You have been planning this trip for months. You have just got off the plane, and you are waiting in a massive zig-zag line of people waiting to get through Passport Control.
You aren’t getting out of the airport anytime soon.
Listen, I’ve been there – impatiently waiting in line, wishing that I had something to do while waiting or that I was a citizen so I could go in the shorter line. After waiting at so many borders, I have learned some valuable tips for dealing with Passport Control. Here is what I have learned while crossing international borders at the airport.
First, a quick rundown on some terms:
In general, all countries have some sort of Border Agency that regulate the flow of people and goods between countries.
Border Security and Immigration are terms that can be used interchangeably to describe the entire process of crossing the border whether by plane, train, boat, foot, or car.
Passport Control is where you stand in line so the agents can cross reference their information with your passport/Arrival Card. This portion is for the regulation of people crossing borders.
Customs is in reference to the regulation of goods across borders, which include souvenirs, agriculture, or drugs.
An Arrival Card is a form that you will fill out with travel information not included on your passport or travel visa. Depending on where you are visiting, the form will ask for the duration of your stay, where you will be staying, goods to declare, or even your occupation. It is typically offered by flight attendants prior to deboarding your plane. Different countries will name their forms differently, so do not be surprised to see Customs Declaration Card, Disembarkation Card, Landing card, or Incoming Passenger Card at the top of the form. These forms are mandatory, and are either per person or per family.
Now that you have some new vocabulary, here are some of my tips of making your border crossing as simple as possible.
When You Are In the Plane
Always Travel with a Pen
You know that feeling when you forget your phone at home? That is the same feeling you will get when you realize you don’t have a pen to fill out your Arrival Card. Sure, you will survive without having a pen of your own, but having your own pen instead of asking around would make life just that much easier. I can guarantee that when you are traveling via plane internationally, you will need to use a pen. So save yourself the hassle, and bring a black or blue ink pen with you.
Use the Restroom 60-30 Minutes Before You Land
Speaking of hassles, make sure you use the restroom before you land! The pilots will typically turn on the seatbelt sign 30-40 minutes before landing (they will also give you a 10 minute warning prior).
Planes land throughout the day, and often at the same time. So the line for Passport Control will fluctuate depending on the traffic coming in. Using the restroom while in the plane can mean saving an extra 30 min in the airport. Be proactive and go before you land.
“Do I Need to Fill This Out?”
Unsure if you are supposed to fill out a mysterious form when a flight attendant offers you one? Go ahead and fill out anyways, or ask the flight attendant if the form applies to your situation. Doesn’t hurt to have things filled out!
Have Your Completed Documents Handy Before You Land
Instead of fumbling in line to fill out your Arrival Card with your information, have all your information filled out and placed with your passport while on the plane. That way, all you have to worry about is getting off the plane and into the Passport Control line. Also make sure to fill out the forms as accurately as possible and be prepared to answer questions about your answers.
Didn’t complete the Arrival Card in all capital letters like the instructions say? I wouldn’t sweat it too much, as long as the information is legible you shouldn’t have a problem most of the time. Honestly, who has time to check your spelling at the border?
While you are standing in line
Assume that Passport Control Will Take an Hour
One of the most deflating situations is to run off of your plane to start your adventure, and then finding yourself in a long line for Passport Control. In some rare cases you may find yourself only waiting 10-20 min at a smaller airport, but for bigger airports you can expect a longer wait. Make sure to plan your arrival schedule accordingly to account for the big lines.
At minimum you will be going through two Passport Controls on your journey- one into a foreign country and one into your home country. Getting back into your own country tends to mean lesser lines, so at least you have that to look forward to!
To Run or Not to Run
If you know there will be a long line, do you push past everyone to get through Passport Control first? Not if you want to be “that guy”. I can be pretty competitive, so I understand wanting to get through the line the quickest. Just know that there will always be planes that land before you do, and there is a good chance you will end up in a line already filled with 3-4 flights that landed right before yours did. So find your inner peace, grab your bags, and know that you and your fellow passengers will all get through Passport Control eventually… That being said, a brisk walk never hurt no one!
Listen to Your Body
It can seem like a small thing when all you are doing is standing in line. If you are hot, take off your jacket and backpack. If you are hungry, eat a little something. If you need to use the restroom, do it. Worst thing that can happen is for you to have a mishap right before crossing the border. Trust me, I know because I managed to faint while answering Passport Control questions. Let’s just say that I didn’t listen to my body one time and I ended up in a UK hospital. So please, take care of yourself while standing in line. It is an easy thing to overlook.
When You Finally Get to the Border Agent
Be Accurate and Concise
Honest answers that give concrete facts will satisfy agents. Start giving unclear or vague answers, and you may find yourself standing at the podium a bit longer. If all your paperwork is in order, you should be out of Passport Control within minutes of arriving at the podium.
Oh, and a bit of politeness goes a long way. Those agents go through hundreds of people a day, so make it easier on them and yourself, and be nice.
Your First International Experience Happens at the Border
Crossing borders at the airport shouldn’t be complicated or confusing. Most of all, it shouldn’t be frustrating. Understanding a little bit about the terminology and knowing what to expect will have you prepared for when you step off of the plane.
And if there is anything you take away from reading this – Be accurate, and always carry a pen!
If you are unsure or want to learn more about border crossing policies for the country you are visiting, I suggest going to their government’s website which will (usually) have the most up to date information.
