Passing through customs

[sport7514]

what is it like when passing throuh customs. What do they usually search? What kinds of questions are asked? How strict are they in checking everything?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

Well they are bound to search you,because it seems that, allready you are worried about it,and they are trained to spot this,So whatever you intend smuggling in or out,i wouldent bother.

[vehelpfulguy]

Normally there are two doors to pass through. One for "Nothing to declare" (green route) and one for "Something to declare" (red route).

If you have nothing to declare then walk through the green door and you are very unlikely to be searched.

I think being stopped and questioned is a VERY rare occurance.

They may only do this if, for example, your luggage is much heavier when coming back than it was when you went out. Or if they suspect you are smuggling something.

If you get stopped you will be asked where you have been and why, what you bought when out there. They will then probably search your bags and look for electrical items brought abroad (Cameras, Laptop etc), or jewelry or drugs.

If you are not planning to smuggle anything then I would not worry, I have flown many times and never been stopped.

[SteveD]

Where will you be travelling to and from?

[waimarie]

If you have to ask those questions you are a lost cause. I agree with NORMANTHEDOG they will see you coming a mile away. But seriously, just remember that to the Customs, there is nothing new under the sun. They have seen it all before so just assume they are going to check everything.

[dzug]

The answers given so far relate to arriving in the UK. Arriving elsewhere can be very different. For eaxmple everyone arriving in the US and many other countries has to fill in a customs form. Mostly the official will glance at the form, collect it in and send you on your way, but you will always see him/her. Here if you go through the green channel you won't see anyone most of the time.

There's also a blue channel for EU arrivals

[sport7514]

i will be passing through u.s. customs. the only reason i am concerned is because i have medical supplies i need to take with me and i want to make sure there wont be a problem.

[Trotbot]

If you have genuine prescription medicines get a note from your Doctor explaining what they are and why you need them. If they are alternative (i.e. illegal) medical supplies then it would be most unwise to risk taking them as sniffer dogs are often used and random searches take place. In addition, the US carries out security checks on inbound flights to monitor the performance of the checkers at the departure airport. Anything they find will result in Customs being called.

[AshleighD]

OMG!! You sound dodgy like you're trying to traffic drugs! They check everything and no you won't get away with it...enjoy your time in prison...if you're not already there !!!!