A port of entry is a place where one may lawfully enter a country. It typically has a staff of persons who check passports and visas and inspect luggage to assure that contraband is not imported. International airports are usually ports of entry, as are cities on a land border. Ports can be used ports of entry only if a dedicated customs presence is posted there. The choice of whether to become a port of entry is up to the civil authority controlling the port; Los Angeles and San Diego, for example, are ports of entry, whereas Newport Beach is not.

''See also: list of ports of entry of Hong Kong | Commercial item transport and distribution