Definition

Noun: 1. An official location, typically a port, airport, or border crossing, designated for the arrival of people and goods into a country, where they are subject to inspection and clearance by customs and immigration authorities. This is the primary and most common meaning.

Usage

• The term is used in official, legal, and logistical contexts related to international travel and trade.
• It specifies the first place where customs and immigration formalities occur upon entering a country.
• It is often used in the plural ("points of entry") when discussing national border security or infrastructure.

Examples

• All international passengers must present their documents at the point of entry.
• The government announced increased security measures at all major points of entry.
• The shipment was held for inspection at the point of entry due to incomplete paperwork.

Advanced Usage

• Legal/Procedural Context: In law and official procedures, "point of entry" precisely defines the legal and geographical moment of entry for jurisdictional and regulatory purposes.
  • Example: The visa application must state your intended point of entry into the country.
• Figurative Use: While less common, it can be used metaphorically to describe an initial access point or gateway into a system, field, or market.
  • Example: For many young programmers, an internship is their point of entry into the tech industry.

Variants and Related Words

• Port of Entry: A very common synonym, often used interchangeably with "point of entry," especially for seaports and airports.
• Border Crossing: Specifically refers to a point of entry on a land border.
• Customs: The government agency responsible for controlling goods at points of entry.
• Immigration: The government agency responsible for controlling people at points of entry.

Synonyms

• Port of entry
• Gateway
• Border post
• Customs port

Related Phrases

• To clear customs/immigration: The process of being inspected and approved at a point of entry.
  • Example: It took an hour to clear customs at the point of entry.
• Designated point of entry: An officially specified location for entry.
  • Example: Not all border towns are designated points of entry for commercial goods.

Noun

1. a port in the United States where customs officials are stationed to oversee the entry and exit of people and merchandise