When I leave Zurich tomorrow , headed to Philadelphia, will I be going through Customs here in Zurich or in Philly ? And do I really need three full hours ahead of my departure?
Judy
Posted by
Green Bay
21150 posts
You go through Schengen exit process (passport exit stamp, assuming it is a direct flight to Philadelphia), then you go through USA immigration in Philadelphia, then USA customs after you get your luggage in Philadelphia.
There will be secondary security at the gate in Zurich, which is usually by random selection. So you should be at the gate 1 hour before the flight scheduled departure. 3 hours might be a bit much, but you should go as your airline recommends.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
Depending on time of day, Zurich airport check-in lines can be very long. If you do not do an advanced check-in you need to first go to the self-service check-in kiosk. Then you have to get through security and passport control. A lot of lines and the lines could be long if you arrive at peak travel.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Do you really mean customs (checks on goods), or immigration (checks on people, aka passport control)?
There is no customs checks exiting Switzerland (or any other European country). They don't care what you are taking out of the country. US customs will check your bags when you land.
There will be a passport check at Zürich, that is where you are leaving the Schengen Area. If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen your passport will be stamped. When you land in the USA there will be a passport check (immigration) for entering the USA.
Check-in 2-3 hours ahead is normal for intercontinental flights, but it varies with airlines. What does it say on your airlines website?