10 Customs & Immigration Questions at the Airport (You Might Be Randomly Selected!)
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- Опубликовано: 19 май 2024
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00:00 Customs & Immigration at Airport
00:27 Question 1
01:06 Question 2
02:06 Say this (if you can)
02:21 Question 3
02:31 Have this ready to show!
03:00 Proof of onward travel HACK
03:35 Question 4
04:40 Question 5
05:42 Docs you need to show
06:20 Question 6
06:48 Why it's tricky
07:43 Question 7
08:37 Question 8
08:52 Special cases and how to answer
09:42 Immigration vs. Customs
10:24 Customs Questions
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*Immigration & Customs Guide 2024 [FREE eBook]* bit.ly/Airport-Questions
👮You'll learn: common questions, tips to answer, and documents you'll be asked to show when traveling internationally.
Talking about occupation, I was at JKF 20 years ago and was asked what I did, I replied "I work in a call centre". The guy replied "what's a call centre?" so I responded "I sit in a office for 8 hours a day taking phone calls from idiots". He just laughed and said "Man, you really need your vacation! Get out of here and have a good time!"
LOL call centers today are well known world wide as scammers. Back then 20 years ago it was real tech support.
My strangest experience was many years ago, travelling to Venezuela. The immigration officer had an automatic weapon slung across one shoulder, and some little guy shining his shoes while he was checking our passports. I was very young and completely intimidated. Never forgot it.
Always assume that the person asking questions has NO sense of humour!
A perfect example is if you are in the military & the Customs official asks "What do you do for a living?", they are not amused with the answer of "Blow stuff up & kill bad guys." A simple "I'm in the military." is preferred.
Some do which is a problem so when you go outside this country you might get in trouble 🙂
You can use humor with ticket agents. A ticket agent asked if we had been given any gifts by strangers to take with us.
I said, "Strange people? Yes. But they are her relatives," pointing at my wife.
It was a very hectic New Year's Eve. The agent laughed and upgraded us to First Class.
Particularly strange question when you are in uniform. But, it happens ....
@@power4thingsnot at all if you’re dressed like a terrorist…
Blowing stuff up means you're the bad guy.
I had a weird experience when coming back home to the States from Thailand last year. I was pulled aside after my initial meeting with the immigration desk and made to wait for about 30 minutes as other passengers funneled through the process. When an immigration officer finally got around to me they probed deeper into my travel, occupation, purpose of travel and more. I don't know if being an older, single male traveler coming from Asia set off their sextourism alarm bells or if it was just random. I think it's important to just stay calm and not freak out if you get singled out for more scrutiny as these are the signs that they are looking for. I gave them my information, such as the travel group that I toured with and countries I visited and that I wasn't bringing home anything that might be considered contraband. They were polite and after a while they said thanks and sent me on my way. I have traveled internationally plenty of times and this was certainly a new experience for me but just staying calm and relaxed is the best way to make it through the process. I guess unless you are up to no good. 🙂
We were taking our first trip to Costa Rica, meeting daughter & her family there. My son-in-law had booked hotel and was going to pick us up outside of the airport. But the immigration officer asked us where we were staying and we didn't know the name or address. They weren't going to let us in the country! My phone didn't get signal there (recurring story of my travel life!). Luckily, one of the airport staff called our son-in-law's phone and, also luckily, he answered a call from an unknown(-to-him) number and gave us the address to relay to the immigration office. I learned my lesson and now take an itinerary summarizing of all the bits and pieces of a trip!
When I went to London, Oxford and Berlin on a study tour with 22 other people, everyone behind me was lucky! I had printed out our entire itinerary,who was in our group, what hotels we were stay at, flight into, departure days, everything. They were happy in both Customs and Immigration because it made it really fast to go through all our group. They thanked me and told me to enjoy my stay.
Very organized! You saved a lot of people a lot of time! Safe travels!
When flying to another country, ALWAYS bring your own pen. You will need it to fill out the forms on the plane before landing. The flight attendants might have a pen or two, but literally hundreds of travelers might need to use them. And those aren't good odds for you.
