Aviation

1. CUSTOM &
IMMIGRATION
PROCEDURE FOR
PASSENGERS
AIRPORT MANAGEMENT

2. Whenyouenteradifferent
countryfromwhichyourflight
departedyouwillhavetogo
throughtheImmigration
process.
Eachcountrywillhaveitsown
agencythatadministersthis
inspectionprocess.
Theimmigrationprocessonly
takesafewminutes,though
linestotakeyourturncanget
longifmanyinternational
flightsarrivearoundthesame
time.
UPON ARRIVAL
 Upon arrival, go through the immigration and passport control
area of the airport.
 Passengers are split into multiple lines. There is generally a line for
host country nationals (people with a passport from that country),
sometimes a line for citizens of the region (EU, SAARC, etc), and
non-immigrant visitors. Be sure to enter the correct line to avoid
confusion and wasting your time.
 When going through immigration in a country in which you are not
a host-country national, you will likely go through the non-
immigrant visitor line.
 Do NOT use your cell phone (put it on silent mode) or cameras in
the immigration area. Cell phone calls are not allowed in this area
and could be subject to confiscation. It is a good practice to avoid
using any electronics in the immigration and inspection area.
 Stay relaxed. As long as you are honest and pay attention to
instructions, there will be nothing to worry about.

3. REVIEW OF TRAVEL
DOCUMENTS
Officials will review your
required passenger travel
documents (passport, visa,
green card, disembarkation
card (provided by a flight
attendant during flight),
immunization
documentation, letters of
confirmation or support,
etc.)
QUESTIONS
 Officials will likely ask you questions (as deemed necessary by the
process or official).
 What is the nature of your visit? How long are you staying? Where
will you be staying?
 Some countries require fingerprints and/or photos of every
individual entering the country. Officials will take fingerprints or
photos if required.
 An official will stamp your passport once you are approved and
granted admission.
 Officials can specify your period of authorized stay in case of non-
immigrant visitors (this will depend on visa rules/tourist stay
policies).

4. SECOND
LEVEL
INSPECTION
 Some passengers might be selected for a second level of
inspection.
 Second-level inspections could be conducted in the same queue
(line) or in a separate room to aid in a conversation and to keep the
queues moving for other passengers.
 The timeframe of these inspections can vary greatly.
 Passengers that are part of second-level inspections could be
granted regular admission into the country once the inspection is
complete.
 If incorrect or inadequate documentation is provided, passengers
can be denied approval to enter the country.
 Passengers are sent back to their original location on the next
available flight.
 Reasons for 2nd level inspection could include random checks and
questions or issues with documentation.

5. WHATTO EXPECT
IN
CUSTOMPROCESS
Afterclearingimmigrationand
collectingyourbaggage,you
willneedtoproceedthrough
thecustomsareabeforebeing
allowedtoexittheairport.
Customsistheauthorityinthe
respectivecountryyouenter
thatisresponsiblefor
controllingtheflowofgoods,
includinganimals,transports,
foods,personaleffects,and
hazardous items,intoandout
ofacountry.
 Just as each country has an agency that facilitates the Immigration
Process, the country you enter will have its own laws and
regulations regarding the import and export of goods into and out
of a country.
 It is the responsibility of the respective customs agency to enforce
these policies.
 Many countries are strict about the transfer of soil/sand/dirt from
one country to another—it is important to avoid introducing non-
native organisms.
 Certain countries will have strict rules around this transfer and
may ask questions or require you to clean shoes, close, personal
effects before clearing customs.
 For the vast majority of passengers clearing the customs process
only takes a few minutes.
 Some countries have goods that are restricted or forbidden to be
exported and/or imported. Learn more about customs exports and
imports.

6. CUSTOMSDECLARATION
FORM
Whileonyourflight,yourflight
attendant willdistributea
CustomsDeclarationForm.
Mostformsaskthepointofexit
andentryofyourflight,your
flightnumber,whatgoodsyou
maybebringingintothe
country(formsmightlist
prohibiteditemsforthe
respectivecountry).
1. Complete the Customs Declaration form while on the flight.
2. Ask your flight attendant or traveling companions questions as
needed.
3. Declare any goods you have with you that might have
restrictions, and/or goods you purchased in-country when
returning to your home country.
4. Present your declaration form to a customs official.
5. Custom officials may or may not inspect your luggage. If they
do check your bags and find restricted items, you may be asked
to pay duty and/or fines.This is why it is critical to declare items
as asked and required.
Each country and airport will have varying processes and
requirements for customs and rules around the declaration of items.
Review the specific country and airport of entry for specific customs
guidelines.