Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Waterford, Ireland. We often get travel questions from our fans, so today I’m going to answer one that comes up quite often. For travelers about to embark on their first time flying abroad, the biggest question is “what happens when I get off the plane?” In this post, we’re going to cover arrival procedures for international flights, including the documents you need for customs clearance. With this list of airport procedures for first time fliers, you’ll float through customs on your first international trip!
What Do I Need When Arriving in a New Country?
Always make sure you have your passport, and keep it in arms reach at all times. Never put it in your checked baggage! (Never put anything important or valuable in your checked bag!) It’s always recommended to have your passport valid for at least six months after your trip, or you could get turned away. If it’s going to be close, go ahead and renew your passport before your trip.
Watch: Passport Issues
Will I Need a Visa for International Travel?
Visa requirements will vary by the country you are visiting, and the country you are from. This may also apply to countries you are traveling through, so be sure to research visa requirements for each country you will set foot in on your travels. United States passport holders do not currently need a visa to visit countries of the EU, or the UK, but other places like Russia and China do require a visa in advance of your travels.
What Happens When I Get Off the Plane?
Just like a domestic flight, make sure you have all of your belongings before you exit the plane; you can’t get back on the plane if you forgot something! Then just follow the signs to Customs or Passport Control.
What Documents Do I Need Upon Arrival?
The Customs official will want your passport, so have that readily available. Additional documentation may be needed depending on the country. They may ask where you are staying, for how long, and what is the purpose of your trip. We always have the following ready at customs in case we are asked:
- Passport
- Hotel confirmation with address
- Flight details, including a return flight which you may be asked to show
- Any paperwork we were asked to fill out on the plane, such as customs declarations
Other things you may be asked for in certain countries include financial stability that proves you can afford to stay in the country. Sadly, this usually only happens if you are from a poor country, traveling to a richer country.
Watch: How to Get Through Customs Quickly
What Happens to My Luggage?
You won’t get your checked luggage until after you’ve cleared through passport control. Baggage claim for international arrivals is usually located just past the passport control area.
What if I Have a Connecting Flight?
If you are arriving in the US from abroad, and connecting to another flight, you will need to collect your luggage upon entry to the U.S. Even though most flights will check your bag to the final destination, this does not apply to international flights arriving in the U.S. So, you will clear customs, retrieve your bags and then drop them off again for your next flight. Make sure you have enough time for all of this in your layover itinerary, as it can take time to go through all of these steps. (This is mostly specific to the US, as most flights to Europe will check your bag all the way to your final destination. If you aren’t sure, and have a tight layover, call the airline to confirm the process.)
What Happens After I Get My Luggage?
Many countries will have a second control after baggage claim, where you hand them your declarations paperwork, and they may scan your bag before you leave the airport. This is a good reason to continue to have your passport and paperwork in an easily accessible location, as you never know when you will need it throughout the whole arrivals process.
I hope these tips help you feel more comfortable about your first international flight, and help you to be prepared for the process of clearing customs and arriving in a new country. If you have other travel questions, feel free to post them in the comments!
For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos: