Airport Customs and Immigration Questions

If, like most people, you have nothing to hide, getting through customs can feel like a drawn-out process with an unnecessary barrage of questions.

However, knowing what questions to expect and having useful information to hand can really speed up the process.

We’ve put together some of the most common and unusual questions asked at airport customs so that you’re fully prepared for your next international flight.

Most common questions 🛃

Often, customs officers will ask a question and be more interested in the manner in which you respond than the answer to the question itself. So, as long as you’re being truthful, there’s really nothing to worry about!

Regardless of your situation, it’s always best to answer questions with 100% honesty, even if your situation is complicated. What you thought as a little white-lie, helping to speed the process up can actually turn into more questioning and hassle.

Where have you flown from?

This is a common question that’s asked to determine whether you’re flying from a high-risk country, or, just out of interest. You should answer with the city and the country. For example, ‘I’ve flown from Montevideo, Uruguay.”

Where are you staying?

Customs officers will want you to be specific on this, so make sure you know the address of where you’re staying. You might also be asked to put this on your immigration card.

If you’re backpacking and haven’t decided where you’re staying yet, it’s worth noting down a hostel or hotel that you’re intending to stay at and give the address of that. If you’re staying on a cruise ship, put the name of the ship, cruise company and the port.

What’s the purpose of your visit?

While this can be answered with a simple ‘leisure’ or ‘business’, the more specific you are, the less likely additional questions will be asked. For example, ‘I’m travelling to explore the city’ or ‘I’m here for a business meeting on Tuesday’ is more likely to cover the details that they’re interested in.

How long will you be staying here?

This is one of the most common questions at airport customs. You don’t have to be exact with the number of days - for example, an answer of ‘three weeks’ should be okay. But if the length of your stay isn’t in compliance with visa rules and the country’s immigration policies, you might be asked further questions.

What’s your occupation?

This might be used to give an indication of your income and to see if it fits with your answer to the amount of money that you have (see later). But for the most part, this is a prime example of when customs officers are more interested in the manner in which you answer the question, rather than the answer itself. They’re looking for quick and direct responses, without hesitation.

In certain jobs, such as law enforcement, you might also be asked to provide proof of your occupation in the form of identification or documentation.

Do you have anything to declare?

Depending on where you’re travelling to, there may be certain items that aren’t allowed in the country or have to declare tax on.

It’s imperative that you check the country’s rules for the items that you’re importing, as bringing something illegal into the country or failing to declare is against the law and you’ll most likely be fined.

When were you born?

This is another example of a question that is asked to see how you respond. Any hesitation will likely raise suspicion. And, of course, if you give a date that doesn’t match your passport, you’ll be questioned further.

Unusual questions 🤔

Even if you feel ultra-prepared and think that you know any and every question that gets thrown your way, you should still expect the unexpected. Occasionally, an officer might ask you a question that will throw you off guard. Remember - there isn’t a fixed list of questions that they ask. So, as long as it relates to your travels, they can pretty much ask you anything that they like. Regardless of how irrelevant or unusual it might seem.

Did you know x/y rule about our country?

Frequent flyer and Director of Marketing for Speek, Edward Sturm told us that he was asked this question a lot when travelling through Eastern Europe, where there are specific rules for each country.

For example, in Belarus, it’s mandatory to have health insurance that has a minimum value of €5,000 EUR and covers the length of your stay. In this case, it’s an essential rule that you’re hopefully already aware of, but you might also be asked about a less obvious rule that exists. That’s why it’s worth brushing up on the rules of the country beforehand. And, if you’re caught off guard, ask the customs officer for more information and the steps that you need to take in order to comply.

How much money do you have?

You might be asked this question in two different senses.

The first is asking how much physical cash that you have on you. This is a fairly common question, as each country has its own rules on the maximum amount of cash that you can bring into the country before you have to declare it.

