Preclearance is a little known program of the US Customs and Border Protection that allows for a streamlined process of entering the US. But how does it work? What are the pros and cons? Here’s all you need to know.
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I was recently booking a ticket for my teenage son to return from abroad to the US on his own over the summer. There were only a couple direct flights per week, but those didn’t work for him. So, I had to book him with some sort of layover. What did he ask of me? “Try not to book the layover in the US.” But why?
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When flying into the US, you go through Customs and Immigration at your first port of entry. What exactly does that mean? It means that regardless of where your final destination is, let’s say Newark, if you have a layover anywhere else in the US–Miami for example–then that’s where your passport is stamped and your luggage is subject to search.
So, imagine you get off an 11-hour flight with an hour and a half til your connection. You probably just want to stretch your legs and figure out how to get to the next gate. Maybe you even need to use the time to switch terminals.
But now, instead, you have to wait in line to get your passport stamped. Then go collect your luggage, clear customs, recheck your baggage, then probably go through security again. Hopefully you’ll make your connection! (And be able to catch your breath, if you’re lucky enough.)
However, if your layover is outside the US, then your final destination will be your port of entry and therefore you can do all that when you arrive. (Without the added pressure of having a flight to catch.)
So, that’s why my son didn’t want a US layover. But, there are 15 locations in 6 countries outside the US where passengers go through a similar process called “Preclearance”. So, my son didn’t want any of those cities for a layover either.
But, what exactly is “Preclearance”? What is the process? The pros and cons?
What is Preclearance?
United States Border Preclearance is a program that allows travelers to undergo immigration, customs, and agricultural inspections before departing from certain airports located outside the United States. These preclearance facilities are staffed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers who enforce U.S. immigration and customs laws.
Since you only need to go through the customs and immigration process once, the purpose of preclearance is to allow you to do so before arriving to the US. And, in fact, approximately one-sixth of all passengers arriving to the US every year do so via a preclearance location.
Since you’ve already undergone the screening prior to boarding the plane, upon arrival you can simply gather your bags and leave the airport.
Where are Preclearance facilities located?
There are currently Preclearance facilities at 15 airports in 6 countries.
- Canada
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- Halifax
- Montreal
- Ottawa
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Winnipeg
- Carribean
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Ireland
- Dublin
- Shannon
- United Arab Emirates
- Abu Dhabi
So, if you are starting your journey or transiting through one of these airports, then you will go through the preclearance process.
What is the Preclearance Process?
If you are departing to the US from an airport with preclearance, you should plan to arrive at the airport approximately 45 minutes earlier than you otherwise would. Although this will vary depending on the size of the airport and the number of passengers it generally processes. So check with the airport or airline for verification. Time of day (and therefore number of US bound flights/passengers) could effect the amount time needed. If you have Global Entry, things will go a bit faster.
You’ll arrive at the airport and check in as usual (baggage, boarding pass, etc.). Then you’ll proceed through the airport’s regular security checkpoint and passport control (for exiting the country). Remember that even though you’re going to be going through US customs and immigrations, this is not US security. So CLEAR and Precheck don’t expedite things here.
However, before getting to your gate you’ll arrive at US Customs. Make sure you have all your documentation ready (see below) and are prepared to answer some questions before your passport is stamped. Fingerprints and digital photographs are taken of most foreign nationals.
You’ll probably be shown pictures of your checked bags and asked if there’s anything to declare. Your bags might be pulled out for further inspection, although this is not likely. Some airports require you to actually collect your bags at this point and redeposit as you would at a first port of entry arrival in the US.
Also, remember that even though you still have the flight ahead of you, you’re officially going through US Customs which includes an agricultural inspection. So, if you have a turkey sandwich or a banana that you were planning to eat on the flight, you’re out of luck. You’ll have to consume or discard before going through preclearance. Otherwise you’re liable to a violation and fine.
When I took my 14 year-old for her Global Entry interview, she was subject to further questioning and warnings because of an “agricultural violation on her record” from a tomato in her backpack during a border crossing when she was barely 12 years old. They take these things very seriously.
