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MDW Customs & Immigration Wait Times

Immigration Snapshot

Plan your international arrival at MDW around customs processing times.

Peak CBP waits can reach 16 minutes on Sundays around 4 PM. 151 lower-wait time slots appear in the historical data below.

Peak wait
16 min
Best signal
Late PM / early AM
Quiet slots
151
Data type
Estimate + historical

Useful pages for this airport

Check estimated CBP processing times at Chicago Midway International Airport, then compare immigration wait patterns by day and hour. 151 lower-wait time slots appear in the current dataset.

Estimated Wait Right Now

3 min

MDW local time: Friday at 12 AM

Peak Wait Time

16 min

Sundays at 4 PM

Best Times to Arrive

Under 10 minutes

151 time slots with minimal wait

CBP Wait Time Lookup Tool

Check estimated customs and immigration wait times for any day and hour. The "Estimated Wait Right Now" card above shows current conditions.

Estimated wait for selection

3 min

Morning CBP Processing Times (AM)

Historical CBP customs and immigration processing times at Chicago Midway International Airport for morning hours (12 AM - 11 AM), organized by day of week
HourMonTueWedThuFriSatSun
12 AM1m1m3m1m3m4m1m
1 AM2m1m2m2m2m1m1m
2 AM1m2m1m2m2m1m1m
3 AM1m1m1m1m2m2m1m
4 AM1m1m1m1m3m2m3m
5 AM2m1m3m1m2m2m1m
6 AM2m1m4m4m5m4m6m
7 AM4m2m5m4m5m4m4m
8 AM4m5m4m4m4m7m7m
9 AM6m6m6m7m8m5m9m
10 AM5m4m8m8m9m5m9m
11 AM7m6m8m8m11m7m10m

Afternoon & Evening CBP Processing Times (PM)

Historical CBP customs and immigration processing times at Chicago Midway International Airport for afternoon and evening hours (12 PM - 11 PM), organized by day of week
HourMonTueWedThuFriSatSun
12 PM6m6m9m8m9m10m11m
1 PM7m7m7m8m10m8m10m
2 PM7m6m9m8m13m8m10m
3 PM12m10m9m9m12m9m13m
4 PM11m9m12m11m13m13m16m
5 PM11m8m8m9m11m9m15m
6 PM7m9m8m7m9m10m12m
7 PM6m7m6m7m11m7m10m
8 PM8m7m4m8m6m6m9m
9 PM6m6m5m4m6m6m6m
10 PM3m3m5m2m5m3m6m
11 PM2m2m4m1m2m3m5m

Wait Time Legend

- No data≤10 min11-20 min21-30 min31-40 min41-50 min50+ min

Tips for Clearing Customs at MDW

  • Enroll in Global Entry for expedited CBP processing ($100/5 years, includes TSA PreCheck)
  • Use the free CBP Mobile Passport Control app for a dedicated inspection lane
  • Have your passport and customs declaration form ready before reaching the booth
  • Check peak times above and adjust your connecting flight buffer accordingly
  • Declare all agricultural items and purchases above the duty-free allowance
  • If connecting domestically after arrival, allow extra time for customs and re-checking bags

MDW Customs & Immigration FAQ

How long are customs and immigration wait times at Chicago Midway International Airport?

This page shows estimated CBP processing times at MDW. Peak waits can reach 16 minutes on Sundays around 4 PM. The best times to clear customs are usually early morning or late evening, with 151 time slots showing waits under 10 minutes.

What is the best time to arrive for customs at MDW?

The best times to go through customs and immigration at MDW are typically early morning and late evening. Our data shows 151 time slots with wait times under 10 minutes. Avoid Sundays around 4 PM when waits are longest.

Can I check customs wait times for a specific day and time at MDW?

Yes. Use the day and time selector in the wait time tool to view the estimated CBP processing wait for any day-of-week and hour block. The "right now" number above it is the quick view for the current time slot.

Should I get Global Entry for MDW?

Global Entry can significantly reduce your customs and immigration wait time at Chicago Midway International Airport. Members use automated kiosks to bypass the regular CBP line, reducing processing time to under 5 minutes in most cases. The $100 fee covers 5 years and includes TSA PreCheck. If you travel internationally at least once a year, Global Entry is usually worth it.

What documents do I need for international arrival at MDW?

When arriving internationally at Chicago Midway International Airport, you need a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), any required visas, and a completed CBP customs declaration (usually provided on the plane or via the CBP Mobile Passport Control app). Global Entry and SENTRI members can use automated kiosks. U.S. citizens returning from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean may also use the Mobile Passport Control app for a dedicated lane.

Official Travel Resources

5 verified external links from airport operators and U.S. agencies.

Official Airport Resources1 link▼
Customs and Border Protection4 links▼