Layover and immigration

Hi we will be traveling from Mexico city to Dubai with a layover of 5 hours at JFK , we have a valid US visa , and we want to meet our friends from NY at the Airport . Do we have to clear the immigration process and take the baggage and again go through the same for our connecting flight for Dubai ?

Best Answer

In the US, contrary to most countries, there is no sterile international transit: anyone coming from abroad will have to go through immigration (passport control), reclaim bags, and go through customs.

You will then have a desk to drop your luggage just after customs (no need to go to the check-in desk).

After that, you’re in US territory and can do whatever you like before going to your departure terminal, through security and to your gate (just budget enough time for that).

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Layover and immigration - Old museum facade against sculptures on lawn in city

Layover and immigration - From above closeup of Israeli and American flags on toothpicks and different nominal pars of dollar banknotes on white background

Layover and immigration - Full body of cute ethnic little preschool boy in dirty clothes looking at camera in poor village

Do I need to go through immigration for a connecting flight?

A port-of-entry is the first airport you land at in the US Even if you have a connecting flight, you need to go through the immigration procedure, pick up your luggage, re-check it and get on the next flight.

Where does immigration happen for connecting flights?

At the Gateway Point you will arrive at domestic terminal and you may proceed to the international terminal/departure lounge to complete Immigration and Customs Check formalities. Your Baggage would be directly transferred to the International Flight.

Do I need to go through immigration for a connecting flight in USA?

Yes. There is no transit at US airports and you will need to clear both Immigration and Customs at your first point of entry into the US regardless. You will need either an ESTA or a Visa. If you are unable to get either one, suggest you find an alternate route that avoids the US.

Does a layover count as entering a country?

\u201cA visit only counts if you leave the airport\u2026or sleep in the airport overnight\u201d \u201cIt counts if you eat there, preferably something local\u201d \u201cIt counts if you go outside and step on the ground\u201d

LAYOVER AND BOARDING AT MUNICH AIRPORT (MUC) TERMINAL 2 AND SATELLITE

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