Kosher Travel Tip: I know there’s no way you’re getting on any flight without a 3-day supply of food for your entire extended family. But, nonetheless, check the list of prohibited items and be sure to stick to it. Pay particular attention to the food, fish, and fruit sections. We once went to Mexico for the afternoon and planned to make a barbecue at the beach. So, we brought hot dogs, hamburgers, and a package of chicken with us. We didn’t end up cooking the chicken. On the way back into the US, the chicken–that had been purchased in the US–was confiscated as “prohibited”.
After clearing Immigration (passport) and Customs (baggage), you’ll most likely go through security again. This time it’s US security. So it will follow TSA protocols.
Necessary Documentation
Depending on the country of your citizenship, you may need more than just a passport. Actually, unless you’re a US citizen, you will need more than just your passport. Regardless of which of the below categories you fall into, you will need to fill out a customs declaration form. Also, be prepared. Know your address in the US, regardless if you are a visitor, resident, or citizen.
US Citizens
So if you are a US citizen, all you need is your passport. It’s important to remember if you are a US citizen with dual citizenship, you will need to have a valid US passport, regardless of where you other citizenship is held.
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Green Card Holders
If you are a Permanent US Resident– also known as a “Green Card” holder–make sure you have your Green Card. Make sure it is valid and you have the passport with which it was issued.
I had a friend who went to Israel years ago to escort his wife’s grandmother for burial. In the rush to the airport, and with all the other arrangements, he forgot his Green Card at home. He realized it before he returned, so he anticipated being detained. So, he was able to ask my husband ahead of time to meet him with it at the airport.
Visa Waiver Countries
There are currently about 40 countries whose citizens qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. However, just because you don’t need a visa, does not mean that you can just show up with nothing but your passport.
You must obtain a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). You must apply online at least 72 hours prior to departure. However, once you have received approval, your ESTA will be valid for multiple entries for 2 years or until your passport expires–whichever comes first. But, you can only stay in the US for a maximum of 90 days each visit. The application fee is currently $21 and the CBP estimates the application takes 23 minutes to complete.
All Other Countries
If you’re coming to the US as a citizen of a country that requires a visa, it goes without saying that you need to leave yourself ample time to apply for it. So, you’ll need your passport, visa, and any other supporting documentation. Other documentation might include your official invitation, proof of a return ticket, proof of where you are staying in the US, etc.
PROS of Preclearance
There are many advantages to the CBP Preclearance program. These include benefits for the airlines, airports, government, as well as for the travelers themselves.
Passengers
The clear advantage to passengers traveling to the US using the the preclearance process is that as soon as they land in the US there are no lines to wait in. You can gather your baggage, if you have any, and be on your way. So you will save considerable time at arrival.
If you have a connecting flight, then you can just walk over to your connecting gate (or take a break in a lounge). You don’t have to gather your luggage or wait in a passport line.
Another advantage is that you can fly into any airport without a consideration as to whether or not it has CBP facilities.
Furthermore, you can have connection times since it will be like any other domestic connection
Airlines
By completing the customs and immigration process before departure, airlines can fly beyond international airports and land outside CBP operation hours.
For example, I was once on an international flight that landed an hour early. However, we had to remain on the plane the entire time since Customs and Immigration wasn’t open yet!
Or, if there are multiple airports in a given region, an airline can reserve the more expensive landing slots at the large international airport for flights arriving from non-preclearance cities. And have their precleared flights land at the smaller, less expensive, airport since it is now like any other domestic flight.
A further advantage to the airlines is that they can now book direct flights to popular destinations that may not have an international airport. This opens up entirely new markets for the airlines.
Airports
Since there were nearly 80 million annual international arrivals in the US (prior to COVID), the airports benefit from being able to spread out those arrivals. Not all Los Angeles bound international passengers have to arrive at LAX or Ontario, for example. They can now arrive at Burbank or Long Beach.
The approximately 16% of all arriving passengers coming from a preclearance location accounts for about 13 million people!