Indonesia has made those forms electronic. You can fill them in 48 hours before departure and you just get a QR code (I always print it just in case) that you then scan at customs. You can also fill it out on a computer at the terminal (in the luggage area) before going through customs, but I always do it up front. I hope more countries will follow this example.
You are one of my favorite You Tubers! It’s a very valid and respectable occupation!
I used to fly, from Canada, into the US, every Monday, and had to clear before boarding. I had a multi-entry visa in my passport. And, every Monday, US C&BP hassled me. My next-door neighbour worked for Canadian Customs and Immigration. As she was at the same airport, I asked her if the US people were trained to be unfriendly. She said yes.
Good review Megan! It's surprising people stumble on the question "Why are you here?" Just answer the question, YES or NO, or one word if at all possible. If they want more, they'll ask. Lastly, give answers that are honest, but also consistent with your documents, even if not exactly correct (such as address if you recently moved - give the one on your ID). Above all, calm, friendly and a bit of wit, wins. They are watching your demeanor and reaction as well as your answers. And, yes, I have actually had US Immigration ask me the purpose of my visit to the US, after I have handed them a US Passport (Uh, I'm coming home?)
😂😂😂😂😂😂
I will never follow your ridiculous suggestion 🙄
Customs and Immigration: “Why are you here?”
You: “NO”
…Back on the next plane home
🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
@@AlphaGeekgirl, I think you should learn to read as you seem to have a short attention span. If you re-read the original comment you will find that after the YES or NO, she follows it up with “or one word answers if at all possible”. Take the question “Why are you here?” The answer could be “Vacation”. That can be your one word answer. Another answer that is still very brief though 1 word longer could be business meetings or business conference. Just make extra sure that you have and can show your departing ticket and possibly your itinerary if asked. Frankly, my father did a lot of international business travel and I believe he just stuck it in with his ticket and passport as it showed the hotel confirmation number and confirmed the departure date and the other info. It all started with his first job involving travel as my mum never knew if Daddy would be home at the end of the day due to his job.
@@AlphaGeekgirl Hi, a little help with reading comprehension. It's a mid-paragraph subject change, the two sentences are unrelated... that would obviously not be an answer to that question ... but thank you for playing!
As a non-native english speaker, it sometimes takes me a bit to actually formulate a correct sounding response, especially after not sleeping for over 24 hours....
When I moved back to the USA, after living in Germany for 16 years US immigration asked my why the hell I was returning , told them because I am an American with a US Passport.
We had a rough experience with immigration at Atlanta Ga airport when we came back from the Bahamas. My husband does not have a middle name, just an initial. The agent asked what the initial stood for and my husband told him nothing, it’s just an initial. The agent insisted he must have a middle name and threatened to call security if we didn’t answer him. I responded by telling the agent he was welcome to call my mother in law and have her explain it to him. My husband had already provided his passport and drivers license to show they matched. After what felt like 10 minutes the agent finally accepted our answer and let us through. From then on we make sure our travel does not include Atlanta.
I didn't know it was possible to have a middle initial that wasn't the first letter of a name.
@@randallgvideosThe World is a very big place, consisting of more countries than the one you were born in.
@@randallgvideosHarry S. Truman, 33rd US President. Look him up.
Harry S Truman
When I lived in the Netherlands 30+ years ago, Immigration asked me a couple of odd questions after I flew into Schiphol from a trip to the U.S. The first was about the origin of my family name, which is Eastern European and not terribly common in the U.S. or Western Europe. The second was where I had grown up in the U.S. Both were unexpected but I answered them truthfully. I think it was soon after the Lockerbie airplane crash, so the officers seemed to be extra cautious.
Talking to immigration is like being pulled over by the police,
Where are you coming from?,where are you going (staying), how long is you stay for? And reason for travel, NEVER volunteer information, NEVER talk to much (there not your best friend)
I'm planning 1overseas flight this year Dubai ,England/France/Spain.
