International travel can leave modern-day adventurers with positive memories and increased knowledge of their world. Along the way, many pick up souvenirs, gifts, and other items that remind them of their favorite destinations. Regardless of what travelers bring home or choose to leave behind, everyone still has to answer to customs officers upon arrival into their destination country.
Customs & Border Protection. IPL/CBP INFO Center. 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., MS: 1345. Washington, DC 20229. If you would like to email us, you may click on 'Email us your Question' located on the right side of the page. We will attempt to respond to you within 72 hours. Home >> Travel >> Trusted Traveler Programs >> Global Entry >> International Arrangements >> United Kingdom Lapse in Federal Funding Impact on CBP Website Operations Notice NOTICE: Due to the lapse in federal funding, this website will not be actively managed.
British Border Control
No traveler enjoys clearing customs: In addition to filling out the standard form on the incoming aircraft or vessel, travelers may be asked to recall everything they picked up and packed on their travel. In the United States, the pass-through customs is often followed by passing immediately through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint.
When prepared for and done correctly, passing through customs can be a relatively quick and easy process. Here are five common questions every traveler should always plan on being asked by a customs officer upon arrival.
In nearly every situation, this is often the first question travelers will be asked by a customs officer. This is often the first of the most common customs question because the purpose of a trip could change the type of visa required for entering the country, or subject travelers to different regulations.
As a matter of best practice, always be honest with customs officials about the purpose of a trip. A dishonest answer could result in detention or even expulsion from a foreign country. To be safe, be sure to look up visa requirements before your arrival to ensure a smooth transition at customs.
This common customs question has less to do with a traveler's vacation plans, and everything to do with national security. Customs and border protection officers often ask about the length of stay to assess if travelers qualify to enter the country, and if the visa they are holding is appropriate for their stay. While some countries allow for a 90-day stay with an on-arrival visa, others require travelers to apply for their visa well in advance.
Depending on the planned length of visit, savvy travelers should be prepared to explain the length of their visit. Short-term stays of less than a week and long-term visits of more than a month usually receive a follow-up from the customs officer about their activities during their visit. Smart travelers should always prepare to answer truthfully about their activities while traveling.
Unlike the first two questions, customs officers often ask about housing arrangements to ensure a traveler is not a security risk. Travelers giving very generic answers including 'at a hostel,' 'with a friend,' or 'at an Airbnb' may raise red flags for officers. As a result, travelers may get even more questions about their visit and could be detained until their travel plans are verified.
Smart travelers prepare an answer to this customs question with the name of the hotel they are staying at or the address of the friends, family members, or Airbnb property they will be staying with. In addition, those who are planning to stay in a hotel or hostel should always keep confirmation of travel plans available. Having detailed stay information on hand can help travelers clear customs faster and with less frustration.
This common customs question has less to do with a fascination of global occupations, and more to do with analyzing risk. When a customs officer asks about a traveler's occupation, it is not only an indicator of their financial capacities while in a given country, but also a behavior analysis tip. Travelers who cannot give an answer quickly or directly may be directed to additional questioning by customs.
Smart travelers answer the occupation question directly and quickly. However, be prepared to back up those answers with additional proof. Certain occupations (like 'journalist' and 'law enforcement') could result in follow-up questions.
Depending on where a traveler is entering, certain items may be restricted or prohibited at your destination. When entering the United States, baked and prepared goods can be brought back without inspection. Youtube love is blue original instrumental song. However, meats, fruits, and vegetables may be subject to closer inspection or confiscation.
Some embargoed goods may also not be brought back, depending on the country. For travel into the U.S., this includes many items originating from Cuba, Burma, Iran, or Sudan. Always keep a list of your items purchased on your person when going through the checkpoint, and be sure to declare all goods purchased abroad that you are bringing back with you.
Planning to speak with a customs officer is never fun, but it's a vital part of any international itinerary. By having answers prepared about a trip, every international traveler can make sure their stop is quick, efficient, and allows you to enter the country without delay.
Arriving at Bristol Airport
Here are a few handy tips if you're arriving in to Bristol Airport:
- If you’re aged 12+ with a biometric or 'chipped' UK/EU or Non-EU (Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and United States) passport, please use our ePassport gates when available (those aged 12-17 must be travelling with an adult)
- Remove your passport from any cover and have it ready on the photo page
- Remove all hats and sunglasses in advance
- For more information visit the UK Border Force website.
Download UK Border Force's handy travel check list
New ePassport gates
We’ve now opened 10 brand new ePassport gates at Bristol Airport. This is one of many developments that have been made for a quicker and more efficient experience for passengers arriving back to our airport.
Uk Border Control Questions
By using the latest technology the UK Border Force can now provide faster checks for some passengers while maintaining border security. The automated gate system is in place at Bristol Airport and can be used by passengers over the age of 12 with an ePassport containing an electronic chip.
The ePassport gates are operational at specific times on a daily basis, to coincide with our inbound passenger peaks. These opening hours are subject to staffing levels with the UK Border Force. See below for information on travelling as a family and general information on arriving in the UK.
Uk Customs And Border Control
Travelling as a family?
Please stick together and go directly to passport control, as families can often receive their ID checks as a group.
Non EU & Non EEA passport holders
Passengers not holding a British, EU or European Economic Area passport need to complete a landing card provided by the airline they are travelling with. This should be provided by the airline during the flight to the UK. Free virtual serial port emulator.
Other Information
If you are travelling with €10 000 or more, please declare it to customs before entering or leaving the EU. For more information, please visit: ec.europa.eu/eucashcontrols.
We endeavour to provide both a warm welcome to visitors to the South West and a convenient return home for local passengers after a trip away. However, the UK Border Force manages all border control points, enforcing immigration and customs regulations, and the safety and security of the UK must, understandably, be its top priority.