Travel Smart: Getting Through Customs Faster

You have planned your trip down to the smallest detail- don't forget planning on the time you will spend getting through customs. Of course, there is no way to avoid going through that line, but there are tips to speeding up the process. It should be a given, but I am going to say it anyway: Remember that custom officials are simply doing their job. They are not being vindictive or mean to you in particular. They are doing what they must do for the safety of everybody around you- and if they are less than happy, oh well, get over it. They are not part of the ambiance you know.

Keep in mind that the rules governing what you can and cannot bring back into the country changes frequently, so be sure that you check with airline officials as soon before your departure as possible. Do not rely on vendors in the country that you are visiting, however. Of course they are going to tell you that it is perfectly legal to bring that item into the country, they want to make a sale after all. If you know that you will be connecting from one flight to another with only a small window between the two, consider shipping things that you simply must have directly from where you are buying them. Questionable items can add an hour or more to your time spent in the customs area, so be aware and have a back up travel plan in case you miss your connecting flight.

Try to have photocopies of your passport and other identification in a place separate from the original. If you lose your original, customs will usually accept the photocopy without a problem. If you are traveling with a companion, consider letting one of you hold the originals, and the other holding the copies for safety.

Cell phones are a really big no-no while in line for customs, so turn them off. Officials will confiscate it if you are caught using your phone; it will not be returned to you.

Fill out all forms quickly and clearly as soon as you get them. Read the instructions clearly and be completely honest.

Read through the list of contraband items carefully. If there are any questions remaining about whether you should declare something or not, then do so. It is better to declare something that does not need to be, than to not declare something and find yourself selected for even further screening.

Keep in mind that the smell of some fruits, vegetables and other items can linger on your clothing or in your bag even after they are gone. I can smell where a banana has been a week after it has been eaten, so imagine what those highly trained dogs can do. If you have had those items in your bag on top of your unwashed clothing, say so right up front- and assure officials that you do not have any more of them left. They will of course physically confirm this, but it will at least explain why the dog alerted in the first place.

Remain calm and on your best behavior in line even if the wait seems overly long. Cracking jokes and winking at the officials will make them suspicious of you, as will pacing and becoming loud. Just remain as patient as possible and pray that the line moves a little quicker.

Getting through customs faster is mostly a matter of common sense and common courtesy. Try to remember that the officials are simply people trying to earn a living the same as you, and that they are charged with maintaining public safety. For that fact alone we should thank them, just don't try to do it with a basket of contraband fruits.