually busier on the weekends, especially Sunday afternoons and evenings.
