Skip to main content

STL Customs & Immigration Wait Times

Immigration Snapshot

Plan your international arrival at STL around customs processing times.

Peak CBP waits can reach 22 minutes on Fridays around 4 PM. 99 lower-wait time slots appear in the historical data below.

Peak wait
22 min
Best signal
Late PM / early AM
Quiet slots
99
Data type
Estimate + historical

Check estimated CBP processing times at Lambert St Louis International Airport, then compare immigration wait patterns by day and hour. 99 lower-wait time slots appear in the current dataset.

Estimated Wait Right Now

4 min

STL local time: Friday at 12 AM

Peak Wait Time

22 min

Fridays at 4 PM

Best Times to Arrive

Under 10 minutes

99 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

4 min

Morning CBP Processing Times (AM)

Historical CBP customs and immigration processing times at Lambert St Louis International Airport for morning hours (12 AM - 11 AM), organized by day of week
HourMonTueWedThuFriSatSun
12 AM2m2m1m3m4m4m4m
1 AM1m1m1m1m3m2m3m
2 AM4m2m1m3m3m1m1m
3 AM1m3m1m2m1m2m1m
4 AM1m2m3m2m3m3m1m
5 AM5m2m5m6m6m5m2m
6 AM5m2m5m3m8m6m4m
7 AM4m7m4m4m6m6m6m
8 AM5m6m5m8m8m11m11m
9 AM10m7m11m7m12m8m13m
10 AM6m9m10m12m14m11m11m
11 AM8m8m9m10m12m12m16m

Afternoon & Evening CBP Processing Times (PM)

Historical CBP customs and immigration processing times at Lambert St Louis International Airport for afternoon and evening hours (12 PM - 11 PM), organized by day of week
HourMonTueWedThuFriSatSun
12 PM12m12m13m13m14m12m14m
1 PM10m12m14m15m19m17m15m
2 PM14m15m16m14m21m15m19m
3 PM18m12m16m17m19m15m22m
4 PM20m18m17m17m22m21m21m
5 PM15m11m17m13m21m15m21m
6 PM13m9m12m12m20m13m19m
7 PM11m8m8m15m17m13m13m
8 PM9m11m10m7m12m11m12m
9 PM5m4m8m7m10m10m12m
10 PM6m7m8m4m5m5m7m
11 PM4m2m2m2m3m7m3m

Wait Time Legend

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

Tips for Clearing Customs at STL

  • 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

STL Customs & Immigration FAQ

How long are customs and immigration wait times at Lambert St Louis International Airport?

This page shows estimated CBP processing times at STL. Peak waits can reach 22 minutes on Fridays around 4 PM. The best times to clear customs are usually early morning or late evening, with 99 time slots showing waits under 10 minutes.

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

The best times to go through customs and immigration at STL are typically early morning and late evening. Our data shows 99 time slots with wait times under 10 minutes. Avoid Fridays around 4 PM when waits are longest.

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

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 STL?

Global Entry can significantly reduce your customs and immigration wait time at Lambert St Louis 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 STL?

When arriving internationally at Lambert St Louis 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.