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Sacramento (SMF) Customs & Immigration Wait Times

Estimated customs and passport control wait times at Sacramento International Airport.

Current Estimate

Estimated Customs Wait at SMF

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
00:00
min avg
Worst Time
21:00
min avg
00:00
min
17:00
min
18:00
min
21:00
min
22:00
min
23:00
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 SMF

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 Sacramento International Airport?

Current average customs wait at SMF is 7 minutes. US citizens average 7 minutes, while non-US citizens average 22 minutes. Global Entry members typically clear in under 5 minutes.

What is the difference between customs and immigration at SMF?

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

Absolutely. With average non-expedited waits of 7 minutes at SMF, Global Entry ($120 for 5 years) pays for itself quickly. Members use dedicated kiosks and typically clear in under 5 minutes.

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

The shortest customs waits at Sacramento are around 00:00 (averaging 7 minutes). The busiest times are around 21:00 (averaging 22 minutes). Try to book flights arriving during off-peak hours.