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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) Customs & Immigration Wait Times

Estimated customs and passport control wait times at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Current Estimate

Estimated Customs Wait at ATL

Based on historical data (time-matched)

US Citizens
minutes
Non-US Citizens
minutes
Overall Avg
minutes

Customs Wait by Terminal

Concourse E
US: minNon-US: minAvg: min
Concourse F
US: minNon-US: minAvg: min

Customs Wait Times by Hour

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

Best Time
00:00
min avg
Worst Time
22:00
min avg
00:00
min
05:00
min
06:00
min
07:00
min
08:00
min
09:00
min
10:00
min
11:00
min
12:00
min
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 ATL

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: 00:00 (7 min avg)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does customs take at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?

Current average customs wait at ATL 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 ATL?

Immigration (passport control) verifies your identity and travel documents. Customs inspects goods you're bringing into the country. At US airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, 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 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta?

Global Entry costs $120 for 5 years and includes TSA PreCheck. While waits at ATL 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 ATL?

The shortest customs waits at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta are around 00:00 (averaging 7 minutes). The busiest times are around 22:00 (averaging 7 minutes). Try to book flights arriving during off-peak hours.