Jazmin Li
Customs at JFK International Airport in New York City is handled by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency. In January 2025, CBP and Worldwide Flight Services unveiled a new cargo station at JFK Airport, which will serve as a critical checkpoint for cargo entering the country. Arriving passengers at JFK will go through immigration and customs in Terminal 4, where there are different queues for US citizens, foreign passport holders, Global Entry members, diplomats, and Mobile Passport app users.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York |
| Address | JFK International Airport Jamaica, NY 11430 |
| Phone Number | (718) 553-1643 |
| Fax | (718) 553-0073 |
| [email protected] | |
| Cargo Center | ProLogis-JFK Cargo Center 77 |
| Biometrics Technology | Available |
| Inspection | The JFK CES will streamline inspection processes and address challenges related to counterfeit goods and narcotics trafficking. |
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What You'll Learn
Customs at JFK Terminal 4
When arriving at JFK Terminal 4, you can save time by using Reserve, powered by CLEAR. This service allows you to book ahead and secure your spot, making your journey more predictable and stress-free. Additionally, you can sign up for Mobile Passport, which streamlines the entry process for US citizens and Canadian visitors.
For international arrivals, your entry processing at Customs Global Entry kiosks will be paper-free. Remember to have your host's full street address readily available (not packed in your suitcase) to complete the immigration paperwork. If you have any baggage-related queries, you should direct them to your airline.
Finally, if you need to connect to another terminal at JFK, you can use the AirTrain for a seamless transfer.
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Customs card and baggage claim
The customs process at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City involves several steps, including completing customs forms, collecting baggage, and undergoing inspections. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the customs card and baggage claim process at JFK Airport:
Customs Card
When arriving at JFK Airport, passengers will need to go through immigration and customs clearance. The process may vary depending on your citizenship status and the technology you use. U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors can expedite their entry by downloading the CBP Mobile Passport Control app, which stores passport information and eliminates the need for paperwork and long lines. Foreign passport holders without the app will need to line up and use a machine that takes their photo and asks questions similar to those on a customs card.
Baggage Claim
After completing immigration procedures, you will proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your checked luggage. Even if you have a connecting domestic flight, it is essential to claim your baggage at this point. The baggage claim process at JFK involves following signs to the designated baggage carousel, where you can retrieve your bags. It is important to address any baggage-related issues or inquiries directly to your airline.
Exit and Transportation
Upon exiting the customs area, you will join a small queue and either scan your phone or hand your customs card to the customs agent. In some cases, they may simply observe or randomly select individuals for baggage inspections. After clearing customs, you will have access to various transportation options, including licensed yellow taxis, ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber, and public transportation via the AirTrain and subway system.
It is important to be cautious when approached by people offering rides and to use only licensed transportation services. Additionally, if you plan to use ride-sharing apps, it is recommended to reconfirm the license plate and your information with the driver. For those renting a car, you can take the AirTrain to the Federal Circle stop and proceed to the rental car offices. Having a downloaded offline map can be helpful for navigation after leaving the rental car agency.
In summary, the customs card and baggage claim process at JFK Airport involves completing immigration procedures, collecting baggage, clearing customs, and utilizing the available transportation options. By following the provided instructions and staying vigilant, passengers can efficiently navigate the airport and continue their journey.
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Taxi, Lyft, or Uber from JFK
When taking a taxi, Lyft, or Uber from JFK, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, navigating your way out of the airport can be a bit confusing, so it's important to follow the signs carefully. After baggage claim, follow the signs to the AirTrain, which will take you out of the terminal area. There are three different AirTrains: Howard Beach, Jamaica, and one that circles the terminals. Make sure you board the correct one, and be prepared to pay when you exit the AirTrain.
Once you've exited the terminal, you'll find the official taxi line at street level. It's important to only take licensed yellow taxis and to ignore people offering rides, even if they appear official. If you prefer to use a ride-sharing service like Lyft or Uber, you can use your app to hail a ride and follow the directions to the designated pickup areas. These areas are usually away from where the taxis queue and can be a bit chaotic, so make sure to reconfirm the license plate and your name with the driver.
The cost of your ride will depend on various factors, including distance and traffic. Taxis charge a flat rate from JFK to Manhattan, while ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber do not. However, due to surge pricing, the pricing between Lyft and Uber can vary, and there may not be a significant difference in cost between the two. As a general rule, taxis are often cheaper in slow traffic, while Uber is cheaper in most other cases.
It's worth noting that ride-sharing apps used to be cheaper, but now taxis offer competitive rates. Additionally, the subway is currently the most affordable way to travel into Brooklyn or Manhattan, but it requires taking a train out of the terminal area first. If you're renting a car, you can get off the AirTrain at the Federal Circle stop and head to the rental car offices.
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AirTrain to subway or LIRR
To get to the subway or LIRR from JFK, you'll first need to take the AirTrain. The AirTrain connects to the subway and LIRR at Jamaica Station. The AirTrain runs every 7 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours, so you shouldn't have to wait long for a train.
There are three different AirTrain routes: Howard Beach, Jamaica, and a route that circles the terminals. To get to the subway or LIRR, you'll need to take the Jamaica route. The Howard Beach route will also take you to the subway, but it's a longer ride and there are no restrooms on board.
The AirTrain fare is $8.25, and you'll need to pay this when you exit. You can pay with a MetroCard, which you can buy before exiting the AirTrain at Jamaica Station. You can load money onto the MetroCard and use it on the subway as well.
Once you arrive at Jamaica Station, you can transfer to the LIRR or the subway. The LIRR is a good option if you're travelling with a lot of luggage, as it has more space for bags. It's also faster than the subway, but it is more expensive. The subway is the most affordable way to get to Brooklyn or Manhattan.
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JFK CES cargo inspection
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) have introduced a new cargo station at JFK Airport in New York, called the Centralized Examination Station (CES). The CES facility will be located within Building 151 at JFK, occupying more than 100,000 sqft of warehousing, office accommodation, and support facilities.
The CES will be the first Air CES to contain all segments of CBP inspections and will be the first on-airport examination facility at JFK, processing import, export, and USDA goods. All shipments requiring inspection will need to be transported to the CES from their respective airline facilities. The CES will benefit from its key location close to the ramp, providing fast airside access from any airside location within the airport boundary.
The introduction of the CES is expected to streamline inspection processes and address challenges related to counterfeit goods and narcotics trafficking. The CBP aims to ensure compliance while facilitating the flow of legitimate goods through JFK, a vital checkpoint for cargo entering the United States.
The CES will bring significant efficiencies to CBP officers' work. They will no longer need to travel to various cargo locations within the airport to complete inspections. In addition, the JFK operation will be supported by custom software, making it the first paperless CES and supporting WFS's commitment to air cargo digitisation.
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Frequently asked questions
Customs and Border Protection is located in Terminal 5 (JetBlue) at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York.
The contact number for Passenger Operations is (718) 553-1643.
After baggage claim, follow the signs to the immigration hall in Terminal 4. Join the appropriate queue and proceed to the Customs Global Entry kiosks. After immigration, collect your bags and join a small queue to exit the Customs area.
Customs and Border Protection introduced a new cargo station at JFK Airport in January 2025. The JFK CES will serve as a vital checkpoint for cargo entering the country, bolstering security within the cargo supply chain.
