When you’re traveling internationally, you’ll have to clear customs, which screens and regulates the items that travelers carry into the country. With the proper preparation, though, you can make sure your customs experience is pain-free.
Learn the rules
What can you bring into the country? What can’t you bring? The specifics will vary by country, but generally, items like fresh produce, plants and meat are either no-gos or reasons for additional screening. Countries like Australia are also known for having very strict customs regulations. Before you pack that ostrich jerky or souvenir piece of dried coral into your bag, read up on the customs regulations for your next destination to avoid a hassle at customs.
Gather your documents
The chances are pretty good that if you’re going to have to go through customs when you land, you’re going to be on a fairly lengthy international flight. Use some of that flight time to prepare all of the necessary documents that customs and immigration will be looking for, including your passport, itinerary and declaration forms. Have all of your documents ready to go before you get in the customs line so you don’t spend half of your time at the counter digging through bags or redoing forms.
Declare, declare, declare
You are required to declare everything you acquired abroad, whether it was a gift, a purchase or even a duty-free item. Not everything is subject to a tax (in fact, some destinations will allow you to shop tax free and get some money back at the airport), but it must be declared. If you have any doubts about whether or not to declare something, err on the safe side and put it on the form. If the customs agent discovers goods that you did not declare, they could be confiscated and you could be slapped with a hefty fine. There’s no punishment, though, for declaring items that turn out to be exempt from declaration.
Ditch the food
– and the plants. Food, produce and plants from other parts of the country could potentially carry pests or pathogens that could destroy the local agriculture. For these reasons, most countries have strict regulations about what types of food and plants are allowed through customs. While your new Thai orchid or box of German strudel may be perfectly fine to take through customs, carrying food or plants can also be a red flag for additional screening. If you’re looking to fly through customs, ditch the food and plants.
Hold your tongue
While it might be tempting to make a joke or smart remark to the customs agent, remember that airport security is no joke. Follow instructions, be polite and refrain from getting mad or defensive, no matter how frustrated you may get with the process. A comment in poor taste could land you in the additional screening line or an interview room, so remain as respectful as possible.
(Main image: Foxtongue)
