Passport Regulations and Customs

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

While still on board the plane the passenger is given 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.

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

In some countries they will check the passenger's certificate of vaccination.

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

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, drugs, in some

countries - meat products, fresh fruit and vegetables.

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.

Work in pairs. Read the following two points of view. Choose one you share. Talk to your partner and present your arguments in favour of the point.

a. I like traveling by air best. I like getting to different places fast. I enjoy sensing the sudden changes in life and climate.

b. I like feeling the ground under my feet. Travelling by rail and road are my favourite ways of traveling. I quite enjoy traveling by sea too, but no one will temp me onto a plane if I can help.