Tip # 7 Immigration and Customs

When flying internationally, you will have to go through immigration and customs before leaving the airport (both in the country you are traveling to and upon your return to your home country).

While in flight, you will be given an immigration form. Fill this out before the plane lands in the country of your destination. You will need your passport, flight information and hotel information to fill the form out completely. Tuck this into your passport once completed.

Have your passport readily available (in your money belt is the safest place) you get into line for immigration. Typically immigration officers are not the smiley welcoming type. They are just there to get people moved through in an efficient manner.

Once yo pass through immigration (and you may be asked to show your airline ticket stub), you will be able to pick up your luggage at baggage claim (most airports have a digital sign board that will direct you to the correct baggage claim). Once you have collected your luggage you will follow signs to customs. Chances are you will go to the line that has nothing to declare- the green line. You will hand them your customs declaration form (some countries do not require this, but the USA definitely does!) or simply walk past the officer. If they need to do a check on you, stay calm, it is routine. Remain pleasant. They will sort through your bags and then send you off.

Once you have passed through customs you will then be in the main portion of the airport. And more likely than not begin to be asked if you need transportation by a slew of eager people.

next blog-what do to when asked if you need a taxi......