Do I have to go through customs tommorrow??

Question

I have never flown internationally before, and tommorrow I am. I go from my hometown(in the USA) then make a stop in Altanta, then straight to the Czech Republic. My question is tommorrow would I have to go through customs? or just on my way back???

I know on my way back I go through customs, but my question is on the way there do I???

Thanks so much!!!

Answer 1

customs both ways

Answer 2

You'll go through the Czech Republic's customs when you land.  Then, you'll go through the U.S. customs when you come back.  It's not a big deal.  The lines move pretty quickly.  They ask to see your passport and ask a few questions.  You'll need to change money when you land in the Czech Republic (I'm assuming Prague).  You could also change a few dollars before you leave (probably at Atlanta in the International area).

Additional Details

44 minutes ago

How do you go through customs in Czech?? is it on the plane? or like where? I am soo confused on how you go through customs there.

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When you disembark from the plane, you'll enter the airport.  You won't have a choice.  You'll be routed into Customs through hallways & ramps etc.  It's usually simply in a seperate section of the airport.  You have to go through the lines etc. before you are allowed to enter the "general" area of the airport.  You'll be shown where to go.

Answer 3

Yes, you will go through customs. The airport in Prague is super easy to figure out though, just look for the signs and follow them. You will figure it out. All they will do is stamp your passport and welcome you into Czech. It's just that easy :-)

Answer 4

You will have to go through customs when you arrive in the Caech Repulblic.

Answer 5

There are possibly 3 different stations you can have to go through when transiting an airport; Immigration, Health Inspection and Customs.  Immigration is when you present your passport to prove who you are.  Health inspection is where you tell them your health is OK.  Customs is where you declare any goods you are carrying which may be subject to duties.

When departing the US you only need to go through immigration.  It’s actually done by the ticket agent or the Kiosk so you don’t even realize it.  Then you just leave the US.

When arriving in a foreign country you first go through Immigration and present your passport.  They stamp it.  Then in some countries you will pass through another gate where you hand them you health declaration form.  They may have an infrared camera aimed at you to measure you body temperature to determine if you have a fever.  Then you will pick up your luggage and go through customs and declare your dutiable items which will probably be nothing.

When leaving a foreign country you will usually have to go through a formal Immigration counter and then out.  You will have to fill out you departure form first.  In some countries half of the immigration form is you departure form so don’t lose it!  They will tear it off and place it in you passport when you arrive at Immigration.  When arriving in the US its immigration and customs . . . . and more forms . . .

Hints:

1. Carry a pen with you on board (pen begging on board is embarrassing) so you can fill out the Customs, Health and Immigration forms during the flight.  Do it when the plane levels off and before you go to sleep as during descent it can be very bouncy and it’s tough to write.

2.  From the time you leave the plane to the time you leave the airport never speak about any items you are carrying that you are concerned about or anything else for that matter.  Customs knows that when people are nervous they talk about it on the walk to immigration.  I have read that many airports have microphones in the immigration hallways to pickup conversations, even in the US.  They are listening to what you say.

3. Once you are waiting for your bags look around for the Green line (nothing to declare) and note how people are proceeding through it.  Most people just blow by the customs agent and hand them the card on the way out.  Avoid eye contact and do the same.  Hesitate and you could be there for a while.  If asked what you are carrying just say “personal effects”.

4. Never offer information.  Only answer questions as asked.

Good luck and have a great trip.