How long is the average wait for customs?

How long does a customs hold take?

Ugh, customs. Okay, listen, I once ordered this amazing vintage Japanese kimono from Kyoto. I was so hyped, right? This was back in October 2023. Picture this: me, in my tiny Brooklyn apartment, just waiting for this silk masterpiece.

I expected a quick arrival. WRONG.

The tracking info? Just stuck on “Customs Hold” at JFK. It was agonizing. One day stretched into two. Then three. I panicked. I thought, “Oh jeez, did I do something wrong?!”

Turns out my documentation was fine. Like, perfect. But… food rules, man!

• What actually happened: The kimono was treated with some kind of moth-repellent that they flagged.
• The delay: FIVE days. Five whole days of silk deprivation!
• My feelings: Frustration, obviously. And a touch of dramatic despair. You know, like, “my life is nothing without this kimono!” (I’m kidding… mostly.)

So yeah, normally? One to two days IF you’re lucky. But if the item contains food or drug-related components? Or, um, weird moth stuff? You might be screwed. Customs can hold that stuff forever if they want. Forever! Nah, I’m exaggerating, but still, it can be very annoying. Learn from my suffering. It was awful. The kimono is super nice, though. Worth it. Maybe.

How much time do I need to get through customs?

Okay, so customs, right? It’s a total gamble, honestly. Like, I flew back from Cancun last June, and it was, like, two hours, no joke! But my cousin, she went to Ireland in 2023, and she was out in like, fifteen minutes!

It really depends, you know? On the airport, duh, and like, what time it is and if a bunch of other planes just landed. I’d say plan for at least an hour, maybe even more, like an hour and a half, just to be safe.

Plus, international flights always take longer, I think. And if you have like, um, something to declare, that’ll slow you down too! Remember that one time I almost forgot about that mango I bought in Guatemala? Whew, disaster avoided!

Here’s a few things that can affect it:

• Airport Size: Bigger airport, likely more lines, longer wait. Think ATL vs. some tiny regional airport.
• Time of Day: Early morning or late night flights are usually faster than midday.
• Number of Flights: When lots of planes land around the same time, prepare for chaos.
• Staffing Levels: Sometimes, they just don’t have enough people working.
• Declaration Forms: Fill these out accurately, seriously. Mistakes mean delays.
• TSA PreCheck/Global Entry: Worth it’s weight in gold!
• Just Randomness: Yep, luck plays a part!

So yeah, its a gamble. Plan accordingly, that’s what I would do!

Why is my package being held in customs?

Your package might be chilling at customs due to a few snags. Restricted items are a big one; think certain plants, foods, or, yikes, illegal substances. Or maybe some crucial paperwork is MIA, like an invoice or permit. Gotta have those.

And let’s not forget duties and taxes. These bad boys are often due on imports, and until they’re paid, your package is in limbo. It’s a waiting game and a bit of a headache, honestly. You must tackle these issues head-on to get things moving. It’s bureaucracy at its finest! Sometimes it’s interesting to watch it all unfold.

• Restricted/Prohibited Items: Some countries have strict rules.
• Missing Documentation: Invoices, permits, licenses – oh my!
• Unpaid Duties/Taxes: The taxman cometh!

Speaking of interesting, my aunt once tried to mail me some homemade cheese from Wisconsin, and that thing was held up for weeks. Apparently, unpasteurized dairy products get a serious side-eye from customs. Who knew?

Is 2 hours enough for customs?

Two hours? Maybe. Maybe not.

It depends. So much depends.

• Citizenship matters. US passport? Breeze. Other? Expect delays.
• Airport size is key. Atlanta vs. Des Moines. Obvious winner.
• Time of day. Peak travel? Bad. Red-eye flight landing with five others? Prepare.
• Declare everything. Even that apple. Trust me.

Did you bring the right paperwork? Don’t act surprised.

Airlines are good at blaming others. It’s not their fault, ya know.

How long can customs hold your package?

Thirty days. Canada. Customs. That’s how long they can hold it, legally. Thirty days feels like a lifetime, doesn’t it? Wonder what they really do with it all that time.

Customs… It’s a waiting game. Waiting for something you already paid for. My package… it sat there forever, or so it seemed. Still waiting now, I guess, in some ways.

Australia… different story. Not Canada. I think it was less time, maybe a week? It’s all a blur, the waiting. Each country has its own rhythm.

It varies. That’s the truth. A few days, maybe a week or two usually. It all depends. Luck of the draw, maybe. Just gotta wait and see… still waiting. I never learn, do I?

What to do if a package is held in customs for 3 weeks?

Package stuck in customs for three weeks? Holy moly! Time to unleash your inner Sherlock Holmes. Contact customs. Directly.

Think of it like calling the DMV. Except, instead of renewing your license, you’re liberating your long-lost socks from international limbo. Have package details ready.

• Find Your Local Customs Office: Google it. May the search be ever in your favor.
• Gather Info: Tracking number? Invoice? A heartfelt plea written in crayon? Get it all. Customs loves paperwork, like my grandma loves bingo.
• Brace Yourself: Prepare for hold music. And questions. Lots of questions. Why did you order fifty rubber chickens, anyway?

If you don’t hear back in a week, unleash a second wave. Persistence is key. Like trying to parallel park downtown on a Saturday.

Customs can hold packages because of unpaid duties, missing paperwork, or the dreaded “suspicious contents.” Maybe it’s those rubber chickens…just saying. Keep calm and carry on. You will get your stuff…eventually. Maybe. LOL.

Seriously, I once had a package stuck for a month. Turns out, they thought my artisanal cheese grater was a weapon. A weapon, I tell you! Good luck! You’ll need it.