What To Expect from U.S. Customs During International Travel

Besides packing, booking, and double-checking, it’s important to familiarize yourself with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before setting off for the Sunshine State. With millions of travelers entering the United States each week, CBP helps ensure the safety of both American residents and international visitors. By understanding what you can and can’t bring, along with what to expect during inspection, you’ll help make your arrival smoother and stress-free.

Before You Board

First things first: make sure you have the documents required for your trip. All travelers—other than U.S. citizens—must present a valid passport when entering the United States.

Whether you need an ESTA or a visa depends on your nationality and purpose of travel:

If you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, you must obtain approved ESTA travel authorization before boarding your flight. ESTA is an automated system used to determine eligibility for VWP travel.
If you are traveling with a U.S. visa (for example, a B1/B2 tourist visa, F-1 student visa, J-1 exchange visa, etc.), you do not need ESTA.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents do not use ESTA.

While you don’t need to print your ESTA approval—airlines and CBP verify it electronically—it’s smart to keep a screenshot or confirmation email.

Before you finish packing, check CBP’s updated list of prohibited and restricted items. Certain foods, plants, animal products, and medications cannot enter the country, and restrictions can change.

In Flight

Depending on the airline and airport, you may be given a CBP Declaration Form 6059B during your flight. Many travelers no longer receive this paper form because U.S. airports increasingly use Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks or the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app instead.

If you do receive the form, only one per family is required. This declaration covers goods or gifts you’re bringing into the country, along with any agricultural items you’ve handled.

It’s also helpful to know that most air and sea travelers no longer complete paper Forms I-94 or I-94W. CBP now creates an electronic I-94 arrival record, which you can access online after arrival.

At U.S. Customs

After landing, you’ll proceed to the arrivals hall and collect your checked luggage before heading to the customs inspection area.

Most airports divide lines by traveler type:

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents
Foreign visitors
Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control users, where available

Have your passport and, if you filled one out, your declaration form ready. If you used a kiosk or MPC, follow the signs for your designated lane.

During inspection, a CBP officer will typically review your passport, ask basic questions about your stay, take a photograph, and take digital fingerprints if you are a foreign visitor. (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and most Canadians are exempt from fingerprinting.)

Once your documents are reviewed and your goods are cleared, you’ll hand your declaration (if applicable) to an officer as you exit. A CBP agricultural officer may inspect your luggage, especially if you are arriving from a region with agricultural or biosecurity concerns—this is routine and nothing to worry about.

After that, congratulations—you’ve officially entered the United States!

Helpful Extras

Cash is not typically needed for customs or immigration processing. CBP does not collect visa fees, ESTA fees, or other payments at the airport.

If you plan to use credit or debit cards while traveling, notify your bank beforehand so your cards don’t trigger fraud alerts once abroad.

Be honest and accurate when declaring goods. Undeclared items—even seemingly harmless foods—can be confiscated, and penalties may apply.

The Bottom Line

From required documents and declarations to routine inspection procedures, a little preparation goes a long way. By understanding what to expect, you can navigate customs confidently and start enjoying Florida’s crystal-clear waters and world-famous attractions as soon as you land.