5 Strategies to Help You Fly Through Customs
When you’ve just spent hours on an international flight and your exciting vacation is just outside the terminal–or you’re winding down from a trip and ready to be home–a long delay at customs is the last thing you want. While customs agents need to do their jobs thoroughly to make sure everyone’s following the law, there are still ways to speed things along. Read on for five tips to get through customs quicker.
What is customs?
Customs is a government agency that monitors goods, people, and animals coming into and leaving each country. You can find customs agents at international entries, such as airports and train stations, enforcing laws related to trade, immigration, and national security. These agents check travelers’ passports and visas before permitting entry into the country and help ensure illegal goods, such as contraband and counterfeit products, don’t cross the border.
When going through customs, you’ll need to declare items like large quantities of cash, any goods you’ve purchased, and any plants or animals you’re carrying (since these may endanger the country’s ecological welfare). Some items, such as alcohol or tobacco, may require you to pay tax–called duty–to the agents.
5 ways to get through customs faster
Whether you’re embarking on an exciting vacation or returning from one, follow these tips to breeze through customs and reach your destination safely.
Apply for trusted traveler programs
Trusted traveler programs, such as Global Entry through the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection, enable frequent international travelers to bypass long customs lines and minimize interactions with agents. To enroll, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete a background check and in-person interview. Once approved, you can use a self-service kiosk to verify your identity and process any claim forms needed.
While Global Entry only applies to customs in the U.S., several countries have reciprocal programs that provide similar conveniences, especially if you’re already approved for Global Entry. For example, Canada’s NEXUS program allows expedited travel for low-risk individuals across the U.S.-Canada border, the UK Registered Traveller Service simplifies entry for visitors to the United Kingdom, and South Korea’s Smart Entry Service provides fast-track entry for Global Entry members when visiting South Korea.
Don’t carry prohibited items
Carrying restricted items is a surefire way to get held up in customs, so familiarize yourself with the customs regulations of both your departure and destination countries before you fly. Besides illegal or dangerous items, such as drugs or weapons, customs may also have restrictions on certain foods or plants. For instance, fresh fruits and meats are commonly restricted because they may introduce pests or diseases. Bringing restricted items through customs can result in delays and additional screening, fines, or confiscation of the items.
Fortunately, many countries post lists of prohibited items online, so you can review them ahead of time and be prepared. Leave forbidden items behind, and list relevant items on a customs declaration form. These include:
- Purchased goods, such as clothing, jewelry, and electronics
- Currency exceeding a specific amount (for example, $10,000 in the U.S.)
- Food and agricultural products
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Medications
By following each country’s customs guidelines, you can save time and reduce stress on your trip.
Keep receipts
If you have to declare purchased items at customs, having your receipts ready helps agents process you quicker and may save you money. Receipts prove the value of your purchases, and duties are based on these costs. Without receipts, officers may have to estimate the value of your goods, potentially leading to higher duty charges and delays if any disputes arise.
Many countries allow individuals to bring certain amounts of goods through customs without paying duty. For instance, the European Union has a duty-free allowance of €430 for air travelers. Keeping receipts during your trip can help you track spending so you don’t exceed the allowance.
Receipts can also protect you in case of disputes, such as proving ownership of an item if questioned by customs or for travel insurance claims if your belongings are lost or damaged. Consider organizing receipts in a travel folder or scanning them to your phone for easy access.
Have your documents ready
Customs officers need to verify your identity, travel purpose, and any items you’re bringing into or out of the country. You can make their job easier by having your essential documents, such as your passport, boarding pass, and any necessary visas, organized and accessible. Traveling for specific reasons, such as for work or study, may require additional visas, so check your destination country’s requirements when planning your trip.
Be friendly and direct
Customs officers process hundreds of travelers each day, many of whom are impatient, short-tempered, or suspicious. Being polite and cooperative—smiling and using a respectful tone—gives agents a positive impression of you and helps them do their job with less hassle. Nervous behaviors, such as fidgeting or avoiding eye contact, can appear suspicious and slow your trip if you’re flagged for additional screening.
Giving direct answers to questions can also help you get through customs faster. For instance, “I’m traveling for leisure” is usually a sufficient answer when asked the purpose of your trip. If they ask if you have anything to declare, state simply, “Yes, I have a bottle of wine and some souvenirs,” or whatever the case may be. Being concise in your answers avoids giving unnecessary details that might cause confusion or invite further scrutiny.