Do You Have to Go through Customs on a Layover?

Got a flight with a layover coming up and wondering if you’ll hit customs during the stop? You’re not alone. My guide breaks down when you need to go through customs, how it works, and even clears up confusing terms like “customs vs. security.” Let’s make your layover less stressful.

Do You Have to Go through Customs on a Layover?

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Whether you go through customs during a layover depends on 2 things: 1️⃣ your final destination and 2️⃣ the country you’re laying over. In most cases, you only need to clear customs once in the last country. However, some countries (such as the United States or Canada) require you to go through customs at your first stop, even if you are transferring to another country.

For instance, if you fly from Tokyo to Brazil and make a stopover in Miami, you will clear customs in Miami (the first stop in the United States). But if you fly from Sydney to London and make a stopover in Dubai on the way, you can skip the customs in Dubai and clear customs directly in London (your last stop).

Customs Rules for layovers in Popular Countries (Canada, EU, etc.)

Here’s how customs works in common layover spots like Europe (London, Paris, etc.), US, Canada, Tokyo and so on:

How Long does it take to Go through Customs on a Layover?

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The waiting time at customs varies, but it is planned to be between 30 minutes and 2 hours. The following are the factors that affect it:

• Airport scale: Busy airport hubs often take longer. Smaller airports are faster.
• The time of day: Morning and evening rush hours (the time when most international flights land) mean having to wait in longer queues.
• Season: Holidays (such as summer or Christmas) are busier than off-peak hours.

What Happens during Customs for a Layover/Connecting Flight?

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Going through customs during a layover is similar to clearing customs at your final destination, just shorter (if you’re connecting). Here’s what to expect: First of all, you need to queue up with other passengers. Officers will check your passport, boarding pass and visa (if necessary) and ask some basic questions: "How long will you stay?" Or "What is the purpose of your trip?"

Then, you need to declare any items you are carrying (such as food, gifts or expensive items). If asked, you will pass your bag through the scanner. Once you pass the security check, you either have to go to the boarding gate (if you are staying at the airport) or leave the airport for the city center (if you are staying at the airport for a long time).

Do you have to collect your bag for a layover connecting flight?

It depends on whether your bags are “checked through” to your final destination.

• If checked through: Your luggage will go directly to the last city and does not need to be retrieved at a stopover. This situation is quite common if you are flying with the same airline or partner.
• If not checked through: You’ll need to pick up your bags during the layover, go through customs (if required), then re-check them for your next flight. This happens more often with separate tickets or non-partner airlines.

Pro tip: Ask the check-in agent at your first flight if bags are “interlined” to your final stop—this avoids surprises.

Layover vs. Stopover: What’s the Difference?

Layover and stopover are both breaks between flights, but their length will change the way you handle customs:

• Layover: Usually no more than 24 hours (some airlines say no more than 12 hours). Most people stay at the airport, so you only need to clear customs when required by the country (such as the United States).
• Stopover: More than 24 hours (sometimes more than 48 hours). Many travelers leave the airport to explore, which means you have to go through customs to leave and then pass through security checks (not customs) when you come back.

Do you go through customs before or after your flight?

You should go through customs after the plane lands, not before. The reasons are as follows: Customs will inspect the items you bring into a country, so they will only be inspected when you arrive.

• For international flights: You clear customs at the first point of entry into a country (for example, if flying from Atlanta to Chicago, the customs is in Atlanta).
• Domestic flights: No customs is required; only security checks are needed.

Is Customs the Same as Security?

No, customs and security checks are completely different - although they are both part of airport procedures.

• Security is all about safety. Before boarding any flight (domestic or international), you have to go through it. They check your bag for weapons, more than 3.4 ounces of liquid or other prohibited items. This is to ensure the safety of the aircraft.
• Customs is about what you’re bringing into a country. This happens when you arrive in a new country (or your final destination). They inspect restricted items such as fresh food, large amounts of cash or illegal items. This is to protect the country's laws, economy or environment.

Think this way: Safety ensures flight safety. The customs controls the borders of this country.

Visa Requirements for Customs during Layover

You might need a visa even if you don’t leave the airport. Here are key rules:

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