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San Antonio (SAT) Customs & Immigration Wait Times

Estimated customs and passport control wait times at San Antonio International Airport.

Current Estimate

Estimated Customs Wait at SAT

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
12:00
min avg
Worst Time
09:00
min avg
09:00
min
10:00
min
11:00
min
12:00
min
15:00
min
16:00
min
17:00
min
18:00
min
19:00
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 SAT

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: 12:00 (7 min avg)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does customs take at San Antonio International Airport?

Current average customs wait at SAT 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 SAT?

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

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

The shortest customs waits at San Antonio are around 12:00 (averaging 7 minutes). The busiest times are around 09:00 (averaging 37 minutes). Try to book flights arriving during off-peak hours.