NCRBILL

I'm flying in December SFO-LIS-BCN. There is a 2 hour layover in LIS so I'm thinking I will clear customs in LIS, not BCN. Can anyone confirm where you clear customs? Will it be LIS or will it be BCN?

This is my first flight on TAP so look forward to the experience. If anyone has extra ideas, I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

guv1976

You will clear Customs in BCN, as every country has its own Customs regulations.

You will clear Immigration in LIS, which is where you will be admitted to the E.U. Schengen Zone.

the810

That's not the reason, customs regulations are harmonised within the EU (it would be pretty hard for the single market to work otherwise ). Customs are cleared in the destination because a) pax don't receive their checked bags until their final destination, b) in some rare instances, import duties may be levied also on goods from another member states (e.g. alcohol/tobacco not for personal use). The latter is fairly uncommon with air travel due to practical reasons (try packing more than 120 liters of beer in your checked bag), so the first point is the primary reason.
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Doesn't change your answer for the OP of course

craigthemif

"Customs" can be intimidating in North America.

At BCN (and Europe in general), you will probably just walk out with your bags without anybody stopping you. The baggage hall at T1 is for all flights - domestic, Europe, long-haul, etc.

Passport control will take place in LIS. On an non-EU passport, this can take awhile if your plane comes in just after a few other long-haul flights...

TravellingChris

The EU (and the Schengen zone in particular) has a different system from the USA. In the U.S. everyone clears immigration and customs at their first point of arrival into the States, regardless of any onward flights. All baggage must be reclaimed, cleared and then re-deposited on domestic (transfer) carousels.

By contrast, in the EU checked baggage is retrieved at the final destination.

A passenger clears immigration formalities at their first arrival airport in the EU: because both Portugal and Spain are Schengen members, you will not have to clear immigration in BCN, Portuguese officials will admit you to the zone. After passing immigration in LIS you are a domestic Schengen passenger.

However, your checked bags are subject to customs inspection in BCN. Customs officers at EU airports will watch for bags that are coming from outside the EU--this is why intra-EU bags will have tags edged with green, whereas foreign bag tags are solid white.