Border Control and Customs

Border Control is a law enforcement activity with actions to regulate the entry and exit of people in a country. Border Control will enforce the laws of the country for arriving and exiting passengers. This is applicable for all passengers-citizens of the country as well as foreigners.

Emigration Check

Emigration is the process of leaving a country in accordance with its laws. The emigration authorities check and ensure passengers are legal to leave the country in all respects. Travel documents are checked and verified as per laws of the country before allowing a passenger to exit. Passengers may be questioned during this process for verification.

Emigration Check is completed after check-in and normally before security check. However, it depends on the airport setup. Passengers who overstay or are involved in illegal activities are asked to leave the country and they are called Deportees.

Passport Stamping for Exit

The passenger passport is stamped ‘Exit’ or ‘Departed’ with the date of departure after successful completion of Emigration formalities. It means that the passenger left the country on the date stamped on the passport. Such passengers must compulsorily leave the country.

Immigration Check

Immigration is the process of entering a country. Immigration authorities will verify documents as per applicable laws and ensure passenger is legal to enter the country.

Immigration Check is completed on arrival at the first port of entry or the first airport the passenger arrives in that country. Passengers can be questioned by Immigration authorities, especially about the reason to visit the country. Certain countries require immunization and vaccination along with complete medical history and reports. Passengers who are not allowed entry into a country are called INAD (Inadmissible).

Passport Stamping for Entry

After Immigration Check, the passenger passport will be stamped ‘Arrival’ or ‘Admitted’ along with the date of arrival for nationals of that country. For foreigners arriving, their visa and related details will also be stamped in their passport.

Customs Check

Customs department checks arriving passengers for restricted items and articles. Customs department particularly ensures illegal items are not allowed into the country as per the country’s laws.

Green and Red Customs Channel

Passengers who have nothing to declare can pass through the Green Channel. Passengers who have items to declare and those required by the Customs authorities must go through the Red Channel. Customs authorities will check baggage and passenger to ensure no restricted or illegal items are allowed.

And to end this blog

Passengers must check and understand the Border Control requirements and restricted items of the country. All arriving and departing passengers must comply with applicable laws of the country. Passengers who do not comply will be denied entry/exit. Legal action can also be initiated against such passengers.