B1English

Customs & Immigration

Use these phrases to answer questions clearly and confidently when speaking to an immigration officer at the airport.

Key Phrases

Voice
Handing over documents · 2 ways to say it

Sure, here you go.

neutral

A standard way to hand items to an official.

Here is my passport, officer.

polite

Slightly more formal, often used to show respect.

Stating purpose of visit · 2 ways to say it

I'm here on vacation.

neutral

US English. The standard way to say you are traveling for fun.

I'm here on holiday.

neutral

UK English. The standard way to say you are traveling for fun.

Stating duration of stay · 2 ways to say it

Just a few days, really.

neutral

A natural, standard response when your trip is short.

I am staying for two weeks.

polite

A complete sentence for providing exact details.

Stating private accommodation

I'm staying with some friends in the suburbs.

neutral

A standard way to explain you are not using a hotel.

Stating hotel accommodation · 2 ways to say it

I have a reservation at a hotel downtown.

neutral

US English. 'Downtown' means the city center.

I have a reservation at a hotel in the city centre.

neutral

UK English. Equivalent to the US 'downtown'.

Explaining onward travel

I have a connecting flight tomorrow morning.

neutral

Use this if you are not staying in the arrival country.

Declaring items · 2 ways to say it

I don't have anything to declare.

neutral

The standard answer when you are not carrying restricted items.

I am carrying some gifts, but their value is under the limit.

polite

A clear, formal way to mention items while assuring they are allowed.

Offering additional documents

Do you need to see my return ticket?

neutral

A helpful question if the officer asks for proof of your departure.

Asking for repetition · 2 ways to say it

Sorry, I didn't catch that.

neutral

A natural way to ask the officer to repeat their question.

Could you repeat the question, please?

polite

A more formal and respectful way to ask for clarification.

Ending the conversation

Thank you. Have a good day.

polite

A standard polite closing after the officer finishes.

Practice Dialogue

Officer
Next, please. Step up to the counter and hand me your passport.
Traveler
Sure, here you go. Do you need my customs form, too?
Officer
Yes, please. So, what is the purpose of your visit today?
Traveler
I'm here on vacation. I just want to relax and look around.
Officer
Right. And how long are you staying in the country?
Traveler
Just a few days, really. I have a return flight on Thursday.
Officer
I see. And where will you be staying during your trip?
Traveler
I'm staying with some friends in the suburbs, near the lake.
Officer
Do you have anything to declare? Any agricultural products or fresh food?
Traveler
No, I don't have anything to declare. I just packed clothes and things.
Officer
Alright, everything looks fine. I have stamped your passport. Enjoy your trip.
Traveler
Thank you very much. Have a good day.

More Travel & Transport (B1)

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