It can certainly feel that way! Sounds like you have a great trip planned! Enjoy!
Your points of wisdom sums up the important takeaways for an enjoyable experience. Well done!
I want to see those countries!
Our itinerary nearly matches except for Spain. Good luck in your travels!
@@aisumelef211 thank you and safe travel to you too.
Hi Megan Whem leaving Australia to go to Bali, spoke to no one and was asked no questions both ways at Immigration and Customs by either country. In Australia the immigration is all IT automated, security check was contactless. Arrived in Bali bought the VOA, lined up, passport stamped and customs was a preloaded QR form completed 2 days before. On return home exactly the same with the exception of the question pertaining to foot and mouth disease, that was it! 😎
A border control officer in Cameroon once asked me why I'd travel alone. Then he told me a man my age being never married and alone was making me suspicious. My answer that my relationship situation was none of his business did NOT help to accelerate the situation...
Watched 10 videos before subscribing. Great videos 👍
Thank you Megan! 👍
Megan, this video should be required viewing when purchasing an international travel ticket! I would have loved to have seen this information before taking my first international trip. Thank you for your information. Happy Sunday!
Thanks, Tammy! Glad you enjoyed watching! Have a great week!
Thanks Megan, great content, as always. A couple of years ago I was traveling from Texas to Mexico with my arrival in Cozumel. I had a short stay booked at a hotel there with several others on the mainland (Yucatan) with my proof printed out. I had filled out the arrival paper online and printed it as well. Mexico allows U.S. citizens up to 180 days but this doesn't mean they'll give you that. There have been a lot of perpetual "tourists" abusing the system as you referred to. At immigration I was stopped by a nice lady with her sniffer dog who pulled me out of line and asked if I had any food and tobacco, I said that I did and she asked me to see her after the the window person, then I was at the back of the line. No problem, not a big airport. As I watched the people in front of me it was a bit bizarre. First, don't argue with the officer or complain, ever. Several people were taken out of line and then directed to a room nearby. Some were extremely sad that they couldn't have the number of days that they wanted. The people in front of me had to show several pieces of proof for things. I was last and the gentleman asked why I was there, tourism was my answer. Where was I going? Several places, just looking around was my answer. Approval granted, I showed him nothing except the arrival document, 180 days, okay. Then on to the waiting sniffer dog lady. I opened my suitcase showed her my Fig Newtons and 10 cigars and I was on my way. I don't know what happened with the people who were escorted to the room, but never argue or cop an attitude with an immigration officer. Ever. I know why I wasn't questioned very much. Can anyone guess? Have safe travels Megan.
Well, one thing you might not have considered is the immigration flag on children of divorced international parents, if ordered by a court. In this case, they know what's up when they go to the room. Just answer a few questions and wait for them to check documents. Patience is key.
@@user-ov4wr5yu4r nah, no kids involved in any of the events I observed.
Thanks for sharing your very informative post!
My pleasure! Glad it was helpful!
Hi Megan, I take photo copies of everything, of where I’m staying and things like travel arrangements, also visas even if they are an E visa. It can speed things up as many people prefer hard copies.
I do that too. I sometimes get flustered when they ask even the simplest questions. Having everything printed out means I don't have to remember anything or go through ummm...uh... wait a second... errmmm. I just show them my hotel reservations and any other information they need. The weirdest question I got was "what was your favorite city here?" Umm... so if say a city other than the one out of which I'm flying, is that bad? 😳
“Stick together, never separate for any reason, go to the bathroom together, and don’t talk to strangers”, stern guidance from Malaysia Immigration to two adult women traveling without husband/father/brother. Yes,sir.
Another great video, Megan. We’re traveling to Amsterdam this spring, so good to know!
Glad it was helpful! Enjoy your trip, Lisa!
You might emphasize - at least for Australia and Canada, don't know where else - that any criminal conviction (including drunk driving) - can be grounds for exclusion.
