To pass customs inspection at the airport quickly and without problems, you need to know the rules of conduct during this procedure.
Customs officials working at airports have to inspect a huge number of people every day. Their duty is to quickly determine whether a passenger is an illegal migrant or is carrying something prohibited.
For example, travelers arriving in America must undergo a number of procedures: passport immigration control, inspection by the agricultural export and import control service, customs. If the officials don't like something, you will have to undergo a secondary inspection, and if a prohibited item is found in your luggage, a personal search. Unnecessary and unpleasant procedures during customs inspection can be avoided by following several unwritten rules.
When traveling in transit, calculate your time carefully. Do not take rare fruits and flowers, as their inspection may take quite a long time.
Carry photocopies of all documents (along with originals): passport, driver's license, documents for the car Nissan Qashqai or Toyota. In case of passport loss, customs officials may accept a copy, especially if you also present other documents.
Do not forget to turn off your mobile phone. Failure to comply with this rule is punishable by confiscation.
During the inspection, answer only the questions asked. Do not try to joke or talk about unrelated topics with officials – this may make them think you are trying to hide something.
Fill out the declaration carefully and accurately. The list of prohibited items and detailed instructions for filling out customs documents can be found in special brochures.
If you are unsure about the legality of carrying a particular item, declare it voluntarily. For example, a gilded keychain with the logo «BMW» that you carry on your keys may be a jewelry item that needed to be declared.
Do not try to argue with the staff if the baggage inspection, in your opinion, takes too long. Such a reaction may lead to a repeated or personal search.
You can request that your baggage be inspected by an official of the same gender. In most international airports, this practice is widespread.