Returning to US

download Mobile Passport.

After leaving the plane you will head to the immigration desks and show your passport of the officer. They will ask you a couple of questions about how long you have been away and the value of the stuff bringing into the USA. Your picture is taken, and you then head to the baggage hall to collect any checked items. That's it. The process is more or less than the same it been in years past.

Download the Mobile Passport app. (Check first to make sure your arrival airport is one that accepts Mobile Passport.)

If they do, set it up ahead of time, and use it prior to getting to immigration. It should make immigration an snap.

If you choosse to go the regular route, it's the same as it's always been.

Which airport? Some, like O’hare, are now using face scanners at passport control, which makes the process a lot faster. You don’t even have to show your passport anymore.

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/biometrics/environments/airports

There were no Customs procedures whatsoever in re-entering three weeks ago. Customs was not operating due to the government shutdown and their website stated it.

I recently came back from a trip to Paris. While I have Global Entry, my parents didn’t so we used the regular line. We handed over our passports, had our photos taken. The officer asked the following questions:

1. Where did you travel?
2. How many days?
3. Anything to declare?

Then he handed our passports back to us and we were done. Total interaction lasted maybe two minutes.

I just came back from Europe (Italy) October 15th - into Washington Dulles - and it was very smooth. No issues and the TSA agents were awesome. All working while not being paid. Some areas were a little understaffed but noting we didn't expect.

It'll vary by airport. Download the Mobile Passport Control app. If anything you'll end up in the MPC dedicated line by yourselves with no other users.

I arrived at IAD on October 15 at the mid-field arrival facilities. From entry to the line to finishing with CBP officer was all less than 5 minutes. The only question asked was, did I bring anything back? Yup told him what I brought back and his response was "great, welcome home" and sent on me way.

Thank you all. I’ll be entering through sfo. It sounds very reassuring.

Its been six weeks since I last entered so pre shutdown, but post other issues. It was a snap at Dulles. I smiled for the camera and thanked the CBP gentleman that waved me through.

I think its going smooth for most people because during the shutdown Port of Entry staffing are considered essential and Customs and Border Patrol officers at airports continue to work to process travelers and customs declarations.

Here is some good information on how to stay legal with them: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/know-you-go-traveling-abroad.

I recently came back from a trip to Paris. While I have Global Entry, my parents didn’t so we used the regular line. We handed over our passports, had our photos taken.

Mary, the same thing happened to me when I came back from Paris with my two grandkids. I have Global Entry, but they didn't, so I went ahead and used Mobile Passport (which I had on my phone already) for them.

I went through GE first, then came back and took them through using Mobile Passport. It was super easy and quick.

Customs was not operating due to the government shutdown and their website stated it.

Maybe the USDA as well? Time to head to Spain and bring that leg of Jamon Iberico de Bellota back!

Paul, I am picturing you walking past immigration control with an Ibérico ham over your shoulder. Right behind you if I thought you could.

The thing is, CBP officers are both immigration and customs and they're certainly not skipping over customs, especially if there are taxes and duties to be collected. If you are going through arrivals CBP is there and there is customs.

I re-entered at Dulles, mid-field, two weeks ago, around 9:30 pm, with mobil passport control submitted. I could not see any signs for those with mpc. When I asked a staffperson, I was directed to a shorter line than the general entry one, but the even the shorter line did not move as quickly as I expected from previous experience about a year ago.