As someone who has traveled solo quite a bit these tips are very valuable. Global entry has been a game changer as far as entering the US. It would be great if more countries would partner with these programs for trusted travelers.
Megan we are planning a trip to Scotland and your videos have helped us plan it! Thank you for making these videos.
You're so welcome! Hope you have an amazing trip!
Great video with lots of helpful info. I always learn something in every video you post. Thanks.
My pleasure! So nice of you to say so.
Thank you for this clip. I couldn't understand why immigration officers were asking all these questions. I was quite annoyed that I was asked at all. Because I don't travel too often, I thought these officers were just bored or inquisitive.
Thanks so much for the perspective. Very helpful!
They usually are just checking it's a real vacation, not for work or drugs. Therefore, you say vacation, see the Eiffel tower, eat sushi, short but showing an actual interest. Amount of money you state if asked is a reasonable estimate for hotel, food, train fare, souvenirs. You mention you have a credit card just in case. Staying for 2 weeks, for example. Definitely have booked a flight out. It's just routine. I've never been asked where I was staying, but I keep the address handy so I can find it!
I have learned so much from your vlogs! Thank you so much for such helpful information!
You are so welcome, Heather!
Nice video, except you are telling people how to overstay your visa. This is a big issue in the Philippines where people will purchase a throw away ticket for onward travel, but do not actually travel out of the country.
Love this video. It’s also useful if you’re crossing a land boarder.
Very true! Glad you liked it!
Great video! Thanks! ❤
I got hit with a SSSS check in Toronto after my flight was cancelled and I had to rebook for a first flight out the next morning and the offices were pretty nasty. Never experienced that at Pearson before, they had always been so respectful.
Thanks for your video. From your list, there are a couple of questions I haven't encountered before at passport-control; it was good to learn about them.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
We are excited to travel to Portugal in April. Great info!
Glad it was helpful! Enjoy your trip!
Thanks for putting the immigration and customs screening in one video and for providing a cheat sheet.
You’re welcome! Glad you found it helpful!
Great video, well explained
Thanks so much!
I'm going to do my first trip abroad and your content has helped me a lot. Thanks a lot Megan :)
Great to have you on the channel, Willian! Enjoy your trip!
I can suggest to make an excel list of your stays with full addresses, printed out and lay it on the counter. I survived three US border crossings by this and got the global entry privilege by being honest. The customs form of the US has been made obsolete. On my recent flights to San Francisco and Newark, it was not handed out and the immigration officer asks if something has to be declared. The US seem to have adopted the green and red channel principle. IN most cases, I see nobody standing there.
The Canadian border crossing just asked the question "How long is your trip?". You can predeclare your trip via "ArriveCan" up to 3 days before your flight and the entry goes without problem with the terminal.
Good video. I went to Bali last November and asked how long was my vacation and purpose of my travel. Lastly was asked if I have visa, which is required for US citizens. I did my research before traveling and I showed him my visa. I always come prepared when traveling to other countries.
A. It often confuses customs officials, when you try to explain that you're in the country for X number of days, then you get on a cruise ship for Y days, and then you return to the country to disembark only to head to the airport and fly home.
B. Upon entering the U.K. in 2015, I was asked if I had relatives. Well, I have relatives in and around Wells. I've never met them, and my late parents met them only once, in 1989. So, what is the proper answer?
C. The occupation questions stumps officials. I'm a stay-at-home father. That throws people. I think once, I said I was a lawyer, but left the profession to stay home with our son. The official let it go, but he looked like he thought I was hiding something.
Megan, thank you for your helpful tips! Great answers to consider because I always have the mindset, I’m going on vacation, don’t they know this?!
