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Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI) Customs & Immigration Wait Times

Estimated customs and passport control wait times at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Current Estimate

Estimated Customs Wait at BWI

Based on historical data (time-matched)

US Citizens
minutes
Non-US Citizens
minutes
Overall Avg
minutes

Customs Wait Times by Hour

Average wait times based on the last 7 days of CBP data

Best Time
13:00
min avg
Worst Time
19:00
min avg
13:00
min
14:00
min
15:00
min
16:00
min
17:00
min
18:00
min
19:00
min
20:00
min
21:00
min
22:00
min

US Citizens & Residents

min
Average wait time
  • Use Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks
  • Have passport and customs declaration ready
  • Global Entry: Skip the line entirely (~5 min)

Non-US Citizens

min
Average wait time
  • Complete I-94 form before arrival
  • Have return ticket and accommodation proof ready
  • Mobile Passport: Free app, can reduce wait to 10-15 min

How to Speed Up Customs at BWI

1
Global Entry ($120/5yr)
Dedicated kiosks, typically under 5 minutes. Includes TSA PreCheck.
2
Mobile Passport Control (Free)
Free CBP app for US/Canadian citizens. Expedited lane access.
3
APC Kiosks
Automated Passport Control kiosks for US/Canadian/Visa Waiver travelers.
4
Arrive Off-Peak
Best time: 13:00 (7 min avg)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does customs take at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport?

Current average customs wait at BWI is 7 minutes. US citizens average 7 minutes, while non-US citizens average 7 minutes. Global Entry members typically clear in under 5 minutes.

What is the difference between customs and immigration at BWI?

Immigration (passport control) verifies your identity and travel documents. Customs inspects goods you're bringing into the country. At US airports like Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, both are handled by CBP (Customs and Border Protection) in the same area, so wait times cover both processes.

Is Global Entry worth it at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall?

Global Entry costs $120 for 5 years and includes TSA PreCheck. While waits at BWI are relatively short at 7 minutes, Global Entry still saves time and includes PreCheck benefits.

When is the best time to arrive through customs at BWI?

The shortest customs waits at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall are around 13:00 (averaging 7 minutes). The busiest times are around 19:00 (averaging 22 minutes). Try to book flights arriving during off-peak hours.