Lois Larson
When arriving at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on an international flight, you will first pass through immigration and customs. Terminal A-West is the designated terminal for most international flights arriving at PHL. It is recommended to have your passport and customs declaration form ready as soon as you exit the plane. The Mobile Passport app can also be used by eligible travellers to submit their passport information and answer CBP inspection-related questions prior to a CBP inspection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) |
| Terminal for international arrivals | Terminal A-West |
| Time taken to get through customs | 30 minutes to an hour |
| Customs procedure | Present your passport and answer questions from a customs officer |
| Customs Declaration Form | Can be filled out on the plane or in the immigration area |
| Mobile Passport app | Allows eligible travelers to skip the regular customs line |
| Global Entry | Available for faster processing |
| Address | 200 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 United States |
| Phone number | +1 215-717-5800 |
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What You'll Learn
Customs at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
When you arrive at PHL on an international flight, you'll first pass through immigration and customs. Terminal A-West is the designated terminal for most international flights arriving at PHL. It's essential to have your passport and Customs Declaration Form ready as soon as you exit the plane. Some flights will distribute these forms, but if not, you can fill one out in the immigration area.
As you exit your flight, you'll be guided to the immigration area, where you'll present your passport and answer routine questions from a customs officer. These questions are standard and typically take a minute or two. If you're a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, having Global Entry will expedite the process.
Regarding food items, processed and packaged foods like chocolate or coffee are usually allowed, but fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats are prohibited. Be sure to declare any food items you're bringing into the country.
If you're connecting to another flight, follow the signs for re-checking your baggage after clearing customs, as you'll need to pass through security again before heading to your next gate. On average, expect to spend 30 minutes to an hour getting through customs, depending on the number of arriving flights and the time of day.
To make your customs experience smoother, consider downloading the Mobile Passport app before your trip. Eligible travellers can submit their passport information and answer CBP inspection-related questions beforehand, eliminating the need for a paper Customs Declaration form and reducing processing time.
With a little preparation and knowledge of what to expect, you can navigate customs at Philadelphia International Airport efficiently and stress-free.
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Terminal A-West for international arrivals
Terminal A-West is the designated terminal for most international flights arriving at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). It is the main international terminal for airlines such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa, but it also operates some domestic flights.
When you arrive at Terminal A-West on an international flight, you will first pass through immigration and customs. It is important to have your passport and Customs Declaration Form ready as soon as you exit the plane. Some flights will distribute these forms, but if not, you can fill one out in the immigration area. After exiting your flight, you will be guided to the immigration area, where you will present your passport and answer standard questions from a customs officer.
Terminal A-West has 13 gates, numbered A14 to A26, situated on level 2. The international arrivals area (level 3) and baggage claim (level 1) are shared with Terminal A-East. Terminal A-West has two security checkpoints, one at each end of the ticketing area on level 2, and offers a variety of shops and restaurants.
If you are connecting to another flight, follow the signs for re-checking your baggage after clearing customs, as you will need to pass through security again before heading to your next gate. The time taken to get through customs can vary based on the number of arriving flights and the time of day, but on average, you can expect to spend 30 minutes to an hour in the process.
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Customs wait times
The customs wait times at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) can vary depending on factors such as the number of arriving flights, time of day, season, and day of the week. On average, passengers can expect to spend around 30 minutes to an hour clearing customs. However, some travellers have reported wait times of up to 90 minutes.
To expedite the customs process, Philadelphia International Airport offers Global Entry kiosks for international travellers and a Mobile Passport line, which is typically shorter than the regular customs line. Additionally, the airport has Automated Passport Control, allowing passengers to use a kiosk to answer questions instead of filling out a customs form.
It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport well before their planned flight departure time to account for potential delays. They can also check the official airport website for real-time security wait times and use third-party services to estimate wait times based on historical flight records, staffing timetables, and crowd levels.
When arriving on an international flight at Philadelphia International Airport, passengers will first pass through immigration and customs in Terminal A-West, the designated terminal for most international arrivals. It is important to have your passport and Customs Declaration Form ready, which can be obtained on the plane or in the immigration area. After clearing customs, passengers can proceed to ground transportation options, including taxis, rideshares, or public transit.
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Mobile Passport app
When arriving at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on an international flight, you will first pass through immigration and customs in Terminal A-West, which is the designated terminal for most international flights. You can make this process smoother by downloading the Mobile Passport app before your trip.
The Mobile Passport app is available for free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. It is a great alternative to the Automated Passport Control kiosks already available at the airport. The app is eligible for use by US citizens and Canadian visitors with a smartphone or tablet.
To use the Mobile Passport app, you must first create a profile with your passport information. Once you arrive in the United States, you will need to complete the "New Trip" section by selecting your arrival airport and airline and taking a self-photo. You will then submit your responses to inspection-related questions through the app and receive an electronic receipt with an Encrypted Quick Response (QR) code. Finally, bring your passport and smartphone or tablet with your digital bar-coded receipt to a CBP officer.
The Mobile Passport app allows you to skip the regular customs line and go through a separate Mobile Passport line, which is typically shorter. This will save you time and make your entry process quicker and easier.
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Customs Declaration Form
When travelling to the United States, all visitors and US citizens must complete a Customs Declaration Form. This form is used to collect basic information about who you are and what you are bringing into the country. The CBP Declaration Form 6059B is the standard customs form for travellers arriving at Philadelphia International Airport. This form can be completed by a single individual or a family group. It is important to note that some travellers, such as refugees or individuals with parole documents, may need to fill out additional forms, such as the CBP Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
The Customs Declaration Form can usually be obtained and filled out on the plane before landing at Philadelphia International Airport. However, if the form is not provided on the flight, it can be completed in the immigration area of the airport. It is recommended to have the form ready before exiting the plane, along with your passport, to expedite the customs process.
The CBP Declaration Form 6059B covers a range of information, including personal details and the declaration of certain items being brought into the country. This includes agricultural and wildlife products, such as processed and packaged foods, fresh produce, and any visits to farms prior to travelling to the United States. It is important to declare any food items to avoid potential issues at customs.
When filling out the form, travellers should provide detailed and specific information about the items they are bringing into the country. This level of detail is particularly important when sending packages through the mail to countries that follow European Union (EU) customs rules. In these cases, a general category, such as "electronics," is not sufficient. Instead, a specific description, such as "computer" or "mobile phone," is required to determine the appropriate HS (Harmonized System) Tariff Code.
Completing the Customs Declaration Form accurately and honestly is essential for a smooth customs experience at Philadelphia International Airport. Travellers should feel free to ask CBP officers for assistance if they have any questions or concerns about the form or the customs process. Additionally, programs like Global Entry or Mobile Passport can help expedite the process for eligible travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
Customs at Philadelphia Airport is located in Terminal A-West, the designated terminal for most international flights.
The time taken to get through customs varies based on the number of arriving flights and the time of day. On average, you can expect to spend 30 minutes to an hour getting through customs.
You will need your passport and a Customs Declaration Form, which you should have ready as soon as you exit the plane. Some flights will hand out these forms, but if not, you can fill one out in the immigration area.
Yes, Philadelphia International Airport offers Global Entry kiosks for travellers arriving from international destinations. Download the Mobile Passport app before your trip to submit your passport information and answer CBP inspection-related questions before your inspection.
