Tips for Getting Through Customs and Immigration Easier:

If you know you will have a tight connection when you land in the states, leave the flowers or produce behind. Agriculture inspection sometimes adds up to one hour or more.

Always carry a photocopy of your passport separately from your passport. Many officials will accept it if you misplace it.

Turn your cell phones off. Customs and Immigration are strict on that rule and will confiscate and not return them.

Don’t make wisecracks or jokes to the officials; it only makes you look like you are trying to hide something.

Read your forms carefully, and fill them out as soon as you get them. There is a complete guide to filling out your form and a list of contraband items at the back of your in-flight magazine.

You can register high-value items, such as cameras, laptop computers and watches, with customs agency before you travel. Taking this step will help provide Customs and Border Protection officers with proof of ownership of these items. 

If you are unsure, declare it. The “I didn’t know reply” won’t work. You must declare all items you are bringing back with you from your travels, whether you bought them for yourself, as gifts or for resale.

Bring an envelope or zip-top plastic bag with you for receipt storage. Any time you buy something during your travels, tuck the receipt into your envelope or bag. When the time comes for you to fill out your customs declaration form, you'll have a handy record of your purchases.

Don’t make a scene. If it’s a long wait and your connecting flight is soon, so is everyone else’s and you definitely won’t make your flight if you are sent to secondary screening.

If you are uncomfortable with the opposite sex searching through your luggage, ask for an official of the same sex. Many don’t know that they can make such a request.

Don’t put any fruit in your bag during your vacation. You may have carried around some mangos in a sack a week ago but the persistent aroma will have the fruit dog all over it and you will be delayed in agriculture.

Leave any photos or videos of you and a partner in a compromising position at home. They could be considered pornography and when they are confiscated, they will probably go up on their “wall of shame” in some back office.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100