Passport regulations and customs

Landing formalities and customs regulations are about the same in all countries.

1. While still on board the plane the passenger is give an arrival card to fill in; he fills in (in block letters) his name in full, country of residence, permanent address, purpose and length of visit, and address in the country he is visiting

2. After the passenger has disembarked, officials will examine (check) his passport and visa (to see if they are in order).

3. In some countries they’ll check the passenger’s certificate of vaccination.

4. When these formalities have been completed the passenger goes to the Customs for an examination of his luggage.

5. The passenger is required to fill in a customs declaration form. He must list all dutiable articles. (Personal belongings may be brought in duty-free.)

Here is a partial list of prohibited articles (items):

firearms, crampons, knives (including leatherworkers' knives), ice axes and ice picks, rock climbing equipment such as pitons, hooks, hammers and bolts, ice skates, meat cleavers, axes, hatchets and similar things, metal cutlery, open razors (also called straight razors), scalpels, ski poles, darts, drills, box cutters, utility knives, saws, screwdrivers, crowbars, hammers, pliers and wrenchesaerosol containers, including cans of spray paint, petrol and any other flammable liquid

· in some countries – meat products, fresh fruit and vegetables.

6. The Customs inspector may ask you to open your bags for inspection. After you are through with all customs formalities he will put a stamp on each piece of luggage.