The second way you might be asked is how much money you have in your bank account. The reason a customs officer might ask this is that they want to know that you’ll have enough money to fund your trip and to leave the country when you’re supposed to. Customs officers can get pretty particular about this, travel blogger Zachary Stafford told us that when in Ireland “I jokingly asked the customs official if he wanted me to log into my bank account to show him how much money I had”. He said “yes.“

Did you pack your own bag?

99% of the time you would have packed your own bag. So, if you have packed your own bag, answer with a prompt ‘Yes. I packed my own bag’.

However, there might be an occasion where someone has helped you pack your bag, or a partner or family member might have packed it for you. What they are really asking with this question is whether you know all of the contents inside your bag, which is something you should definitely make sure of before flying.

The key to answering this question is to avoid being ambiguous. If you didn’t pack your bag, don’t answer with a simple ‘no’. This will lead to more questioning. Instead, answer “no, I didn’t pack the bag myself, my partner did. However, I’m aware of all of the contents inside the bag.’

Appropriate behaviour and etiquette ✨

How you behave at customs can shape your whole arrival experience. Here’s how to keep things smooth and stress-free:

✅ Do:

• Stay calm. Delays and long lines are frustrating, but staying composed helps things move quicker. If something feels unclear or unfair, take a breath before reacting.
• Be polite. A friendly greeting, eye contact and basic manners go a long way. You don’t need to overdo it - just be respectful and courteous.
• Answer clearly. Give short, honest answers to any questions. Stick to the facts about your travel plan, how long you’re staying, and why you’re visiting. No need for extra detail unless they ask.
• Keep documents ready. Have your passport, visa (if needed), customs forms and travel plan within easy reach. Scrambling through your bag while at the desk can cause unnecessary delays.

❌ Don’t:

• Make jokes. Even if you’re nervous, avoid humour, especially about security, drugs or visas. Officers are trained to take these things seriously, and jokes can be misunderstood.
• Lie or guess. If you don’t know the answer to something (like your host’s address), say so - but don’t make something up. False or misleading info can get you flagged or denied entry.
• Show frustration. Try not to roll your eyes, sigh loudly or act irritated. Officers may see this as a red flag. Keep your tone even and your body language relaxed.
• Argue with officers. If you disagree with a decision, ask questions calmly or follow up later. Pushing back at the desk will only make things harder.

Dealing with sensitive or challenging questions 😌

Not every question at customs is easy to answer. Some might feel personal, unexpected or just plain awkward. But they’re more common than you might think, and how you respond can make a big difference. Here’s how to handle it:

• Stay calm and respectful. Even if a question catches you off guard, take a breath. Keep your tone polite and your answers clear. It’s about staying composed, not defensive.
• Answer honestly. If you’re visiting family, say so. If you’re travelling for work, explain briefly. Being upfront is key - misleading answers can lead to extra checks or denied entry.
• Ask for clarification if needed. If something doesn’t make sense or you didn’t hear the question properly, it’s okay to ask them to repeat or explain. Better that than guessing your way through.
• Stick to the facts. You don’t need to give a full life story - just answer the question. Short, accurate responses help move things along.
• Don’t avoid the question. Trying to dodge or brush it off will only raise more red flags. Face it directly, even if it feels uncomfortable.
• Don’t over-explain. Giving too much detail can complicate things. Keep it simple and stick to what’s asked.

Questions that passengers ask 🤔

It’s not just the customs officers that ask the questions. Grant Patterson, who was a customs officer at the Canada Border Services Agency shared with us some of the most common questions that he was asked in his seventeen years at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Hopefully, by answering them here, we can save inquisitive travellers of the world a bit of time when passing through customs.

What do you guys look for?

Customs officers are looking for anything that is prohibited by law to import or export. The big concerns are drugs, illicit cash, weapons, child sexual abuse material and any evidence of terrorist activity, as well as people who are trying to enter the country under false pretences.

Why are you asking me all these stupid questions?

Some of the questions that are asked at customs may seem trivial and ‘stupid’, but its the sheer volume of those questions that is designed to catch out those who are lying. The idea is that if a person is lying, they can only be coached to lie to a certain extent and by continuing to ask questions, they’ll slip up eventually.