At our departure destination in the USA we as a family of four were asked the strangest questions. But this may have been when we arrived to England. Either way it was long, we were all standing at a counter . Beyond the job question and our sons were young, student answer, they asked us specifically to our small boys what type of bike did they have, my husband what hobbies he had. It went on for some time it felt. We were repeating our similar journey to visit with my husband’s family in England the year prior . I felt as if they were possibly looking something up in the meantime and asking us random bogus questions My husband has been an American citizen for decades. We had the answer “visiting with family “ and we will use tourism next time. I don’t know what type of bikes my kids had or my husbands hobbies. I’ve been an seasoned traveler for many years and never have experienced these questions. This was in 2017. They wished us a happy journey . Always need to consider adding in extra time for questioning. If in a Canadian airport returning to the USA I think the questions for us have been worse pre-2017. Always scrutinized and not sure because our kids are with us or my husband’s passport with his birth in England but has an American passport and has been a U.S. citizen since he was a child. Imagine if things could be as strict at the southern US border?
Flying from the U.S. to Spain in March 2024. Digging all your pointers in your videos. Thank you!
Glad you find them helpful! Have a wonderful time in Spain!
Thanks for another really helpful video.
Please could I suggest a similar one with more emphasis on questions and answers related to travelling for work.
Years ago, I used to work for a London sbusidiary of a large American company and travel from London to the US often. I used to get some tricky questions from the immigration officers.
I remember being asked if I was going to "give instruction or take instruction" when I was actuallyl going to be meeting my boss and colleagues to collaborate on projects.
I also remember being asked for my "credentials" and not knowing what he was actually asking for. It was all a long time ago so I can't remember much detail.
I very seldom have been asked anything from immigration. They usually just look at my passport and if I have anything to declare. Sometimes they will asked if I have a certain amount of cash or not
Thanks Megan for another fantastic video! I’m planning on going to London, England in the fall😀
You're welcome, Janice! Have fun planning that trip!
She has good tips but leaves out how ridiculous it is. I forgot I had two $1 bills in my pocket. The agent made me take them out and asked “what are these for?”. Such a dumb question dumbfounded me and all I could think of was to respond “spending”
Fantastic video! Preparation over panic :)
Yes! Thank you!
Thanks for the tips Megan. Off to Hawaii in a couple of weeks.🙂
You're welcome! Hawaii sound amazing right now! Enjoy!
Oddly, when flying into Canada back in 2021, I was asked upon arrival into Calgary (by Border Control )if I was bringing any valuables or large sums of money into the country, which I found a bit odd. They did ask the usual questions though ,like how long I was staying, and the purpose of the trip, etc. The question about the valuables didn't go any farther than my "No" (they didn't ask anything else relating to that or to search my stuff but this question came across as "strange" I guess). On the return flight home a week later, I was not asked anything other than if I was bringing anything back with me over $600 for tax reasons, which is normal, as I had this same question when I was returning from Switzerland back in 2009).
One of my first trips alone to LA, I was asked why I was going. I answered “To go to a Buffy The Vampire Slayer Convention!” The agent then asked (meanly) “Why are you doing that?!” I remembered not knowing how to answer and was surprised why he was mad about it… I answered with “Because I want to…” he then asked if I was going to selling anything there in a calmer tone (maybe because he saw I was so confused) to which I told him no, I was just attending. Made me never want to tell anyone I was attending a convention again…
Actually that sounds amazing. I wonder if there's video of the event. Going to check.
Some thing I learned at airPort when they ask you : my mom told me when they ask you do you have any thing flammable they mean aerosol cans as I was going to major in fire protection I think I said everything was flammable because basically anything that's not asbestos can burn !
Visited Japan with onward connection in Dubai in 2023,everything went smoothly,even on our return home.
I'm going to the south caribbean on a cruise. A present to myself for having 2 knees replaced.
Excellent video as always but probably one of your best the way I see it!
Myself and my husband only travel for vacation but I swear I always thought customs must think we are some kind of criminals lol I’m so scared going through and my husband goes through like “it’s none of your business attitude” so it makes me feel better knowing it’s normal to be nervous, but they can be scary and a bit mean in my mind!!
Cheers and love from western Canada 🇨🇦
Great to hear you enjoyed the video! Safe travels!
