Passport Stamp at LAX

Question

Hi all,

Has anyone visited the U.S. through LAX recently? Does the CBP Officer at LAX still stamp your passport upon arrival at TBIT?

Thank you very much in advance!

Answer

Yes, travelers entering the United States through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), specifically at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), still generally receive a passport stamp from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon arrival. This is standard practice for most international arrivals, though certain categories of travelers may have slightly different procedures.

Here are some details and tips regarding passport stamping at LAX:

Standard Procedure: Most visitors arriving on international flights will go through CBP inspection, where the officer will review your passport, visa (if applicable), and other entry documents. If everything is in order, a stamp will be placed in your passport indicating your date of entry and the class of admission.
Automated Passport Control (APC) and Mobile Passport: LAX offers self-service kiosks for eligible travelers from certain countries through the APC system, and the Mobile Passport Control app is also accepted. Even when using these kiosks, a CBP officer typically still completes the passport stamping process after reviewing the information submitted via the kiosk or app.
Exemptions: U.S. citizens and certain permanent residents may not receive a traditional entry stamp if using expedited lanes like Global Entry, though they can request one if needed for travel records.

Practical tips for travelers:

Ensure your passport is valid and accessible when approaching CBP, as officers will need to handle it for stamping.
If you require a stamp for visa purposes or to document entry, politely request one from the CBP officer, though in most cases it is automatically provided.
Keep in mind that during peak travel times, processing at TBIT may take longer, so allow extra time if you have a connecting flight.

In summary, yes, passport stamping is still standard at LAX’s TBIT for international arrivals, with minor variations for travelers using expedited or automated entry programs.

Passport Stamp at LAX

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions