What Happens at Passport Control?

Are you flying abroad and not sure what to expect at customs or passport control? Well here we go through a typical experience flying to or from Europe and the United States. It doesn't matter what airline you are flying with the basic things that happen are the same. From the long lines to passport control questions and more. Helpful for first time travelers.
What happens at passport control when I fly into a new country?
Filmed in York, England
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[@ContraryMary]

One time when I went to Amsterdam, I was surprised when he asked me why I came to Amsterdam. I said, "To smoke pot." He laughed and told me to have a good time.

[@flyingtube9985]

No, you never said that… you’re just trying to attract attention by telling a fake anecdote

[@touchmoss]

@@flyingtube9985 lighten up!

[@aceboy897]

@@flyingtube9985 LOL

[@flughafentxl]

I'd just like to point out that passport control and customs are not the same thing. When you arrive in a country, you firstly go through passport control (often alternatively known as immigration). This control is checking the ID and the legitimacy of the PERSON's right to cross the border. Customs control comes later after you have collected your baggage but before you have entered the landside section of the terminal. This control is checking that your BELONGINGS (clothes, food, drink, cigarettes, etc) have a legitimate right to cross the border.

[@Originalman144]

Exactly. Great point. I'm surprised Mark didn't make this delineation since it is literally two different sections.

[@jakolu]

Generally is the case. In most countries done by different agencies. In some countries (e.g. US and Canada) a single agency does both - there still may be separate inspections, usually before and after claiming bags, but not always - e.g. newer terminals or international arrivals facilities at US airports are starting to have passport control and customs handled after claiming bags - idea is you only need to speak to an officer once.

[@donnang6152]

Thank you for that clarification! No one has explained this in the many videos I’ve watched. It’s immensely helpful.

[@wl03bu]

That may be the case in Europe. In North America we use the term "customs" to mean border control in general.

[@sherrymcmahan6260]

The most helpful comment! Have been trying to figure out the difference as a first time international traveler

[@brucesmith9144]

Always bring supporting documentation like confirmation of where you are staying. That will help immeasurably. Second, don’t bring food items as that may delay your processing at customs. If you have hard currency, you may need to declare it (depending on the local limit) or risk it being seized. Better to use ATMs at your final destination. Agree Wolters, just relax.

[@woltersworld]

Yes!! No fruit or meat ever

[@brucesmith9144]

@@woltersworld exactly! Like the woman who brought her Subway sandwich through Oz customs. That was an expensive sandwich.

[@Cindypisces]

That’s strange I never bring food but when I go to Europe like I did last year I had euros on me..about 200 or so and they never asked me. My time with customs was pretty quick. i’d rather go with euros than take any money out at a bank in Europe or even at an ATM at the airport.

[@brucesmith9144]

@@Cindypisces that is a pretty small amount, but some people may carry thousands in hard currency and that may cause problems. You have to declare it if it goes over the limit that particular country stipulates or risk having it confiscated. The US has a $10,000 declaration limit, for example.

[@PickledHam]

@@woltersworld Coming to US customs from sweden I had a jar of caviare. They said I couldn't have any fish, meat or fruit. I said it wasn't fish it was Roe. They made a quick phone call then decided to let me take it thru. However, coming from Cozumel, Mexico to Nashville, TN customs confiscated a bottle of hot sauce. Not a big loss.

[@banzerabonzera7145]

As an Iraqi passport holder, living in South Africa that often travels for work, I am so jealous. I wish going through passport control was that simple for me :) I've been kept for hours by US immigration and searched "randomly". When I go to Germany, they need to know everything that has happened in my life for the past 15 years. It takes hours. Each time I go abroad, I have to have my full itinerary with hotels booked for each day, otherwise they will reject me. I once got rejected from the Netherlands because I only had €1500 in cash in my hand. I showed my debit and credit cards that had enough money but they didn't accept it. It is quite unfair, if I had a more powerful citizenship, all I'd need to show is a card and a bank account. Even so, I've travelled many times (for work, it is almost impossible for an Iraqi to ever get a student visa). Visited the US, Canada, Aus, Sri Lanka, India, Jordan, Egypt, UAE, Bahrain, many Southern and Eastern African countries and many European countries.

[@Stache987]

It's worse to have your currency seized When I went to England my voucher showing my hotel was prepaid was sufficient, this was in the early days of internet and it was the standard travel agency issue carbon paper ticket

[@woltersworld]

That sucks. Sorry my friend

[@banzerabonzera7145]

@@woltersworld No worries, I am used to it by now :). Honestly, I have an easier time than other Iraqi's as I am a South African Permanent Resident. At least I can enter different countries. Many Iraqis are simply rejected at the border even if they have valid visas. Anyways, I love your videos so so much. Especially your videos about American small towns and mid size cities. I've been to the US twice but both times I didn't leave NYC. I feel like I am experiencing that beautiful country through your videos. I love how informative yet entertaining they are

[@banzerabonzera7145]

@@Stache987 For those of us with weak passports, we need to show funds in hard cash (mainly for the EU). I've never been asked about cash in the US, Aus or Canada

[@LondonsPointOfView1]

Passport privilege is very real. I'm a born UK citizen (to foreign parents) and the stories that I've been told by foreigners (from non EU/US) countries about their experience at passport control sounded horrific. Reading your comment also reminds me of the privilege that I have & sometimes take for granted. Have you ever tried applying for foreign citizen in a country that was higher on the passport Index? It's sad that this still happens.. Whenever I travel to another country, I am usually more concerned about my stay in the country rather than whether I will be allowed entry or not. Which says a lot.

[@francoisbouchard9488]

Returning from Paris to US last fall, had my permanent resident card and passport ready, and the passport control officer just pointed a camera at me and said, welcome home Mr. xxxx. No checking of any documents at all! Pretty cool.

[@derronstravels21]

Very Helpful! There's nothing better than coming home from abroad and U.S. customs simply saying, "welcome home."

[@Notagoodidea2112]

Also, don't get flustered if the Customs Officer doesn't smile or seems grumpy. He can't smile at everyone. Just do what they say, and answer what they ask. Great video Mark.

[@solutionsforabrightfuture3579]

UK costumes officers behave vastly different the the US ones

[@esmereldapinchon1422]

@@solutionsforabrightfuture3579 I got hassled at Heathrow. My real name is Irish though so…lol.

[@Notagoodidea2112]

Been through US Customs from Canada a number of times, don't expect a conversation.

[@NewYorkCraigs]

Thank you so much for this video! I struggle with panic disorder and get very easily overwhelmed, so the more information I have ahead of a situation- the less stressful it is for me. Planning our first trip out of the country currently, so I'm trying to absorb as much as I can.

[@elliethegreat9]

I am in the same boat right now!! Yes, very relieved for this resource 😌

[@queerstudbroalex]

Never went through customs, this is very helpful for me in the future! Thanks.

[@esmereldapinchon1422]

Thank you so much, Marc. This is super helpful. I thought I was the only one who got nervous going through. Germany was interesting. I flew there from a country in the Middle East. When we got off the plane, they checked passports. They waived me and some Brits through. There was another passport check before getting to the gate for the connecting flight. It’s always good to be ready with paperwork. So glad the Covid restrictions seem to be going away because those requirements seem to be different wherever you went.

[@Scambush]

@woltersworlds Reported your sorry ass.

[@user-mh7sb9gk9n]

Thank you! This is extremely helpful for anxious people like me.

[@m.scotty7199]

Thank you for this! I'm traveling to Scotland next week and this is our first time going out of the country, this information was great 👍

[@johndornoff]

Thanks Mark for the very timely video as I am taking my first international air flight at the end of March, then in June taking my wife and daughter on their first international flight.

[@christophervarela4645]

As a US born citizen, our customs system is horrible and frustrating. Every time i’ve returned to the states, it feels like an interrogation. Every answer I give them is always responded with a why. “What was the purpose for your trip to _____?” “Vacation” “Why?” “Because why not?”

[@noemimatias3729]

Great video 👍🏼 thanks for the info.

[@PickledHam]

I from Tennessee and have traveled to 13 countries in the last few years just for vacations. My worst experience is returning thru customs back to the USA. They wanna know every little detail about my trip. Full disclaimer, I am single male traveler with only a backpack. I usually enter one country and fly out of another maybe 3 weeks later. While visiting Europe I take taxis, ferries, trains, easyJets to get to other countries. Absolutely, No problems thru customs except one time for the lack of space for customs to stamp it. They placed stickers on the last page for some reason. In sweden I actually walked out the door to the Taxi area realized I missed customs. Walked back into secure area backwards and had to beg Swedish customs to look at my passport. Pretty lax. in Split, Croatia (by far best country to visit) walked off the easyJet onto the tar mack into a small building (my house is bigger) put my luggage on the scanner, showed my passport, 30 seconds later I was getting into a shuttle bus for the beach. Germany; Austria; Nice, France all customs was easy peasy and super quick. I plan on visiting more eastern european countries after this russian war is over. well maybe.

[@kyleroy1630]

Oh i agree about coming back into the united states. My wife is from peru when we travel around south america to other countries we never have a problem. I loathe coming back through customs, especially new york city. I refuse to fly back to the states going into new york, i will go to dallas instead. You get treated humanely going through dallas, NYC they are horrible

[@LeedsInAHat]

When I travelled to Aus, I was given a yellow form to fill in, like you mentioned. I checked it over and queued to give it to an airport staff member who was collecting them. The guy said “you’ve not filled this in.” I thought “I’ve been travelling for 26 hours. Please don’t send me back now.” That’s the point at which he revealed the form was double sided! Thankfully he said to just stand at the next desk along and complete it, didn’t make me queue again, and let me through to have a great time with my 3 year old Aussie nephew! So if you’re told to fill in a form, see if there’s anything on the back!

[@samjones4327]

Thank you very much for taking the edge and anxiety off of having to face this process! I feel like you have to know everything about this process to make it go smoothly. But it's folks like you, who are well travelled that help us out tremendously. I'm planning a trip to London and Paris and all of your videos are just amazingly helpful and educating. Thanks a lot. Be well, be safe and Cheers!

[@lateshiftsailor]

Thank you sir, you’re a star! I work at passport control, we appreciate well prepared passengers. The worst (worse than the rude and unfriendly, we’re battle hardened and used to it lol) are actually the people with the huge question mark on their face, standing around, not sure whether to approach you to ask something, or if we’re gonna arrest them for simply existing. We are just like bouncers, unless you know you’re a “wanted dead or alive” you have nothing to be scared of. Just be yourself and know that we appreciate you as a human, otherwise no one in their right mind would choose that job: you’ve got to love people and the stories they tell (even though we’re time pressed lol). Safe and happy travels to everyone ❤️

[@Manateelover25]

Thats awesome! Making my forst trip to the Uk soon. Im nervous, but never shy and always friendly!

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

Great answer to the question. Helps out

[@donaldhughes6146]

Global Entry is by far the best benefit when coming back to the USA. There have been countless times when I skipped hour-plus long lines just for having it.

[@amyslaughter395]

Just wanted to say thank you for making this video and helping tell us all process.

[@woltersworld]

Glad to help out Amy

[@addiejacobs]

Thank you for this video, very helpful with my anxiety.

[@woltersworld]

Glad to help

[@johnlyons1330]

In 2019, I was entering the UK (as a US passport holder), passport control was a small gate. It had me put my passport on a scanner, told me to look at a camera, and the gate opened. Never came face-to-face with a human. Amazingly quick. Similar process when I got off a cruise ship in San Diego returning from Mexico this past January.

[@PeterApps]

You're lucky. I try to use those damned machines and have never succeeded.

[@AKarid-mh9mi]

Just wondering but once you land in the UK from the US do they search your bag again or do they just ask basic questions and let you leave?

[@johnlyons1330]

@@AKarid-mh9mi Didn't search me. But they might if they feel they need to.

[@starlsma2000]

exactly same, it took me like 5 secs

[@grtlyblesd]

Same, but in 2022. I was bummed I didn’t get my passport stamped. But there was literally NO line, so that works for me.

[@jcaam8094]

Only thing I have been asked returning to the US is if I'm bringing any food, nothing else.

[@brettparnell8254]

When I first saw that title my mind went to "As someone who has visited China, Israel, USA and Russia, as well as the EU and many Caribbean countries, anything could happen at passport control depending on your destination.

[@tobiojo6469]

Awesome video

[@jessica25864]

I usually print everything out and put it in a white envelope just in case customs asks, I'd rather be prepared even if they don't end up asking. I have proof, backup. And I usually will take a picture of my passport in case is stolen or I lose it during my travels.

[@offthebeatenpathadventures1348]

This is great to know

[@eatportchops]

One time flying into Rome form Tunisia they didn't even look at our passports. Just waved us thought.

[@wncjan]

The best question I ever had in Immigration in Dulles. The officer asked me where I going I told him North Carolina. Next question. What are you doing there? My reply was vacation. And then the brilliant question: Why on earth do you want to taie your vacation in Noryh Carolina? For some reason they ask that question when I fly into Charlotte. 😉

[@esmereldapinchon1422]

Great video.

[@ussybakas2021]

Finally thx bro

[@jessicaely2521]

If you have a newborn and are traveling get them to cry to the point they don't stop. This happened to me when I was traveling from Switzerland to US to visit family. My daughter was 6 weeks old and the line was horribly long. She started to cry and I couldn't get her to stop. One of the agents standing around watching people in line asked for all of our passports. The lady told us to follow her. The next thing we know we are standing at baggage claim. Another time my daughter was 4 and she had enough of traveling. This was during Covid so things were extra slow. A border agent standing around lifted the rope and told us that we were next in line. Other people tried to do this, but she wouldn't allow them.

[@christinewatson5205]

Customs into Ireland was super quick for me on my trip in 2021. It was pretty much the very basic, "Where are you from, why are you here, how long will you be staying?" questions. I spent maybe 15 minutes in the line (it was an early arrival into Dublin, not many flights had landed yet), 2 minutes at the gate, got my passport stamped and began my desperate search for a cup of tea to wake up with. My only minor regret was I didn't use one of the bathrooms before customs check. I was worried about rushing to get my suitcase (which I could only do after customs, and even then I was done with that before the bags started coming out), so I made a beeline to immigration. I wasn't doing the potty dance yet, but it was getting close. Now that travel is back open I'm sure the lines are longer and if you needed to go on the plane, by the time you get through the customs clearance your back teeth might be floating.

[@tobiojo6469]

I went through passport control when my mom and I went to London last summer and it’s very easy and timeless.

[@DamarisArredondo9]

Ooh really? How was it?

[@Notimp0rtant523]

Danke schon Herr Wolter! I am preparing to purchase a passport and use it for the first time in my life when I travel to Germany over the summer. This video has been quite reassuring and comforting - everything is simply a process, and we just have to go through it. Thank you again! EDIT: never mind, I just found your ETIAS video!

[@whooooaa1]

You shouldn't have any worries in Germany. I just got back in Sept from Berlin. Got off the plane, went to passport check, waited about 10 mins for my turn, got up to the agent and he took my passport and looked and said have a great time and that was it. I did hear a few agents every now and then just ask someone how long they planned on being there and where they were going, but nothing else. Now, leaving was a different story from Berlin. Got there 2 hours before and glad we did. Waited in line just to go through security for over an hour. Then had to stop at the customs, and wait in line again. All they did was look at the passport. Then go through that and then another security check just for everyone on our plane only. This one was more detailed. They asked if anyone gave me anything and if I packed my stuff myself, then sent me on to board. But this agent would take random people and make them do a detailed security check....meaning taking out all their belongs and doing a long search through all their stuff. I wasn't sure if all these people would make it on the plane. I assume they did. But, geez, coming in was no big deal, but seemed they didn't want to leave. Then we went through customs in US when landed and all he asked was where we went and if I had anything to declare. That was pretty quick, but only for US citizens coming back in the US. There was another line for all others and it was LONG.

[@realhawaii5o]

Funniest customs I've had at an airport was in Kutaisi in Georgia where they only get like 6 flights per day. Customs was so fast. Airport was super new but super empty.

[@natashabrown675]

Thank you for making this video. I am traveling for the first time and was wondering how customs works.

[@laurah.9926]

Great video! It's important to note that each country may have a slightly different way of doing customs, but the basic process is the same. The key is taking a deep breath so that you can try to relax because if you seem nervous, the agents see it as a red flag, and then your luggage will really be searched with a fine-toothed comb. Basically, the customs agent just wants to verify the information on your declaration form, and if necessary, they may look in your luggage; be prepared to open your luggage if asked. Just be calm, respectful, honest, and cooperative, and you'll be fine.

[@dwalker6868]

Thank you

[@thegrumpydragon7601]

I was entering Lisbon for US Hours I was in line Guy looked at me And just stamped my stuff Heading back to US from Lisbon It was like a interview before even getting on the plane. Canada long line

[@AlexYurchak]

It's been my experience that if I have a connecting flight I also have to go through the TSA equivalent.

[@carlfromtheoc1788]

Use the toilet before you get in line for passport control and Customs, as sometimes it can take some time. Also, as there are likely to be ahead of you, you can observe what others are doing.

[@Stinder]

US Customs preclearance is pretty cool too. They have it at most major Canadian airports plus the a few in the Caribbean, Ireland and even Abu Dhabi. Its makes flying to the US pretty easy.

[@aaronhurst4379]

Despite being a reasonably frequent traveller, I got nervous when questioned by DHS when upon landing in San Francisco a few months back (my first time going to the US), to the point where when the guy asked if I had any cash on me I almost told him how much I had in my bank account 🤦‍♂

[@woltersworld]

It happens. The tike when he asked me about economics I almost went blank and then gave a thesis level explanation of supply and demand and the invisible hand. Guy was like... "OK, move along" but I was a bit freaked out

[@thekid9989]

Canadian long haul flatbed driver, I get asked a lot about how it is for us crossing the border. Truthfully, we have two things on top of our passport we need. ACE/ACI and entry numbers. The ACE/ACI is created by the trucking company and is linked to a special portal. The entry number is created by the government through a customs broker. The entry number is put on the ACE/ACI and that is what you hand along with your passport to border control. That’s really is it for 80% of loads that cross the border.

[@luisdeleon9137]

Many times you fill in advances the custom form electronically and when you approach the custom agent basically is compare your answers with the information you already fill it. Help to speed the custom process.

[@renferal5290]

I am thankful that I have never had any issues with customs

[@timberwolfe1645]

You just made this MORE confusing. I thought you JUST need your passport. lodging for 1st night? Heck if I know!

[@ÞorkellSigvaldason]

A few years ago I landed at Newark with a group of fellow International Relations students. One of the customs guys was apparently bored at work and decided to have some fun with us. About half of us were in the line to that particular guy and we all got weird or unusual questions. When my turn came I hand over my passport, he does his thing and then looks up and asks me "Are you the head of the crime syndicate?" I got quite flummoxed and didn't have an answer for him before he laughed, stamped my passport and sent me on my way.

[@yaowsers77]

That's hilarious!

[@ItsGroundhogDay]

The close connections thing was the only problem I thought of because it is not a quick process. If you miss a flight, you can overcome it eventually, but you may end up waiting around all day/night until you can get another flight.

[@woltersworld]

Yep

[@b.w.9244]

Just came back from St Kitts thru Miami. Avoid Miami! Took all of 2.5hrs for all that...and TONS of walking (with a bad knee). They were loading Zone 5 when we got to our connecting gate to Cinci. I recommend 3 hours time for a layover for a connection if coming back in from abroad. Especially if you want to by something to eat.

[@atheistweirdo]

Will say this: on my first trip to Europe I landed in Paris to go to Germany, and only had like a 30-40 layover. I got fortunate and got thru customs in about 5 minutes or less.

[@itsnotme07]

Nailed it again Mark! I flew into Ireland back in 2008 for work. It was a 6 am landing and the Customs Officer just asked me why I was there, where I was staying and how long? 5 minutes and I had my 90 day stamp and off to catch my ride. Another trip into Canada with a friend....we were standing in line together chatting when our turn came up, I was ahead of her, so I walked over, she then followed 2 minutes later (after getting her license out (pre-passport needed)) and when she came over, the Customs Officer was VERY annoyed. Asked if we were married (nope) or of we were dating (nope) and "rudely" sent her back to the line. We had a good laugh together after.

[@akpanekpo6025]

Just to add, based solely on my experience: - that at certain airports (e.g., Toronto Pearson), you might not get to meet an actual officer, because it's mostly automated, which means confirming your identity and submitting your customs declaration at a Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK) or eGate. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but I suspect there's someone monitoring your every movement and/or your passport info on a screen; - that at Canadian airports, you should expect a great deal of gratuitous rudeness if you interact with officers; - that at UK and most Continental European airports, you should expect unfailing politeness; - that at any airport, you can expect yourself and/or your luggage to be searched if the officers have reasons to suspect the stated purpose of your visit, or for various other reasons, including your itinerary, flight connections or even nationality. I haven't visited the US since the late 80s, but I understand they're worse than their Canadian cousins in terms of rudeness, though I must add that during my visits, they were neither overly rude nor polite.

[@hansoolee4077]

Last year in 2022 went thru us customs at jfk terminal 1 lines are like a maze there

[@b.w.9244]

When coming back into the USA, if you picked up souvenir booze at the duty free, put it from your carry on into checked luggage when you pick it up at that step, before going thru TSA for the connecting flight. We had to figure that out on the fly. Maybe this is well known...but wasnt for me.

[@markusriedl1796]

Very interested.

[@markusriedl1796]

What information do you need to get the price and how should I submit it to remain discreet.

[@yaowsers77]

In Milan, it was such a long line...oy. but I think all they did was stamp my book. Oh, there was this older Italian guy traveling with an American kid (parent? Grandparent?). He apparently got sick of waiting on line, left the kid to go to a different self check line, and the poor kid was in tears! He didn't know where the guy went and didn't speak Italian. Everyone around the kid including us were Americans so we were trying to reassure him. The guy finally came back for the kid, but there were a couple of security guys waiting for him too. Have patience and just wait in line. It's gotta end some time!

[@rogeralford1285]

Excellent video as always! Question: Have you ever been through customs where they didn’t speak English? When we went to Italy a few years ago and I was just starting to learn Italian, I practiced every question I could think of. Totally unnecessary, which was quite the relief

[@danrobrish3664]

I have dealt with border crossing formalities in Spanish when in Central America and South America. But I'm not certain that they didn't speak English. It could be that they did speak English, but decided to stick with Spanish because I was speaking it adequately.

[@roachtoasties]

Not always simple. I can tell you one time when I entered Vancouver BC flying from L.A., even though I've done this many times, there was something the passport officer got suspicious about me. I ended up going through secondary screening and they looked through EVERY SINGLE ITEM in my luggage and left me with a ton of stuff to repack in my luggage. After hanging around for nearly two hours and being asked a ton of personal questions, they let me in. They'll never tell why they did this. Once leaving Shanghai back to L.A., they searched through my luggage on the way out. A person there looked through my luggage with gloves, and even handled my dirty underwear. I'm unsure what they were looking for, but after about 10 minutes searching, they let me through. Chances are passport control will just wave you through, but be prepared for the worst.

[@koenven7012]

In some countries you also have to pay for a Visa on arrival. Egypt and Indonesia are the only two I've visited that have this, but there are probably more. It's in essence a tourist tax as I've never heard of anybody being rejected at that stage (as long as you pay). This paper is given to you or already put in your passport and then you go to immigration. They will stamp the passport page with that paper on it (and it will most likely be stamped with an exit date when you leave). You can't pay this with card (at least not in the countries I've visited), so have cash on hand. they will accept local currency, but also dollars, Euro and maybe a few others, although the exchange rate might not be to your advantage here. They want to have money coming in, so they're not really all that fussy about what it looks like as long as it's local or hard currency (some might actually prefer hard currency). Always check what this will cost. In Indonesia it's done by the government and it's all fairly easy, but in Egypt I know there's people at the arrival gate that will offer you help with getting it. Don't do that, as they will charge you extra for it. Go to the official counter and do it yourself.

[@KMSPromotions]

You should make a new video about the UK changes coming next year. Starting next year, visitors to the U.K. will need to fill out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) form online

[@mats7492]

At least in the US it gets better the more often you visit.. Ive been to the US about 10 times now and they barely ask me anything now.. Just fingerprints and the photo and im through.. Usually less than 5 min. Just know what you wanna do and now your flights.. then youre mostly good

[@Alex-ve8uq]

I never worried about passport control until my nightmare at Frankfurt airport, they pulled me aside and practically strip searched me and searched all my stuff 💀

[@hansoolee4077]

At jfk airport if you arrive at terminals 1 or 4, the customs hall gets kind of packed.

[@georgiancrossroads]

Lightest weight customs I've ever experienced? Where I live now, The Republic of Georgia. (No you don't need a passport to visit Atlanta.)

[@georgefoord7087]

In Costa Rica, you need the hotels address otherwise its a lot of bother. My friend didn't have an address and nearly got deported.

[@atomic32205489]

I think the biggest thing to know is that EVERY country does things a little differently. But they all have the same basic purpose and that is to defend their country against bad elements.

[@dave928]

took the ferry from Helsinki, Finland to Saint Petersburg, Russia. an hour in line and 20 minutes being grilled by security who spoke only russian (most of the ferry passengers are Finnish and speak russian), and i speak only english. she finally just sighed, stamped my passport and let me in.

[@cjedgerly]

In spring of 1999, my wife and I were travelling back to Boston from Paris. When going through passport control at CDG, I had hers and she had mine. The French agent didn't even give it a second look and just stamped our books (with no ink) and let us pass. 🤣🤣🤣

[@bottlecapbrony366]

If you are flying to a country for tourism, they probably will only ask you like 4 or 5 questions at the max. I also never had to wait in line for more than 15 minutes. The only time I ever had to fill out a detailed form was at Baghdad airport to get the tourist visa for Iraq, and even then it only took 45 minutes of wait time for them to process my visa.

[@yvettewolf3872]

Heathrow was a three hour wait at customs at 8A.M. BST.

[@woltersworld]

Ouch

[@woltersworld]

I walked right through 2 weeks ago.

[@newsnowadirondacksredux360]

Be calm and honest.

[@woltersworld]

Yep

[@lilbatz]

Had a 13 hour flight into Kansai (way back when it was used for international flights). By that point I was beyond caring what happened, especially with a ton of prescription medications I brought. I flew through Passport/customs. My friend unwound because he was worried about "doing the right thing". Got pulled out, all his stuff rifled through, and questioned for 30 mins, while they tried to reach his Japanese cousin. The powers that be though he was smuggling drugs. LMAO. Neither of us spoke a ton of Japanese. Good times.

[@StamfordBridge]

And it’s good to be pleasant and have a smile, but don’t go so far as to make jokes. Never joke about anything security related, of course, but don’t even joke in general - they won’t be a receptive audience as they have a serious task to do.

[@laurah.9926]

@@woltersworld it's true. I remember when our family was about to fly home from Cancun in the summer of 1997, my mom was telling us about U.S. customs. She told the story of how one traveler was so nervous, customs took the heels off their shoes! Be calm and respectful....never give the impression that you don't want them to look. Great tips...I remember how scared I was to go to Cancun because I had never ever been through customs before and didn't understand; your video would have really helped.

[@SkipMDMan]

The weirdest thing that ever happened to me was when I was bringing over an 18 year old friend from Amsterdam to spend the summer with me. The people in Amsterdam strip searched him before they let him get on the plane. They told him it was to make sure he wasn't accidentally bringing along any of the drugs you could legally buy in Amsterdam that were illegal in the US. I could tell that my luggage had been "rearranged" a couple of times when I picked the bag up but it never led to any issues.

[@sharonpapkin8574]

I was in Munich last month it takes me like 30 minutes to exit for My sban train But in summer time much more

[@DanOCan]

Always pay attention to who they asked the question to and let that person answer directly, don't answer on someone's behalf. If doing a land crossing, take off your hats and sunglasses so they can see you as you look in your passport photo. Roll down the back window on the car, especially if you have tinted windows and/or someone in the backseat. When asked a question, provide a truthful answer but never volunteer more information than what has been asked. And, for God's sake, have your documentation ready. You've been in a line for a long time, you should not have to fumble for documents when you get to the window.

[@MagnificentGermanywithDarion]

Great job Mark. I have seen some nervous people over the years at the German Passport Contol. To see the relief on the faces of such folks when they realize that it is no big deal is sometimes hilarious lol. :)

[@Brunette_Rapunzel]

What happens is that you get super nervous and wonder if you've packed anything illegal in your bag (when you know you haven't) while waiting in a usually long line :)

[@georgefoord7087]

Just make sure you follow the countries rules and you will be ok

[@BaggieT]

US border officers I have found the most intimidating.

[@josephsnearline2022]

On one trip to the UK, the border officer flipped through my passport and quipped, “I see you rather like our country.” On my first trip to Australia, I made it through passport control and customs only to be approached in the arrivals hall by an officer who repeated some of the same questions I’d already been asked. It was pretty laid back for a secondary screening. Eventually, he was satisfied that I wasn’t an axe murderer and wished me well. I then found out that the ABC television network was filming their border protection reality show that day. On my first and only trip to Russia, I learned the hard way that you don’t throw away your customs form if you have nothing to declare. I found myself sheepishly apologizing to the customs officer when I was asked for it on departure. I’m thankful they allowed me to complete a new one instead of detaining me.

[@robanddana79]

Nice work and so true. I am just wondering what they see when they scan my passport?

[@ContraryMary]

Man, watch your purse, pockets, and belongings while in line. Twice I've had or watched some shady characters try to do their thing. Don't let anyone get uncomfortably close to you.

[@AS-oz6ep]

Maybe I was just incredibly lucky.. but arriving at VIE in October 2021, I was able to pretty much walk right up to an officer. A couple of questions, and I was through.. no more than 5 minutes.

[@nathanjw940]

The toughest situation I have had was staying with a couchsurfer. Me meeting and staying with someone I met through an app didn't give them warm feelings.

[@PickledHam]

That would not give me the warm fuzzys either. I'd rather meet with a stranger in person after I get there than meetup on an app.

[@nathanjw940]

@@PickledHam done it many times and great experiences not really different than an Airbnb but border agents get suspicious

[@chubbymoth5810]

Sharing the couch may be a bit much.

[@nathanjw940]

@@chubbymoth5810 I have had 🛏️ it just depends

[@kimmontenegro2258]

Just wanted to add that if you are a parent or grandparent traveling with children, they may ask more intensive stuff or for proof of permission to travel with the children from the other parent. Lots of precautions are taken when in some countries more than others because of parental kidnapping and/or trafficking.

[@sdwill66]

A couple of things - Some airports now use eGates which scan your passport's biometric data and then scans your face. When it works it's quick and easy. If there are issues don't panic. I've travelled extensively, usually problem free. However, going in and out of the Netherlands I've been called over by the officials at the eGates. They said it was to verify my identity as I had a common name. Maybe they were looking for someone in particular. It was just a minor delay and I knew I wasn't guilty of anything.

[@martensjd]

Also, international travel largely benefits the countries involved, so they're motivated to let most people pass. Follow Mark's advice to be one of the "most people".

[@mikesmigielski7273]

Thanks for the video! I feel like this topic could be a 10 or 20 minute video! For connection times in the US, I would say at least 3 hours; I did an Amsterdam connection in 90 minutes but LAX I almost missed my connection with 3 hours. And for Americans, your surname is your last name (I think the video clip you showed got it wrong) and your nationality is not German or Italian (as Americans usually refer to themselves) but American. Customs and Immigrations for each country each have little nuances, e.g. Iceland, buy your booze before leaving customs, that are worth noting!

[@Scorpiosue1102]

I was nervous going on my first transatlantic after 17 years. Follow the signs, wait, & easier than I remembered. Passport Control coming back to the US: What did you bring back with you? Me coming back from Rome: T-shirts & Italian cookies. (Had four kinds of cookies.🥰)

[@short1961]

I went to Lisbon in 2022. There was three lines. One was for EU members, one for electronic, and finally one for all others. I went to the long line for other. I should’ve went to the almost empty electronic line. If you are from the US (me) and you got your passport since I think 2009 your passport has a chip in it and you can go on the electronic line.

[@woltersworld]

Yep. Just walk right through in that one

[@cobracommander8133]

I was in Lisbon 2022 as well, saw the same three lines and went through the same one you did. Had no idea about the electronic eswipe line.

[@juliewalsh7401]

Hey, I’ve been loving your videos! You might already have answered this question, but…. We are flying from the US to Dublin with a connection in Heathrow. American then connecting flight aer lingus. Do we have to go through passport control and customs or can we just get to our connecting flight? No checked bags, and 1.5 hour connection. Thanks for any info! Btw definitely have chip passports

[@seprishere]

In some cases, passport control (not customs) is automated, e.g. entering the UK for people from wealthy countries. I had it the other way on the Eurostar in 2021, where they sent me into the express automated queue after bag checking, I think to get rid of me (it was an overly long queue).

[@tuvia4082]

Also: If you need a visa, you'd better have proof of it, either stamped in your passport, proof of an e-visa, and or proof of a VOA (visa on arrival). Also also, if you're traveling to Israel and you have recent stamps for various other Middle Eastern countries (i.e., Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, and a few others) be very prepared to answer a whole host of questions. Never argue with an immigration or customs agent. To get a visa some countries require a valid 6 months on your passport (expiration) some don't. Always best to know.

[@makeamericakateagain]

As an American passport holder, I have yet to encounter any issues in any countries that I’ve visited. It helps to be friendly.

[@hesseldv57]

It also helps that the american passport is the most unintresting passport to ask any questions to because americans love their country so much that there isnt any doubt they will stay anywhere illegally

[@jennyhammond9261]

Maybe Walter will know my unrelated question: I'm going from St. Louis to Israel. My first layover is in Washington DC, but I arrive to DC at one airport and leave out of the other to get to my next layover in Madrid. Do you think I'm supposed to pick up my bag or do you think they'll transfer my bag to the 2nd airport in DC? For anyone else reading this, be careful! This was the first time booking a flight where my layover was arriving at one airport but leaving from another. My options were Washington DC and New York. I chose DC because I found very clear info that I can easily get from one airport to the other on the metro. In NY, I wasn't finding a clear answer and it was going to be at least an hour commute...therefore making the travel day even longer to make sure I have plenty of time to make it to the other airport. Just take your time when booking because I almost didn't notice this!!!

[@SurajJadhav93]

must pick up the bags, they dont transfer bags to other airports.

[@jennyhammond9261]

@@SurajJadhav93 thanks!

[@liamculham8486]

I recently went on holiday to Finland (I’m from London). On the way back, there was an extra border check to get to my gate. The woman took my passport, looked at the picture and said “your photo is very light”, well I am pale and I had white hair at the time. Of course it’s light 😂

[@kokok3052]

I was travelling to Europe from Australia on a new passport, I flew into London and as I was able to just scan my passport at the customs gates, no stamp was placed in my passport I then got the Eurostar to Paris and the Customs officer was looking at my passport confused and had this look on his face to say, how did you get here, I explained the situation and we had a little laugh about it and that was it 🤷‍♀️

[@hesseldv57]

They stamp you at the eurostar. London is a part of britain and they arent a part of the shengen area. They probally stamped you when you got in through paris

[@hesseldv57]

@@Mr_Nobody99. where are you coming from? Or are you already in the schengen area without a stamp?

[@hesseldv57]

@@Mr_Nobody99. if you're coming from iraq with a uk passport you will get stamped when you enter the schengen area. Which country are you headed to?

[@SunnyvaleGamingJAY]

First 30seconds is definitely me. I fly for a wedding 3night stay. I plan to take 1000 dollars. But I'm so nervous that they might think I have to much🤦‍♂️