What are some ways to minimize the time spent in customs?
Every time I've gone through customs, it has been a relatively quick and friendly series of basic questions and credential verification. However, I have heard people complain about delays due to problems with their paperwork or having their luggage searched (I am assuming that they had nothing to hide).
What can international travelers do to expedite going through customs?
Best Answer
Some general tips regardless of the border you are crossing:
- in places with multiple individual lines, when choosing which line to join, don't just look at the length. A line of 30 people who form ten families will go quicker than a line of 30 individuals. With experience, you may be able to spot the person who will have a longer conversation with the officer, and avoid their line.
- do not lie. Ever, even about something tiny. They can tell. It may not result in charges or fines, just in getting searched, which is a delay.
- be consistent. If you are here on vacation to see your sister, why are you wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase? If you're here for a wedding, why do you have a hiking backpack with a sleeping bag etc attached to it? If you don't look the part of what you've written on the form, they'll investigate. Again, not saying they will fine you or refuse you, but they'll investigate.
- don't be too slick. Answer what you're asked, and try not to have prepared sentences ready. If they think you've rehearsed a cover story, ... well, you know.
- declare everything. Most stuff is allowed in. I write clues on the form. For example on my most recent trip I checked yes to food and wrote WINE, CANDY next to it. I learned this after seeing what they do when you check yes and they ask you about it.
- when you're coming home, you're right that they have to let you in no matter what. But it doesn't have to be fast. So all of this still applies coming home.
For the sake of those behind you let me add: be prepared. Have your form filled out, your passport in your hand, and so on. This can all go nice and quick if we all do the right thing. When you're held up, everyone behind you is held up too.
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How can I get through customs quicker?
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Officials at customs and immigration are checking travelers for things like whether they have the right documents to be in the country, whether they're legally allowed to be there, and whether they're bringing anything illegal with them.How long does it take to go through customs?
Clearing customs and immigration can take five minutes or several hours, depending on your airport, the time of day, the month you travel and many other factors.4 Tips to Improve Leadership Skills | Brian Tracy
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Answer 2
If you are traveling between Canada and the US, get a NEXUS card. Eliminates the lineup and (almost always) the conversation with a human. There's a very small fee ($50? $100?) and about a half a day out of your life for the interview, and you will gain the time back on your first trip.
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