We were once asked if we had any batteries. My wife said no. He then asked if we had a camera or cell phone. Opps. Batteries! I think he was just trying to see how nervous we were or if we were possibly had contraband.
While in Italy, a few years ago, the immigration officer thought he was being cute when I presented him with my passport, and he read aloud, another name, and asked where my passport was. I thought I was going to literally pass out, I thought I might’ve been pickpocketed, and maybe an old passport was subbed for mine. I don’t know I was in full-blown panic. I must’ve looked like I was going to throw up because he then said oh no here it is and I thought “you are such a f*¢kg a$$”. But I knew if I got mad, it would be a huge issue, so I just waited till he got done with his own joke, and gave it back to me. So unprofessional, and I knew it would do me no good to complain to anybody.
There is also the issue of presenting the correct passport at immigration if you hold more than one passport. I still remember a long discussion about me not showing a Polish passport at the Polish-Slovakian border (I showed my Aussie passport). When I left Poland via Warsaw, I was politely told to bring my Polish passport the next time I came to Poland. They also knew that I had a third passport!
Interesting, for my most recent visit to NYC, they looked at my passport, took my photo and I was asked how long my last visit was for. I told the officer and he smiled and said "Welcome to the United States, enjoy your stay" and that was it! I was slightly surprised why they asked how long my pervious visit was for. They must have that data, I guess to check that I knew what it was?
A year earlier, I had my fingerprints taken and was asked other questions like where I was staying, how long for and purpose of visit etc. Oh and how I was funding my trip and how much money I had access to. None of that this time.
I guess as a low risk British person with no criminal record and a history of visiting the USA and causing no issues, I'm a low interest traveller for them.
Hi Megan I’m going to India in October for the second time. Thanks for the super helpful videos.
You're welcome, Thomas! Enjoy your trip!
Once had a customs agent ask if we had anything in the car that could be used as a weapon. So we took a few seconds to think (tire iron, foot long metal flashlight…?). Then he asked why we hesitated in answering. We told him that was an unusual question because practically anything “could” be used as a weapon and we were mentally going over the things we had in the car
Yes, watch out for that in Hong Kong. You could be arrested for carrying a rice cooker! If asked I would say No weapons that I know of. Let them prove it's a lethal rice cooker. However, I am not a lawyer. Jurisdictions vary.
@@user-ov4wr5yu4r folding stool is the supreme weapon
hi to Ollie 😃... rest my friend, you look like you stayed up late last night - and thx for the tips too, Ms Megan 😁
Great video ❤
Thanks for the visit! Happy travels!
My wife always tries to start a conversation with the immigration officials, which is generally not a great idea because they are usually busy and want to move along. On the other hand, it sometimes elicits a very different and friendly response from the official. Overall, it’s probably better to be as concise as possible as you advise.
Often times they will say things to try to make you mad or upset you to see how you react. It happened to me in the UK a few years ago when the grumpy guy asked where we were staying, and I pulled the itinerary out of my pocket and started to answer him then he yelled at me to put it away that I wasn't allowed to have anything in my hands. So I put it away and said i don't have a clue but that piece of paper does. After that he was the nicest guy. He just wanted to see how I reacted.
Heading to Canada. Really like the MPC app
Great! Have a super trip, Carol Ann!
Border control at Canada is very weird if you are driving over from the US. Be prepared with the correct answers!! Telling them that you are going for training (which I was honest) got me a 30 minute lecture about taking jobs away from Canadians and having the right paperwork proving what I was doing. I have worked with Canadians in Arizona! they were taking jobs away from Americans!! this stuff is nuts.
That sounds a little inappropriate of that immigrations officer! Not a nice experience for you! Hope the rest of your visit went well.
As a WA State resident, in the 90s I would go into Canada and pick blueberries to bring home and freeze, as well make an extended weekend of it.
Going back into the US was always rude, as they would intentionally try to get a ride out of you to check your demeanor.
Back in the day I had a ponytail and this officer asked me where I live ( which my drivers license clearly states), and then he made this comment which floored me.
