Where will security, customs, and border patrol occur?

[Gillaspiewoods]

Hi all. I’m taking a trip from a small regional airport (CID) via ORD and Madrid to Lisbon (and of course will reverse that later). I know I will do security prior to the first leg each way; but where do customs and border patrol (and perhaps more security) checks occur? I understand Schengen area rules will apply but I’m not terribly familiar with those. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Andrew]

Since you'll enter the Schengen zone in Madrid, you'll clear passport control there. You can also expect to have a security check there. In Europe generally people who've cleared security in the U.S. are trusted to connect without another check, but Madrid isn't able to separate these arrivals from those from less-trusted countries. Any checked luggage is checked through to Lisbon and could get a customs inspection there, but such an inspection rarely happens.

 

[Gillaspiewoods]

Since you'll enter the Schengen zone in Madrid, you'll clear passport control there. You can also expect to have a security check there. In Europe generally people who've cleared security in the U.S. are trusted to connect without another check, but Madrid isn't able to separate these arrivals from those from less-trusted countries. Any checked luggage is checked through to Lisbon and could get a customs inspection there, but such an inspection rarely happens.

Very helpful, Andrew; thank you. C