Newark Customs?

Question

Hey guys,

I'm flying from Spain to Newark, and then from Newark to Minneapolis this Sunday. However, my connection time is only 1 hour and ten minutes. Will that be enough time to get through customs and make my next flight? Do I need to go through immigration if I'm a U.S. citizen? Both flights are Continental, and I arrive in Newark at 2:10pm and fly out again at 3:20. I feel a little nervous because I've never had to re-enter the U.S. before, so if anyone could give me a detailed step-by-step as to how the whole process works, I would be eternally grateful.

Thank you!

Answer 1

You have to go through Immigration & Customs in Newark.  

The process is:  Exit the aircraft, walk to Immigration and wait for your passport ot be checked, collect your checked bag(s) from baggage claim, go through Customs, give your checked bags to Interline Baggage (just past the Customs checkpoint), then go to the gate for your next flight.

One hour between flights is (in my opinion) not enough time, especially if you have any checked luggage.  If you can, change your domestic flight to one that is 2 to 3 hours after your international flight is scheduled to arrive.

It may not be possible to change your ticket - at least not without paying a fee. If so, pay attention to the time and don't just give your checked bag(s) to Interline Baggage. Speak with a Continental representative after you are through Customs if there are less than 45 minutes before your flight to MN.  They will re-tag your checked bags if you need to go on a later flight.

Answer 2

You will clear customs faster than non-US citizens. As my question that I have up right now based on Immigration and entry into Canada, I had to present a card saying what I will be at, whats my US Address, and everything like that. As I was talking to a Canadian Citizen, she got called up to the Customs desk  give them the card and off she went in a matter of about 1-2 minutes. The biggest worry is if the flight doesn't get delayed.

This is straight from United's website as it applies to all airlines also:

Forms required by visitors to the United States

The I-94 or I-94W must be completed by all travelers entering the U.S. except:



·         U.S. citizens

·         Returning resident aliens

·         Canadian citizens