Customs officers

[SeatBackForward]

As a youngster backpacking, caught the train from Malaysia into Thailand. The customs officer was too busy taking that he didn't stamp my passport but only the paperwork. Needles to say I had a tough time flying out of BKK explaining that I was leaving, not entering..

 

[get me outta here]

Similar thing a few years ago, I didn't notice that I didn't get a stamp going into CDG. When flying out of a regional Fr airport to hop across the Channel, I had no explanation. In the end the customs office just tutted with his mates and let me through.

As a youngster backpacking, caught the train from Malaysia into Thailand. The customs officer was too busy taking that he didn't stamp my passport but only the paperwork. Needles to say I had a tough time flying out of BKK explaining that I was leaving, not entering..

 

[SeatBackForward]

Similar thing a few years ago, I didn't notice that I didn't get a stamp going into CDG. When flying out of a regional Fr airport to hop across the Channel, I had no explanation. In the end the customs office just tutted with his mates and let me through.

I tried to explain that I was already here, and in the departures area leaving Thailand. But once taken aside to that room guarded by the men with shiny semi-automatics.. I was ready to stay if they insisted.

 

[Denali]

I recall many many many years ago, my first solo OS trip, a SF agent standing on this desk and screaming at the masses about not having the correct form completed. I'll admit, I filled out both cards and I had a 12mth visa in my passport so hoped I had it covered.

Most recent concern was Japan of all places. Our passports got lots of attention and Im assuming it was from the multiple PNG, China, Indonesia visas.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I recall many many many years ago, my first solo OS trip, a SF agent standing on this desk and screaming at the masses about not having the correct form completed. I'll admit, I filled out both cards and I had a 12mth visa in my passport so hoped I had it covered.

Most recent concern was Japan of all places. Our passports got lots of attention and Im assuming it was from the multiple PNG, China, Indonesia visas.

Was this your first visit to Japan in a while? If so, just about all passports get a good going over, and they usually do a short bag inspection.

Subsequent visits are usually straight-through.

 

[OATEK]

A couple of years back MrsOATEK failed to retain the small white entry slip from customs at HKG, and was subjected to a lecture on departure, but we were not held up at all.

I always get a grilling at LHR, travelling on my AUS passport alongside MrsOATEK on her British one. We always ask where the queues start whether we should go together or separate, and the immigration staff always point us to the Euro/UK channel. But lots of questions for me when I reach the customs officer: what am I here for, how long staying, how much cash etc. But always allowed through in the end.

Came through LGW not so long ago and they made us both go to the aliens channel, where they had one officer on - needless to say a long wait ensued. And similar questions to when I go through LHR.

Everywhere else in Europe they have seemed very friendly and perfunctory, and I have always felt reasonably welcome as opposed to tolerated by the UK officials.

 

[Pushka]

Not Immigration but Customs. In Adelaide SA. Family travelling with an adult son and teenager back from Bali. Younger son was asked to stand back while the three of us were read our rights by 3 customs people. They then proceeded to search our luggage. They knew exactly what they were looking for and found *IT* immediately.

Not a bb gun. Not fireworks. Not even wood.

*IT* was a paper bag full of the pellets created when lifesaver sweets are made - the 'hole' in them. Purchased from Adelaide Market but the kids hadn't eaten them. Their drug bust fell flat.

 

[UP4014]

I always find the US officers to be pleasent, thorough and speedy regardless of location.

I did enter Mexico once at a land boarder without there even being a customs officer at the entry point, it was just straight in after looking around to see if I was in the right place; there was a gate house and 10' high turnstyle but all empty. That was back in the 90's so would think it's changed by now. On my return the same day the US customs guy simply asked when I crossed to Mexico and the purpose of visit and turned through everypage in my passport and wished me good day.

I've only ever entred via Sydney and find them a bit arrogant and love giving orders on whuch line to be in.

 

[get me outta here]

About 2 years ago entering SYD, a big officious guy up the back was absolutely yelling aggressively at the arrivees (is that a word?), to stand at the back counter and fill out their forms. Most people rather bravely I thought, understandable the non English speakers, ignored him and proceeded to line up. I, as often happens arriving back in SYD was embarrassed by the general ground staff's rudeness.

... I've only ever entred via Sydney and find them a bit arrogant and love giving orders on whuch line to be in.

 

[Mattg]

Italy my passport has been stamped without the officer even looking at me.

I had exactly the same experience in Italy!

 

[SeatBackForward]

Ever been through immigration/customs in India? The signage for elderly/families/crew are suggestions only...

 

[Foreigner]

Had to fork out us$200 once on arrival in Jakarta. That was paid to the immigration.

 

[TomVexille]

Worst immigration officers I've come across, Canada

Best Customs officers, Canada.

 

[Warks]

I'm surprised about Canada. I've visited a dozen times and don't even remember customs at all so it couldn't have been too bad.


My fun experience came in my early 20s (looong time ago now) crossing by land from Kenya to Uganda. Kenya had a rule you couldn't take currency out. I'd had some cash left over ($25?) and wasn't going to throw it away so I hid it in my luggage - very well hidden I thought at the time. I didn't expect more than a cursory search but the Kenyan officer was very keen and went through absolutely everything. He got to my metal water bottle (canteen) which had a cover and tried removing the cover. My heart sank as that's where the money was... he couldn't get it off so I took it from him and managed to remove it with a quick flourish I flipped the money to the ground and stood on it. I'm not sure if he saw it or not, he was very calm about it if he did. I somehow managed to get the money up and into my pocket and he came to the end of his search. Then he asked me "do you have any currency?" so I pulled the 'wad' out of my pocket and he said something like "do you need it all?" so I gave him about $10 which he gratefully accepted.

I did learn a lesson that day.

 

[Pushka]

Aussies will need evisas from next year for entry to Canada. Just sayin.

 

[Himeno]

Aussies will need evisas from next year for entry to Canada. Just sayin.

Everyone does. They are creating a system based of the US VWP.

 

[Pushka]

Everyone does. They are creating a system based of the US VWP.

Sure. But I'm betting everyone doesnt know about it. I checked last month as we are going to Canada next year and the info wasn't there.

 

[jastel]

Used to have Right of Abode in UK but in an Aussie passport...whatever line I (EU/Others) got in I was always told I was in the wrong one.
I had stapled into the passport a little piece of paper sent by UK officials saying I could use either line so always referred them to that.
Most said "Never seen that before..."

Easier now with 2 passports...just be sure to give them the right one.

 

[Ausbt]

In Canada, 'working' there also includes if you are doing the job that a Canadian could do .. notwithstanding that you are employed by an Australian entity and are not paid in, or by, Canada.

Understood. I don't think my company is going to target the Canadian market - the competition there is very well established. My own experience of Canadian border control is similar to others here: they are a bit harsh. As far as the UK goes, our lawyers came up with a mad list of do's and don'ts for border security, seemed way over the top.

The Mad RAbbott was going to allow our Oz children-over-Boarder Force to have guns, wasn't he? I think he should get some flags for them as well. I think a lining the customs hall with lots of flags would be a good look and leave no one in any doubt we take this stuff real serious.

 

[TomVexille]

I'm surprised about Canada. I've visited a dozen times and don't even remember customs at all so it couldn't have been too bad.

The Customs guys who searched my car were some of the nicest and most pleasant laid back people I've come across. It was the massive W at the immigration desk who really didn't want to let us into the country.

I have landed at MAN before and tried to declare my rugby boots (soil). But there wasn't anyone to declare to :shock:

I ended up wandering out the exit while looking for a Customs official.