Border crossing
Photo: User:Jérôme, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
- This article describes concerns about border crossing. See interesting borders for borders as an attraction.
National borders appear very different from each other. While closely associated countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium might be divided by a mere line in the pavement, borders with much political tension might be heavily fortified, such as the Korean DMZ.
This article covers several distinct types of border crossing procedures: immigration, which checks people crossing the border, customs and agriculture inspection, which check goods crossing the border, and security, which is for the safety of the aircraft or vehicle used to make the trip. For purposes of conducting border controls, the international sections of airports and seaports may also be classified as borders. Border crossing procedures may vary greatly depending on the political situation, the traveler's status, and the mode of travel.
In addition to borders between sovereign states, there may be borders or control points inside a sovereign state. Greenland, although part of the Kingdom of Denmark, maintains its own immigration policies, and agricultural inspections are carried out when travelling between mainland USA and Hawaii.
PreparationMen build too many walls and not enough bridges.
SecuritySecurity checkpoints differ between forms of transport, and countries involved. For flights, passengers and cargo may be checked for potentially dangerous items, including liquids, pocket tools, and laser pointers.
ImmigrationAn immigration checkpoint is usually the first stop when disembarking from a plane, a ship, or another vehicle.
CustomsCustoms officers make sure that travellers are transporting goods across the border lawfully, and they collect appropriate duties and other fees for properly declared items.
Agricultural inspection and biosecurityTo prevent the spread of pests and diseases, many countries restrict or prohibit the import of agricultural products, including food, plants, seeds, and untreated wood.
Location of controlsTravellers pass through security controls before boarding, and in some cases, after disembarking to enter a city or country.
FeesSome countries, such as the USA, charge for immigration control costs. For air travellers this may be hidden in the price of the ticket, but if you cross by car or on foot, you will have to pay directly.
Returning homeIf your passport is in order, immigration is typically a smooth formality when you return home.
Special cases
Fun bordersTravel should be fun, including the border crossings, where you may get a passport stamp to celebrate your arrival, and where officials are mostly welcoming to prosperous law-abiding visitors.
Stay safePhotography and filming is usually prohibited at international border crossings, particularly in the immigration and customs hall.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Border crossing" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: User:Jérôme, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons