Welcome to Seattle, Washington!
We hope you enjoyed the view on your way into the Pacific Northwest! Now that you've landed, here are the three steps that internationally arriving passengers need to know to clear customs at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)!
Passengers are required to go through Passport Control by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at their first point of entry into the United States. At SEA, we use the International Arrivals Facility (IAF). If you’re flying in to SEA from a PreClearance Airport, you will go through U.S. Passport Control at the origin airport instead of the IAF.
Step 1: Bags First
At SEA, when you arrive from an international flight, you must claim your checked bags before you go through passport control, even if you’re connecting! As you enter, double check the overhead signage to see your assigned baggage claim for your flight. When you get to the lower floor, find your assigned baggage claim with your arriving flight information. Over and odd size luggage can be claimed nearby. Luggage carts are also available free of charge. Other amenities like water refill stations, airline customer service desks, and adult changing tables can be found near the baggage claim restrooms downstairs. Any luggage assistance needs to be coordinated with your airline. If you’re traveling with pets in the aircraft’s cargo hold, they can be collected outside of the IAF exit.
Step 2: Passport Control
Passport Control is available by different citizenship types, trusted traveler programs, or visas. Each screening type has a dedicated lane for passport control, pick the best option that fits for you, including Global Entry, Mobile Passport Control, Accessibility, U.S. Citizens, and non-U.S. Citizens. Overhead signs are there to help you find the correct lane based on your entry status. Interpretation services are also available at the passport control booths.
Step 3: Option to Connect or Exit to Seattle
If you are connecting to another flight after Passport Control, head to the walkway on the right. Airline customer service counters are available with staff for baggage recheck and to assist with any ticketing needs. Proceed to the TSA checkpoint to continue your journey through the terminal and to your next gate, dining, retail and more!
If Seattle is your destination, head to the left after Passport Control and take the ramp down welcoming you to the Pacific Northwest. From there, you’ll enter into the main terminal where you can meet friends and family, head to the parking garage, Link light rail, shuttles or other ground transportation options.
PreClearance
There are 6 countries that do PreClearance: Dublin and Shannon in Ireland; Aruba; Bermuda; Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Nassau in the Bahamas; and Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, and Winnipeg in Canada. Below are the 15 Preclearance sites worldwide:
Canada
- Calgary Preclearance - Calgary International Airport
- Edmonton Preclearance - Edmonton International Airport
- Halifax Preclearance - Robert L. Stanfield International
- Montreal Preclearance - Montreal Trudeau International Airport
- Ottawa Preclearance - Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport
- Vancouver Preclearance - Vancouver International Airport International Terminal - Level 3
- Winnipeg Preclearance - Winnipeg International Airport
Caribbean
- Bahamas - Nassau Preclearance - Lynden Pindling International Airport
- Bermuda Preclearance - L.F. Wade International Airport
- Aruba Preclearance - Queen Beatrix International Airport
Ireland
- Dublin Preclearance - Dublin Airport
- Shannon Preclearance - Shannon Airport
United Arab Emirates
- Abu Dhabi Preclearance - Abu Dhabi International Airport
Processing Time and Areas
Processing can take 60 minutes or longer during peak periods, such as holidays and the summer travel season, when multiple international flights arrive daily, typically between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific time. When scheduling connections from an international flight we recommend that you schedule at least three hours between arriving and your next flight to have enough time for processing and to prevent missed connections for your next boarding times. The processing areas are:
- U.S. Citizens
- U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents
- Canadian Citizen
- Mobile Passport Control, a free program for U.S. and Canadian Citizens
- Flight Crew
- ESTA – First time to the USA or traveling on a new passport
- ESTA – Returning or have traveled to the USA before (B1 Travel/B2 Business Visas)
- Visitors traveling on a VISA
- U.S. Military (for Military personnel traveling with a Military ID on Orders only)
- International Trusted Traveler Programs like Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI members
- Wheelchair Assistance/Accessible (for all disabilities)
Global Entry
If you have Global Entry membership, you can claim your luggage at your assigned baggage claim then use the kiosks on the International Arrivals Facility's Baggage Claim level near Baggage Claim 18. Once completed there is no receipt needed and go to the dedicated Global Entry booths in passport control.
- If you have any questions regarding the process or requirements, contact CBP at (206) 214-2200.
Facial Recognition: Declaration Forms
CBP has utilized facial recognition technology to confirm the identity and expedite the passport control process. Facial recognition processing is voluntary for almost all SEA travelers, with the option to opt out for U.S. Citizens.
- If you are an arriving international passenger from the United States, you can also opt out; tell the CBP agent and you will be processed without facial recognition technology
- However, if you are an arriving foreign national, you will be required to participate in facial recognition processing
- Once you’ve been interviewed and approved by CBP, you can exit with your luggage to the left
- If you're referred to secondary screening, please follow the CBP Officer’s directions and head to the right for further inspection and questioning.
- For more information on what agriculture products are allowed into the United States, see CBP guidelines.
Questions
Reach out to CBP Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Eastern Time)
General Inquiries: 1-877-CBP(227)-5511
International Callers: (202) 325-8000
Learn more about Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) and Custom and Border Protection PreClearance.