Don’t you need a warrant to search me?

In most countries, the laws behind border searches are much less-strict than inside the country itself. This means that customs officers have the right to search you without the need for a warrant. Strip-searches only require a supervisor’s approval and only really invasive searches — such as internal body searches — require a warrant or consent.

Aren’t you just searching me because I’m (insert group here)?

Grant tells us that almost all referrals are based on what’s called a ‘multiplicity of indicators’ articulable in court.

If you do believe you’ve been singled out for harassment, it’s extremely important to find out the complaint process and file an official complaint. Grant assures us that these complaints won’t be ignored and are dealt with very seriously.

I thought weed was legal here?

At the moment, it’s illegal to import marijuana for recreational use anywhere in the world, even if you’re flying between two destinations where it’s legal. For example, if you’re flying between two US states where marijuana is legal, the drug is still illegal by federal law, which makes it illegal to fly with. The same rules apply when flying with marijuana between the US and Canada.

Tip: Find out more on our flying with cannabis page.

Procedures for secondary inspection 🔎

Sometimes, travellers are pulled aside for extra checks, known as secondary inspection. It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It’s a routine part of border control, and how you respond can help keep things straightforward. Here’s what to expect and how to handle it:

What happens?

You’ll be taken to a separate area for more detailed questions or document checks. Officers might ask about your travel plan, job, finances or who you’re visiting. They may also go through your bags or devices, depending on the country’s policies.

How do I respond?

Stay calm and respectful. Answer questions honestly and clearly. Don’t guess - if you don’t know something, say so. If you need a translator, you can ask for one.

What can I do?

You have the right to ask why you’ve been selected. In many countries, you also have the right to contact legal support if you're being held for an extended time. You can also ask to contact your airline if you're concerned about missing a connecting flight.

What shouldn't I do?

Avoid arguing, raising your voice or refusing to cooperate. That will only slow things down. Keep your tone steady, your answers short, and your paperwork ready.

Being selected for secondary inspection isn’t unusual, and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It’s just another step, and you’ll get through it faster if you stay composed and prepared.

Special considerations for specific types of travellers ✨

Some travellers may need to follow extra steps at customs, not because they’ve done anything wrong, but because of their circumstances. If that’s you, here’s what to keep in mind:

Travellers with medical needs

If you’re carrying medication, especially liquids or anything requiring syringes or medical equipment, keep everything in its original packaging. Bring a doctor’s letter or prescription just in case you're asked to explain.

Student or work visa holders

Be ready to show paperwork confirming your visa, enrolment, or job offer. Officers may also ask where you’re staying and how long you plan to stay. Keep these details handy.

Travelling with children

If you're not the child’s parent or guardian, carry a letter of consent from the parent or legal guardian. It should include contact details and your relationship to the child.

LGBTQ+ travellers

Some destinations may have different laws or cultural norms. This shouldn't affect your treatment at customs, but it’s worth researching your rights in your destination country.

Unusual travel routes or long layovers

If your journey includes multiple countries, be ready to explain your route clearly. Unusual flight paths can prompt extra questions, so have your travel plan and return ticket ready.

Customs done right - now let’s get you flying ✈️

Airport customs might feel like a hurdle, but it doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right info at your fingertips and a clear head, you’ll glide through with no drama.

Remember - customs officers aren’t there to trip you up. They’re just doing their job, and more often than not, they’re reading how you respond just as much as what you say. Be honest, stay calm and don’t second-guess yourself. The more prepared you are, the less stressful it’ll be.

So whether you're heading off for business, seeing family, or chasing a bit of sun - know your travel plan, pack smart and answer with confidence.

And if you’re still figuring out your flight? That’s where we come in. We give you more ways to pay, let you secure your seat without the upfront strain, and help you book with confidence. With over 600 airlines and 40+ ways to pay, your next trip really is just a few clicks away.

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