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International Departures

Most international flights depart from SFO's International Terminal. Check-in desks are located on the Departures Level of the Dianne Feinstein International Terminal Main Hall. VisitAirlines at SFO for detailed information.

Please note that Air Canada is located in Terminal 2 (check-in, boarding, and baggage claim).

Be sure to check the requirements for your destination—as well as any transit points. If you are traveling internationally, check with the US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Country Information for details about entry requirements and restrictions for arriving travelers. Follow all entry requirements for your destination and provide any required or requested health information. Failure to provide the required documents at check-in typically results in denied boarding.

Understand Your Rights and What to Expect Before you Return to the U.S. 

All international arriving passengers (except for those arriving on flights from pre-cleared countries) must complete U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry procedures in the Federal Inspection Area. 

SFO does not set or enforce entry requirements for international arrivals; entry requirements are established by the federal government and enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This guide is intended to provide general information to help you prepare for your trip. 

Preparing for CBP passenger inspection and procedures for entry into the United States:

  1. Ensure that you have all required identification and documentation for your entry into the United States.
  2. CBP may ask you questions as part of their process. CBP will review your passport and immigration documents such as your visa, green card, or travel paperwork. Travelers may be asked routine questions about your trip, length of stay, or purpose of travel.
  3. Establish emergency contacts and share your itinerary with them. Send your itinerary to an emergency contact not traveling with you, such as a family member, friend, or trusted source as you prepare to travel to the U.S. Let them know your flight information and when you will go through customs.
  4. Provide your emergency contacts with information for your elected Member of Congress. If you are detained, your contacts should immediately contact your Member of Congress who can coordinate with the federal government to find out information about your case. Look up your members of Congress.

Waiting for Passengers Arriving from International Travel

  1. If a traveler has been detained in the Federal Inspection process for an extended period, your emergency contacts may contact your Members of Congress to help coordinate with federal agencies and request assistance. Look up your federal delegation. 
  2. Contact an immigration attorney.
    1. Find a lawyer through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), a nonpartisan, nonprofit, voluntary bar association.
    2. Find multilingual, free or low-cost immigration legal services.

Immigrant Support Resources

Travelers can refer to the following resources before traveling internationally.

City and County of San Francisco Immigrant Support Hub – Click on the link to access this online resource directly or by using the QR code on the multilingual postcards available at information desks in all terminals and at the Business & Career Center (International Terminal A).