Government
By having passengers go through the preclearance process, the government has the opportunity to screen passengers on their “home turf”–or at least before they enter the US. So, if any passengers have some sort of visa problem, or other reason that they would be denied entrance to the US, this can be handled abroad. Things become more complicated if such passengers have already set foot int he US.
Also, by having US customs officials working in foreign airports, this allows for greater daily collaboration between the two countries.
CONS of Preclearance
There can also be several disadvantages to the CBP Preclearance program.
Passengers
You will have to allow additional time if you are departing from a Preclearance location. Basically, however much time you would anticipate needing to clear customs and immigration upon arrival. Figure arriving at the airport about 45 minutes earlier than you otherwise would for an international flight.
Also, if you are transiting through a Preclearance location, you will need to ensure sufficient layover time. This is because this is now considered your “port of entry”, although in many cases you won’t have to gather your luggage. Be sure to check with your airline for your specific situation.
My husband has an upcoming flight returning to the US via a preclearance airport. He won’t have to gather his luggage. But, nonetheless, when he arrives back in the US he can go directly to baggage claim and out of the airport. But he does need to make sure he has enough time on the layover.
Another disadvantage has to do with lack of flexibility. Once you have gone through the customs and immigration process you are considered as if you are already in the US. Therefore, if your flight is cancelled or re-routed, you may have a problem. Any schedule change is subject to US Customs and Immigration regulations.
Airlines and Airports
Operating Preclearance facilities, while allowing for a more streamlined experience for passengers, does come at a cost. Facilities and staffing costs are carried by the airlines and airports.
Furthermore, all scheduling of US bound flights have to coordinate and consider the local CBP staffing. So scheduling and operational efficiency can be effected.
Government
The issues faced by CBP are similar to those faced by the airlines and airports. CBP must allocate sufficient resources, including personnel, infrastructure, and technology, to effectively manage and operate preclearance facilities, which can be logistically complex. And effective coordination between CBP, airport authorities, and other relevant agencies is crucial for the smooth functioning of preclearance programs, requiring ongoing collaboration and communication.
What Would I Recommend?
Depending on the situation, what I would or would not recommend could be completely irrelevant. For example, if you live in [or are visiting] Toronto and want to fly to Dallas, then you have no choice. You’ll have to go through the Preclearance process. And if you’re flying from Tel Aviv to New York, then you don’t have the option.
However, what about when there is some sort of option? As mentioned, my husband and son both have upcoming flights to the US necessitating some sort of layover. My son did not have a preclearance location as an option, but my husband did.
I think my last choice would be a layover in a US city. Like my son said, I really would rather not handle my luggage and use my layover to wait in line. There could be some exceptions, though. Last year I was flying into the US on a Friday with a few of my kids. We had two options that would have landed at Newark at about the same time. However, one of those had a layover in Miami and the other had a layover outside the US. We opted for the Miami layover. We were able to clear customs and my kids were able to do their Global Entry interviews. This way, when we landed in Newark we could just head out and start getting ready for Shabbos. Probably saved at least an hour or two on Erev Shabbos.
My next choice would be to just deal with everything when I get to my destination. Unless it’s going to be a long layover anyway and when I get where I’m going I want to just be done. Just remember: if you’re able to get Global Entry, there really isn’t a line anyway.
But, if I do have a layover in a Preclearance location I don’t think it would be the end of the world. Why? I would double check that the way the ticket is booked means that I don’t have to gather my baggage in order to clear customs. Assuming that’s the case, I think it would be easier to just have my passport already processed before I get to my US destination. No shlepping involved. And, with Global Entry, this might really be quite quick.
Overall, preclearance programs offer significant advantages in terms of time savings, enhanced security, and seamless connections for passengers, airlines, and CBP. While there may be some challenges and considerations, the benefits of streamlined entry procedures and improved safety measures often outweigh the potential drawbacks.
Overall, the advantages of streamlined connections, time savings, reduced stress, and enhanced security of Preclearance often outweigh the potential disadvantages of longer layovers, limited availability, additional security screening, and reduced flexibility.
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