He said,” I hear there are a lot of queers in Bothell”. I looked at his smug face and said,” I have no idea, but you clearly do”.
We locked eyeballs for a slit second and he waived me through.
I have many more stories from traveling abroad. Moral of the story is remain calm and don’t let them get under your skin.
This is very common with Canadian Immigration. I have a friend who teaches workshops all over the world and Canada is the only country where this was considered an "Issue". You have to basically show why only you can give this training and not a Canadian. Very stupid. Do we ask Canadian actors why they are the only one's who can act in US movies?
@@JeffRevell same in Australia
Never had a problem at any destinations but returning to the US Mr. Customs asked if I was traveling alone. After I said yes he wanted to know what I did while I was there. He let me know that visiting with friends at the destination is not traveling alone even if I knew no one of the total 45hrs in the air.
That's insane. The visiting belongs under the purpose of travel question.
@@user-ov4wr5yu4r That's what I thought but I just wanted to move things along.
Once, I was at the airport of La Romana in Dominican Republic and forgot to remove a sugar cane machete (souvenir) in my cabin bag, I passed the security, the machine beeped and the officer took my bag to check it but not for the knife, because of a sea shell I bought as gift, they asked questions about when/where/how I found it, I took nearly 30 minutes of stupid questions about the shell but nothing about the 40cm (15 inches) machete. Finally they seized the shell and let me go. (with the machete), it was in September 11, 2002 or 2003, not sure of the year but 100% of the day.
I can not find the info regarding getting international Wi Fi in your link will you explain more and how to get wifi.? Thanks a lot I love your videos.
Great video. Flight ✈️
Glad you enjoyed it
When you get a visa, you will get less questions or no questions at all. But if you travel to a visa free place, then you will get those questions. Also, customs check your bags and then more questions will come. In Europe or Asia I usually get few questions. But I was never asked anything in US or China so far. If you have bought some valuable products or gifts, then remove packaging so they will look like intended for your personal use. if you keep packaging, it will look that you are going to sell or import or export and they might ask you to pay some duties.
Thanks for this advise my boyfriends brother wanted me to being 3 new iPhones and I was worried about that being a problem.
When adopting from China, it was customary for the families to bring gifts for the orphanage officials. Instead of wrapping them before travel, we were told to bring red gift bags we could put them in once we were there.
Yes mam ... I have learned all your questions by heart and will answer them.
Anything else?
One more thing. Thanks for watching!
Noooooooooo ......... Im your worst critic :) @@PortableProfessional
Watch a few episodes of Border Security on youtube and it will teach you everything especially if you are going to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or England. Lone travelers from countries popular known for drugs will get you flagged, detained, and questioned regardless. They also don't want people with no money traveling. They expect you will be working in their country.
Good stuff
Thanks. Glad you think so!
It was strange when I went to London, I didn't stop at immigration, just went to this machine that read my passport and went on my way. Coming home to Phoenix, I was asked what I brought, and if I was going anywhere else, I told the lady home to bed LOL
Yep. No stamps or anything.
Welcome to India, Megan. As you would obviously know, India is very diverse. While generally the entire nation is one single immigration zone, the language, culture, and local conventions vary a lot all over the country. Generally you need ot deal with immigration only at the port of entry and exit, there are some restricted area for foreign nationals which might require prior permits and additional checks. This is particularly important if you plan to visit Andaman or Lakshadeep islands. it is easy to visit the tourist places in these islands but there might be additional checks for foreign nationals visiting the islands or tribal areas or other restricted places. All the best!
The strangest question I have been asked was "what is the colour of my eyes". I had to stop & think about that for a second. It is not recorded in my passport so nothing to be compared with.
Hi Megan, have a great trip to India. My wife is from Mumbai, so we go back every year to visit relatives and eat the great food. Don't know where you're going exactly but the Delhi, Agra, Jaipur triangle tour is a good place to start. Read one of your subscriber's comments about being especially careful about what you're eating the day before you board your plane leaving India and I couldn't agree more. I know you're an experienced traveler so you'll be careful but even the locals get food poisoning in India. Take care.
