Hello fellow travelers. We’ve booked our tickets, packed our bags, and off to the airport, we’ve landed and now we see the long lines in front of customs and immigration. And the fear sets in, are they going to let me through? I can be confident in saying that the customs officer is not concerned about how well you speak English. However, they’re looking at how confident and honest you answer their questions. Let Welling help you prepare for your next trip and walk effortlessly out of the airport and into your next adventure.
Today’s Sentences
- Where are you staying?
- Where are you traveling from?
- Who are you flying with today?
- How long do you intend to stay?
- What’s the purpose of your trip?
- Writer’s Note
01
Where are you staying?
Situation 1
Where are you staying during your trip?
I’ll be staying at a hotel.
Which hotel will you be staying at?
I have the booking confirmation here.
Situation 2
Where are you staying?
I’ll be staying with a friend.
Where does this friend live?
I have the address here.
It’s 224 Usburne Ave.
02
Where are you traveling from?
Situation 1
Where are you traveling from?
I just flew in from Australia.
Any connecting flights in between?
Yes, I spent a few nights in Hawaii before landing in LA.
Situation 2
Where are you traveling from?
I’m flying in from Japan.
How long are you staying in the country?
From the 9th to the 13th.
03
Who are you flying with today?
Situation 1
Who are you flying with today?
By myself.
Okay.
How long are you planning to stay?
I’m visiting from September 10th to the 17th.
Situation 2
Who are you flying with today?
I’m with my wife and two kids.
They may come up to the counter with you.
May I see their passports please?
Of course.
Here you are.
04
How long do you intend to stay?
Situation 1
How long do you intend to stay?
I’m visiting the city for a week.
Can you tell me the dates please?
September 7th to the 14th.
Situation 2
How long do you intend to stay?
Just two days.
Why are you visiting New York these next few days?
I’m attending a business conference over the weekend.
05
What’s the purpose of your trip?
Situation 1
What’s the purpose of your trip?
I’m in town for a wedding.
How long will you be staying?
I’ll be in town for a week from the 4th to the 11th.
Situation 2
What’s the purpose of your trip?
I’m traveling for pleasure.
And where do you intend to stay?
I’m planning to stay with my close friend.
Writer’s Note
Customs and Immigrations lines can be stressful and daunting. But there are a few things you could do to speed up the process. Keep your calm and read through so that you can be on your way to the best vacation days ahead.
- Fill out customs and immigration forms in advance. Many countries now require customs and immigrations forms to be filled out earlier and online. Perhaps even through an app. Learn what is required and it will save you precious minutes after deplaning!
- Get in line faster. Get to the passport control area before the lines get too long, so use the restrooms on the plane in advance!
- Know the questions. We’ve outlined a few useful questions for you to study. Get familiar with them and practice. The last thing you want to do is waste time at the airport because you answered a simple question incorrectly.
- Keep records and receipts. Be aware of what items may be prohibited or controlled at your destination. So keep those receipts and make sure you are prepared to declare honestly what you’ve got traveling with you.
Don’t fret. Traveling can be so exciting but you do need to do some pre-planning and preparations in order to have a less stressful time at the airport. And remember these people may seem like they’re out to get you, but really their job is to keep us safe. Be patient, be polite, answer their questions, and you’ll be out and about before you know it.
Write us if you have any questions and concerns about your schedules trip! Or tell us some crazy stories that you’ve encountered.
