International Travel

Non-U.S. citizens need a visa to enter the United States to visit, work, live and connect (international transit).

For more information on entry and visa requirements, please visit the U.S. Department of State

Passengers traveling into IAH on international flights will arrive at gates in either Terminal D or Terminal E. They will disembark and make their way through secure corridors and across the sky bridges to the adjoining Federal Inspection Services (FIS). Here they will clear Immigration and Passport Control, go downstairs, claim baggage and clear customs.

Once passengers arrive at the immigration hall, they will have the option of being processed the following ways:

• Immigration officer
• Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network Program kiosk (members only)

Passengers will then proceed downstairs to level one to collect their baggage before going to customs exit control.

Upon arrival at customs exit control, one of the following documents will be required:

• Customs declaration form (If processed via immigration officer)
• Global Entry kiosk receipt (if processed at Global Entry kiosk

There is a CBP Agriculture Specialist available to examine food, plants or other perishables for travelers carrying these items. Passengers who have duty to pay may do so at the cashier window adjacent to the exit doors of the Customs and Border Protection area.

Passengers ending their journey in Houston will continue straight after exiting the doors of the customs area and into the Meeter/Greeter Lobby located on the first floor of Terminal E International Arrivals Hall. Ground transportation will also be accessible from this area.

International in-transit passengers will turn right upon exiting customs, and proceed to the recheck counters which will help speed them and their baggage on to their final destination. Airline locations can be found on our airlines page. All international in-transit passengers will are subject to screening at the TSA security checkpoint before proceeding into the secure area of their departing terminal.

For additional information, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) site.

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s entry process into the United States*. The app streamlines the traveler inspection process and enables CBP officers to focus more on the inspection and less on administrative functions. Eligible travelers with a smartphone or tablet can download the Mobile Passport Control app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

MPC makes the entry process as simple as four steps:

1. Download the Free App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
2. Answer a few questions
3. Submit a form to U.S. Customs and Border Protection via the app
4. Skip the line and save time

​​For more information on MPC, visit cbp.gov 
View the MPC Flyer 
Download the MPC brochure

*Available for U.S. citizens with a valid U.S. passport and Canadian citizens with both a valid Canadian passport and B1 or B2 visa status.