Every international traveller arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) must clear two U.S. federal checkpoints before leaving the terminal: passport control (immigration) and customs. Both are run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This guide explains exactly what happens after you land at JFK, which terminals handle international arrivals, how to speed up the process with Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control, and what you may and may not bring into the United States.
The order of events when you land at JFK
Arriving passengers on international flights always follow the same sequence:
- Passport control / immigration — a CBP officer verifies your identity and right to enter the U.S.
- Baggage claim — collect any checked bags before customs.
- Customs — you declare goods and may have bags inspected.
- Re-check bags (connecting passengers only) — hand luggage back to your airline for the onward flight.
Only after clearing all of this do you reach the arrivals hall. Budget generous time if you have a connecting domestic flight — see our note on layovers below.
Passport control: what CBP checks
At passport control you will be directed to one of several lanes depending on your status:
- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents — bring your U.S. passport or green card.
- Visa Waiver Program travellers (most EU, UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia and others) — you need an approved ESTA before you fly.
- Visa holders — carry your passport with the valid U.S. visa.
The officer may ask the purpose of your trip, how long you are staying and where. Most travellers also have a photo and fingerprints taken. Have your address in the U.S. ready.
Which JFK terminals handle international arrivals
JFK is a multi-terminal airport and CBP passport control is located inside each international arrivals terminal:
| Terminal | International arrivals | Main carriers |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Yes (being phased into the New Terminal One) | Air France, Lufthansa group and others |
| Terminal 4 | Yes — JFK's largest international hall | Delta and many foreign airlines |
| Terminal 5 | Yes | JetBlue (incl. international) |
| Terminal 7 | Closed for redevelopment as part of the New Terminal One | — |
| Terminal 8 | Yes | American Airlines and Oneworld partners (incl. British Airways) |
The huge New Terminal One is opening in phases from 2026 and will eventually consolidate several international operations under one roof with modern, high-capacity CBP processing.
How to clear passport control faster
Long immigration queues are the single most common complaint at JFK. Several free or low-cost programmes can cut your wait dramatically:
Global Entry
Global Entry is CBP's trusted-traveller programme. Members skip the regular line and use dedicated kiosks (or a face-scan lane), typically clearing in a couple of minutes. It costs $120 for five years, requires an online application and an in-person interview, and includes TSA PreCheck for domestic departures. Best for anyone who flies internationally more than once or twice a year.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC)
MPC is a free CBP app for U.S. citizens and eligible Canadian and returning visitors. You submit your passport details and customs declaration from your phone on arrival and use a dedicated MPC lane — no enrolment, no interview and no fee. It is available at JFK (including Terminal 4) and is the easiest quick win if you don't have Global Entry.
Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP)
At the New Terminal One, CBP is rolling out Enhanced Passenger Processing, which matches eligible U.S. citizens' live photo against their passport image with no app, no fee and no enrolment — a fast, walk-through style of entry.
Customs: what you can and cannot bring
After collecting your bags you pass through customs. Key rules:
- Duty-free personal exemption: returning U.S. residents can generally bring back up to $800 in goods duty-free; higher-value items may be taxed.
- Cash: you must declare amounts over $10,000 (this is not illegal, but failing to declare can mean seizure).
- Food, plants and agricultural products must be declared — many fresh items are restricted to protect U.S. agriculture.
- Alcohol and tobacco are limited; amounts above the personal allowance are dutiable.
- Counterfeit goods, certain medications and protected wildlife products are prohibited.
Many travellers now make a paperless declaration (via MPC or verbally), but always declare honestly — penalties for false declarations are steep.
Typical wait times and tips
- Peak arrival banks (late afternoon/evening) see the longest immigration lines; a wide-body arrival wave can mean 45–90 minutes in the regular lane.
- Global Entry, MPC and EPP users routinely clear in under 15 minutes.
- Have your passport, ESTA/visa and U.S. address ready before you reach the officer.
- Keep families together — children are usually processed with a parent.
Connecting to a domestic flight after JFK
If JFK is not your final destination, remember you must clear immigration and customs, then re-check your bags and often change terminals via the AirTrain. Allow a comfortable connection — see our guide to a layover at JFK and, if you're heading into the city instead, compare your options and prices in our JFK transfer cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I fill in a paper customs form at JFK?
Increasingly no. Many arrivals declare electronically through Mobile Passport Control or verbally to the officer. If a paper form is required, it will be provided on board or at the terminal.
Is Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control better at JFK?
Global Entry is fastest and adds TSA PreCheck, but costs $120 and needs an interview. MPC is free and instant to set up, making it ideal for occasional travellers or first-time visitors who are eligible.
How early should I plan for immigration on a tight connection?
Give yourself at least 2–3 hours between an international arrival and a domestic connection at JFK, more during peak evening banks.
What do I need to enter the U.S. as a tourist?
A valid passport plus either an approved ESTA (Visa Waiver Program countries) or a U.S. visa. Check requirements before you travel — you can be denied boarding without them.
This is an independent traveller's guide. Entry rules and fees are set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and can change; confirm current details with CBP before you fly. See also our guides to JFK security, REAL ID and JFK arrivals.
