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Immigration

Hi there we are due to arrive in beginning June touch down approximately 5pm, just trying to get an idea of how long it takes to pass through customs lately at MCO.

Passing through customs at Orlando International Airport (MCO) can vary depending on the time of day, the number of international flights arriving, and your specific circumstances (e.g., having Global Entry or using Mobile Passport). However, I can give you a general idea based on typical trends.

Estimated Wait Times:

  • Arrival Time: Since your flight is expected to land around 5pm, you're likely to hit a busier time at MCO. Many international flights arrive around this time, so the lines at customs can be longer. On average, wait times for customs could range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, but it could be shorter or longer depending on the flow of passengers.
  • Global Entry: If you have Global Entry, you’ll skip the regular lines and use the kiosks, which significantly speeds up the process. In this case, you might be through customs in 15-30 minutes.
  • Mobile Passport Control: MCO offers Mobile Passport Control (MPC), which allows U.S. and Canadian citizens to use their smartphones to submit passport info and answer customs questions ahead of time. This can help reduce wait times, but expect to still spend some time at the kiosk to finalize your entry.

Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Customs Processing: After clearing immigration, you’ll proceed to baggage claim and customs. If you have checked luggage, this part of the process can take an additional 20-30 minutes, depending on how quickly your bags come through.
  • Transportation: Once you're through customs, you can access taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber/Lyft, and airport shuttles. If you're planning to use a rental car, there’s a rental car center at MCO with shuttle service, which can add a bit of time.
  • Travel Insurance: If you have a tight connection or other time-sensitive plans, it might be a good idea to check with your airline about possible delays and get travel insurance that covers delays at immigration.

In Summary: Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour on average passing through customs at MCO, but be prepared for it to take a bit longer during peak times. Having Global Entry or using Mobile Passport can significantly speed up the process.

Safe travels and enjoy your time in Orlando!

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