If you have never cleared U.S. customs before, the process at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport can feel overwhelming. There are color-coded lanes, automated kiosks, declaration forms and officers with questions. But once you understand the system, it moves faster than it looks.
Here is a step-by-step walkthrough.
Nearly all international flights arrive at Terminal D at DFW Airport. Terminal D is the dedicated international terminal with customs and border protection facilities. Once you clear customs and exit the terminal, the free Skylink train connects all five terminals. It runs every two minutes with a maximum trip time of nine minutes between the farthest points.
DFW uses a color-coded lane system for incoming international passengers.
Orange lanes are for U.S. and Canadian citizens and lawful permanent residents. These passengers are eligible for Mobile Passport Control.
Purple lanes are for Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) and B1/B2 visa holders. These travelers use Automated Passport Control kiosks.
Gray lanes are for travelers who need manual processing, including those with customs declarations, agricultural items or other paperwork that requires officer review.
Blue lanes are for Global Entry members, the fastest lane available. Global Entry requires pre-approval through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection program.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free app that works for U.S. and Canadian citizens and most ESTA visitors. Download it from the App Store or Google Play, fill out your customs declaration on the plane and present the confirmation screen to the officer when you reach the front of the line.
The app launched at DFW in 2016. It requires no pre-approval, no separate application and no fee. It is one of the fastest ways to move through customs if you are not a Global Entry member.
Global Entry is a pre-approved expedited entry program for frequent travelers to the United States. Members use automated kiosks in the Blue lane and bypass the standard officer interaction in most cases.
DFW offers Enrollment on Arrival for conditionally approved applicants at CBP booths 35 and 36. The Global Entry office is on the Terminal D lower level, south side, and is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT.
Deplane and follow the signs toward customs and immigration. Choose the color lane that matches your status. Approach a kiosk or officer, present your passport (and visa if required) and answer any questions. Collect your checked baggage at the carousel. Pass through the final customs exit. You are now in the United States.
The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. During peak summer arrivals, especially when multiple international flights land within the same window, wait times can reach 90 minutes or more.
Standard U.S. customs rules apply. You must declare any food, agricultural products or more than $10,000 USD in currency. Prohibited items include certain meats, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. If you are unsure, declare it. Officers are more forgiving of an honest declaration than an undeclared item.
Once you exit customs at Terminal D, you have several options for getting to your hotel.
The DART Orange Line departs from Terminal A lower level and connects to downtown Dallas in about 50 minutes. TEXRail departs from Terminal B and connects to downtown Fort Worth in about 50 minutes. The TRE LINK shuttle runs from Terminal D Gate 22 area to CentrePort/DFW Airport Station, where you can connect to the TRE commuter rail heading to either Dallas or Fort Worth.
Rideshare pickup zones are designated at each terminal. A rideshare from DFW Airport to the Arlington Entertainment District costs about $35 and takes 20 to 25 minutes. The budget option is the free TRE LINK bus to CentrePort Station, then Arlington On-Demand (Via app) for $3.
Nearly all international flights arrive at Terminal D.
Typically 30 to 60 minutes. Peak summer arrivals can push wait times to 90 minutes or more.
Yes. The free app works for U.S. and Canadian citizens and most ESTA visitors. No pre-approval is required.
Orange is for U.S. and Canadian citizens (Mobile Passport eligible). Purple is for ESTA and B1/B2 visa holders (Automated Passport Control kiosks).
Terminal D lower level, south side. Open 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT.
The free TRE LINK bus to CentrePort Station, then Arlington On-Demand for $3.
