I’ll be returning to CA after 34 days in Europe. I’ll be departing from cdg. What’s the re-entry process like for citizens these days? Recommendations for how to make it a smooth process? Thanks.
Posted by
Freedonia
19647 posts
If you have Global Entry, it's almost just a walk through.
If you don't, I suggest you download the Mobile Passport Control app, learn to use it and set it up prior to your return. It will make immigration much easier and quicker. There is a separate line. (Not all airports have it so check to see if your arriving airport does.)
Other than that, it's basically the same as before.
One note...if you are returning between Nov 3 and Dec 18, you will have to fill out a health form--on paper or digitally-basically stating you don't have Ebola. It will probably be part of the check in process.
Posted by
Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden 🇸🇪
2234 posts
SFO does use Mobile Passport Control, agree it's best to download & set it up the app prior to your return. When you land you will need to add a bit of info, don't recall exactly but I think it's just that you've arrived. It will make immigration much easier and quicker. Just follow the signs.
I have been asked the past few visits (starting in May) to declare I've not been to that part of Africa when departing CPH, you may well be asked at the gate at CDG.
Posted by
Chicago
4657 posts
With the new face scanners at the US international airports, there is no need to pay for global entry or bother with the mobile passport control app.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
3403 posts
Agree with Carrie.
I renewed my GE on the way out of the country last month, and basically walked through with everybody else (not a GE line) on arrival. We didn't even have to take out our passports.
Posted by
Freedonia
19647 posts
Not all airports have walk through scanners for everyone.
Posted by
Land of La
10391 posts
As noted if you have Global Entry you deplane and at LAX follow signage to the Entry area for returning citizens. There are cameras to scan passports and faces. In 2024 I just placed passport on machine and walked away. Passed a guy in uniform holding an iPad saying “ welcome back Claudia.” Big Brother exists!
Posted by
San Francisco
16309 posts
Flew back twice to SFO this summer from CDG, on 30 July and Sept 16. Both times the flight on United was on time. arriving prior to 11 AM. Re-entry both times was a breeze, straight-forward and simple.
I don't have either Global Entry, not interested in that , or the apps , and waited a short time in the US citizens ' line, hardly even noticed it.
Since I'm not connecting, I was not in any hurry anyway. SFO is the terminus for me.
Posted by
OP
42 posts
Thanks everyone for your responses. Very helpful.
What about customs? Is that still a thing?
Posted by
Land of La
10391 posts
OP are you bringing back food or alcohol or an outlandish amount of currency back from your stay. If the answer is no then you’ll not need to deal with customs.