Getting through customs and immigration while traveling abroad can often seem overwhelming, especially if you’re traveling to a place far away or a place where English isn’t the primary language. The good thing is, like most things, if you prepare ahead of time you can help ensure the process carries on as efficiently as possible. Preparing for an international flight isn’t challenging in the least bit, but it does take effort by the traveler well before and during an international flight. Not all international airports’ immigration and customs security are set up the same way, but if you follow these standard guidelines, you’ll be prepared for any airport.
You should start preparing for your international flight well before the day of takeoff. Once you’ve booked a flight into an international airport, you should take the time to look at your arrival airport’s map. Plan what you will do from the moment you land until you’re in some mode of transportation headed to your first destination in that city (your hotel, for instance). You won’t have an idea of your actual arrival gate until maybe a day or two before your flight takes off, but you can still determine a path from the gate area to the ground transportation area. Making a mental note will help ensure a smooth travel experience (reviewing the map the day of your flight also isn’t a bad idea).
Another way you can expedite your travel process through an international airport before the day of your flight is by determining if any visas will be needed to enter the country you’re traveling to. If so, purchase them ahead of time—if possible. That will not only keep you away from surprises but also keep you on schedule and on budget.
You should also determine where you plan to leave your car while you are traveling internationally before the day of your flight. Many airports have long-term parking options with significantly cheaper daily rates. Also, there are often third-party parking services around large airports with other rate options and affordable car services (such as Uber) that can help you avoid parking all together. Be sure to check your departure airport’s parking map to help you make those decisions.
On the day of your flight, several hours beforehand, there are a few things you should do. First, check the status of your flights. I know it sounds so simple, but there’s no need to start the process at the airport on a bad foot if you could have been warned about it before you left your house. Second, be sure to check in online for your flights within 24 hours of takeoff. That will ensure you have a seat on your flight and could make arriving at the airport for departure a lot smoother. Third, be sure to place all necessary documents, such as your passports and proof of visa purchase/money for visa) in a place that is easily accessible. That will not only ensure that you have these things before you arrive at the airport but also make finding them easy so you aren’t the reason the line is moving slowly. Fourth, before you leave your house, make sure you have packed all of your stuff in appropriate-sized suitcases that follow the guidelines for all of your flights. Also be sure the weight of your suitcases (both carry-on and checked bags) follows the advertised guidelines. International airlines are usually much stricter about the dimensions and weight of your suitcases. Also, their dimensions are usually smaller than those of American airlines, so do not just assume it will be OK. Standing in a line just to be told your luggage doesn’t meet requirements would be stressful for any passenger. Try avoiding it all together.
As your pilot begins the initial descent into your international destination, you should do a few last things in preparation for landing. Make sure you have filled out all appropriate paperwork and custom forms. You only need one per family, so if you’re traveling with friends or a significant other who is not a spouse, you’ll each need one. You’ll be asked to fill out personal information such as your family name (i.e., your last name), your given name (i.e., your first name), your mother’s maiden name, your nationality, your sex, your birthday, your country of residence and your country of origin (where you were born). You will also be asked for your flight information: passport number, airline and flight number and your foreign address. (Note: your foreign address is where you’re lodging, such as a resort or friend’s house. The immigration agents are not extremely strict on this answer, so if you don’t have the exact address it’s OK. But you will need the name of your hotel or a neighborhood. Immigration agents recognize that while on vacation travelers move around, but only your first stop is needed for the form.) While on the flight, pull out all passports and any pre-paid visa information or money for your visa. If you are traveling with any merchandise you plan to sell or anything worth of $10,000, be sure that it is easily accessible in case border control asks to see it. Also, be sure to use the restroom aboard the flight because often there are long lines and very few stalls, and you wouldn’t want to hold yourself up.
Once you’ve landed at your international airport and gotten off the plane, follow signs that say “immigration” and make your way to the foreigner line. Then, simply present all documents to the agent and be prepared to answer questions from your customs forms. The agents usually can speak enough English to make the process painless. But, remember that these people are not tourism representatives. They aren’t there to welcome you to the country with smiles and bubbly personalities. They’re there for one reason—to ensure that anyone who isn’t supposed to be in the country doesn’t enter. You’ll wait for the agent to stamp your passport or issue one electronically, go to have your carry-on luggage scanned and finally go to baggage claim if necessary. Once you’re done, you’ll exit to your previously
arranged transportation.
Megan Pinckney (@shadesofpinck) is a retired beauty queen turned lifestyle blogger who loves exploring the world and writing about it.