Customs At Airports: What You Need To Know

Customs and immigration are checkpoints that international travellers must pass through before exiting the airport. Immigration is about the people travelling, while customs is about the goods those people are carrying. Most countries have their own customs and immigration agencies, which are responsible for enforcing their respective laws and regulations. Customs forms are required for travellers arriving by plane and boat, but not for those arriving by land. Officers will scan your passport and customs form, ask you some questions, and then send you on your way.

Customs and immigration checkpoints

Each country will have its own agency that administers the inspection process, and the process may differ slightly depending on the country and airport. However, there are some general steps that are common across most customs and immigration checkpoints.

Firstly, passengers will need to present their travel documents, such as passports, visas, and immunization records, to officials for review. Officials may also ask questions about the nature and purpose of the visit, duration of stay, and accommodation arrangements. Some countries may also require fingerprints and photos.

After clearing immigration, passengers will proceed to the baggage claim area to collect their luggage. It is important to note that even passengers with connecting flights will need to claim their baggage at this stage.

Once baggage has been collected, passengers will then go through the customs area. Customs officials are responsible for controlling the flow of goods, including animals, transports, foods, personal effects, and hazardous items, into and out of a country. Passengers will need to fill out and present a customs declaration form, detailing any goods that may be restricted or prohibited. This includes items such as fresh produce, meats, large quantities of money, and duty-free purchases. Failure to declare restricted items may result in fines or confiscation.

It is important to remain honest and cooperative throughout the customs and immigration process. As long as travellers follow the instructions provided by officials and declare any required items, the process is typically straightforward and efficient.

Customs fees

Each article or item you are carrying may be subject to a specific duty rate, which is determined by factors such as where the article was acquired, where it was made, and what it is made of. For example, goods purchased in duty-free shops are only exempt from taxes in the country in which the shop is located. If you bring those goods into another country, you may be subject to customs duty.

It is important to declare any goods that may be subject to customs duty, as failure to do so can result in penalties. These can include fines or confiscation of the goods. Each country has its own laws and regulations regarding the import and export of goods, so it is essential to review the specific guidelines for the country you are entering.

In the United States, for example, travelers are allowed to bring a limited quantity of alcohol and tobacco products duty-free, but exceeding this quantity will result in a customs duty. The duty rate is typically a percentage of the total purchased value of the goods, and certain countries may have agreements that allow for reduced or waived customs duties.

Customs duty can be paid using various methods, including personal checks, government checks, money orders, traveler's checks, or credit cards. It is important to pay the customs duty before concluding your processing with customs officials.

Prohibited items

Customs at an airport is a checkpoint that international travellers must pass through before leaving the airport. Customs officials will check travellers for their documents, such as passports, visas, and immunization documentation, and ask questions about the nature and duration of their visit. They will also check if travellers are bringing anything illegal with them.

• Meat and meat products, including canned meats, soup mixes, and bouillon cubes.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those that can introduce plant pests or foreign animal diseases.
• Plants, seeds, soil, and products made from plant or animal materials.
• Dairy products, such as cheese containing meat.
• Rice, as it can harbour insects.
• Absinthe, unless it is "thujone free".
• Illegal substances, such as Rohypnol.
• Firearms, certain fruits and vegetables, animal products, and some animals, which are restricted and require special licenses or permits from a federal agency.
• Biological specimens, including bacterial cultures, fungi, and viruses, which may require a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Cultural artifacts and cultural property, such as pre-Columbian sculptures or murals from Central or South American countries, colonial paintings from Peru, or Khmer sculptures from Cambodia.
• Counterfeit items, such as fake designer goods or bootleg DVDs.
• Drug paraphernalia, unless prescribed for authentic medical conditions.
• Gold coins, medals, and bullion originating from or brought from Cuba, Iran, Burma (Myanmar), or Sudan.
• Cats with evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans.
• Dogs without a certificate showing they have been vaccinated against rabies.
• Endangered wildlife species and products made from them, such as ivory, unless it is an antique and at least 100 years old.
• Certain plants, cuttings, seeds, unprocessed plant products, and endangered species, which require import permits and other documents.

Customs declaration forms

For example, the CBP Declaration Form 6059B, used in the United States, asks travellers to provide information about themselves and any agricultural or wildlife products they may be bringing into the country. This form can be completed by an entire family travelling together. Other countries may have different requirements and processes for their customs declaration forms, so it is important to review the specific guidelines for the country of entry.

Once the customs declaration form has been completed, travellers must present it to the customs officials, who may inspect their luggage. If any restricted items are found, travellers may be required to pay duties or fines. Therefore, it is crucial to declare all items as required.

It is important to note that the customs process can vary depending on the country and airport, and each country has its own laws and regulations regarding the import and export of goods. However, the completion of a customs declaration form is generally a standard requirement for all international travellers.

Passport control

Each country will have its own agency that administers the inspection process. In most cases, the immigration process is quick, taking just a few minutes, although lines can get long if many international flights arrive at the same time. To avoid confusion and wasting time, it is important to join the correct line. Most airports will have a line for host country nationals (people with a passport from that country), sometimes a line for citizens of the region (EU, ECOWAS, etc.), and a line for non-immigrant visitors.

During the passport control process, officials will review your required passenger travel documents, such as your passport, visa, green card, disembarkation card (provided by the flight attendant during the flight), immunization documentation, and letters of confirmation or support. They may also ask you questions, such as the nature and length of your visit and where you will be staying. Some countries may also require fingerprints and/or photos.

It is important to note that using your cell phone or camera in the immigration area is not allowed, and cell phone calls are prohibited. It is recommended to avoid using any electronics in this area. Additionally, it is advisable to stay relaxed and honest during the process, following the instructions provided by the officials.

To streamline the entry process into certain countries, eligible travelers can take advantage of the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) application. MPC allows travelers to submit their travel documents, photos, and customs declaration information through a secure app on their smartphone or mobile device. By completing the administrative tasks in advance, MPC reduces inspection time and overall wait times. Eligible travelers include U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with approved ESTA. MPC is currently available at select airports, seaports, and preclearance locations.

Frequently asked questions