Thanks for the tips, Dave!
I'm off to London and Edinburgh next month!
That sounds wonderful! Have a great time!
I have never had to answer any question cming back to the U.S. Not at an airport, but driving into Canada, we had to fill out a form listing everywhere we had ever lived
Well done! I’d like to add that proper phraseology would be “I am traveling on business“. Avoid stating “I am traveling for work” as this can open up a whole line of questioning related to non-resident employment. (Canada has been sensitive regarding Americans on this 😉)
I agree! Thanks for sharing this.
Last year when I went through immigration in Frankfurt on my way to Italy, the only question I was asked was where I was going and what was my reason for traveling. I told the officer I was on vacation, and he sent me through.
Nice! Hope you had a great time in Italy!
15 years ago, immigratiom and airline agents didn't demand to see onward tickets or hotel booking. Had a Scoot Air agent on a Thailand to Singapore require me to show an onward ticket from Singapore. Really strange since many Singapore border crossings are via land or ferry.
For my next trip I don't expect a lot of questions, since it's to Malta and that's in the Shengen area, in which I reside as well. So not too many border hassles for me this time.
Nice! Enjoy your time in Malta!
Immigration services keep information about your past trips. When entering Canada a few years ago with a brand new French passport, the officer mentioned that "I had renewed my passport since my previous trip one year before". I often visit my son who lives in Montreal. I always bring some French cheese. I always mention that I carry dairy products on the entry form. When asked I answer it’s cheese. I never experienced any trouble with being honest about this.
Is it acceptable to keep a summary sheet for myself with any information I might want to consolidate? IE flight details, hotel information? I plan to have print outs of anything I can, but just as a reference for my own purposes.
Today I am off from. YYC-SEA. Hello US pre clearance!
hi Megan. I’m intending to relocate to Thailand very soon. I will be taking quite a bit of cash with me as I will get a slightly better rate if I exchange it there. I also wish to take a few bars of gold to use as insurance in case anything happens to me. If I declare these when going through customs in Thailand, what do you think their response will be?
I generally get the football hooligan questions depending on when I travel.
On my first flight (from US to Bermuda for my 13th birthday in the 70s), we had to fill out some form, the customs or immigration form I think. For Nationality, I proudly wrote “Irish”, as I’m a 2nd generation Irish-American. My dad told me to change it & I’m like why? “Cuz u would need a passport if u came from Ireland, we don’t…..CHANGE IT”. 😂
Great video. I would inform the officer that I need to pull out my phone for my airline ticket or hotel reservation because in many countries, you are not suppose to use your phone while you are at custom, unless you have permission from an officer.
Enjoy India, I spent one month there a few years ago. Loved it.
Thank you , Larry!
We are going to DaNang; that's how I found you! 🤩😍
That's great! Have a wonderful trip!
Hi Megan. Be careful in India, particularly in what you eat the day before getting on the plane to come home!
Thank you! Will do!
Returning to Canada from Europe I was asked where I had been. I said Netherlands, Norway and Iceland. She asked what was my favourite. I said they were all great but I guess Norway. Why? Because I like mountains and it is similar to British Columbia. No problems, I think she was bored and just being friendly.
I've just come back from a trip to Poland.
Also be prepared for some really strange and possibly offensive questions. On entering Canada, in 2020 the agent asked me where I had been. I listed off several countries. When I mentioned Thailand, he went nuts, subtly accusing me of being a pedophile and threatening to search my computer and hard drives! I kept my calm despite my anger. And almost offered to buy a ticket leaving the country as soon as possible but any country that this can happen in intrigues me for professional resources. It was not easy. I’ve gone through imigration process 100’s of times but nothing come close to this. In truth, it’s almost always a smooth process.
Hi Megan! You are helping me a lot. Been binge watching your channel. Thank you so much! I am currently planning a Swiss trip in Sept.
That is great to hear! Thanks!