Going through customs
Going through customs in English
What are customs and immigration?
Crossing international borders usually involves some kind of checkpoint—and since international airports are the first point of entry to a new country, they have checkpoints in them through which travelers must pass before they leave the airport. Collectively, these are typically referred to as customs and immigration.
Upon arriving at the desk of an immigration agent in your destination airport, you’ll likely be asked a variety of questions (in some cases you may not be asked anything at all, but that’s increasingly rare). You may be asked whether your trip is for business or pleasure, how long you’ll be in the country, what you do for a living, and what cities you’ll be visiting during your stay.
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Before gaining entry to the U.S., all passengers must first clear security checkpoints maintained by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Many people feel a little intimidated by the thought of this experience, but it is really simple and straightforward. Follow CBP’s instructions to pass through it without issue. The officers will scan your passport and customs form, ask you some simple questions, then send you on your way.
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Immigration is intimidating.
Even for veteran travelers, the trip through customs and immigration is simultaneously dreary and intimidating. Trudging through cold halls to stand in long, snaking lines that culminate in hard stares and direct questioning by stern people in uniform is a rough way to end a long international flight, and certainly no warm welcome.
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Transit Security vs. Customs
In almost all cases, if your bags are checked through to your final destination and you already have your onward boarding pass, you’ll go through transit security when you land at your connecting airport instead of customs. This is similar to the security check you’d receive before your departing flight (empty your water bottle and put your laptop and phone through the x-ray machine), and when you complete this check you’ll exit into the gate area with all the other departing passengers. Generally speaking, the lines for transit security are much shorter than for actual customs.
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