Text 1 Red and Green Channel

Border services officers are the first point of contact when travellers arrive in any country. In this way, they act as goodwill ambassadors. At the same time they ensure that travellers and importers of commercial goods comply with all legislative requirements.

They are the first line of defence against international terrorism. Customs officers are responsible for the prevention of the illegal importation of such items as drugs, guns, pornography and hate literature. They also guard against the introduction of human, animal and plant diseases into our country.

All passengers entering or leaving the country by international flights pass through Customs. They must not smuggle any prohibited or banned or sensitive goods which may affect interests of the society/economy.

Customs regulations are clear and enforced. Those passengers with nothing to declare go through the Green Channel; those who do should use the Red Channel.

The businessmen, trade delegations and professionals frequently travel on international flights. They expect speedy clearance through Customs in minimum time.

On the other hand, there are also passengers trying to abuse the air route for smuggling. They carry high valued and even sensitive goods, including narcotics and other sensitive drugs, gold or other high valued items. The Customs have a difficult role of ensuring quick clearance and maximum passenger facilitation as well as protecting the interests of the society/economy.

Customs rules and regulations are available to different kinds of passengers. The nature of items of endangered species or articles made from flora and fauna such as Ivory, Musk, Reptile skins, Furs or antiques are publicized so that there are no attempts made to smuggle them by concealment. And the passengers are aware of the severe penalties which are otherwise attracted.

Customs also prominently display provisions about baggage allowances and the prohibited items at all international airports, with the do’s and don’ts for the benefit of passengers.

Airports within the European Union also have a Blue Channel. Travellers between EU countries do not have to pay Customs duties.

Exercise 5. Fill in the gaps using the words from the box.

articles; tickets; belongings; luggage; stamp; inspection; charge; airport; formalities; smuggling; passenger; business; flights; hints; regulations

Text 2 Passport and Customs Control

Nowadays people who go on (1) _________ mostly travel by air, as it is the fastest means of travelling.

Here are a few (2) ________ on air travel that may be helpful:

• Passengers are requested to arrive at the (3) _______ two hours before departure time on international (4) _______ and an hour on domestic flights as there must be enough time to complete the necessary airport (5) _______.

• Passengers must register their (6) _______, weigh in and register the luggage.

Most airlines have at least two classes of travel, first class and economy class, which is cheaper. Each (7) _______ of more than two years of age may have a free luggage allowance. Generally this limit is 20 kg for economy class passengers and 30 kg for first class passengers.

Excess luggage must be paid for except for some (8) _______ - that can be carried free of (9) _______.

It is recommended that the electric signs be watched when a passengers are on board (“Fasten Seat Belts”, “No Smoking”).

Customs (10) ________ are more or less the same in all countries.

When all formalities have been completed the passenger goes to the Customs for an examination of his (11) _______.

As a rule personal (12) ________ may be brought in duty-free. If the traveller has nothing to declare he may just go through the “green” section (channel) of the Customs.

In some cases the Customs inspector may ask the passenger to open his bags for (13) _______. It sometimes happens that a passenger’s luggage is carefully gone through in order to prevent (14) _______.

After all Customs formalities the inspector puts a (15) ________ on each piece of luggage or chalks it off.

Exercise 6. Scan Text 2 again and answer the following questions:

1. When are passengers requested to arrive at the airport to complete the necessary airport formalities?

2. What must passengers do when leaving the country?

3. What are the electric sign flashes to be watched when you are on board the plane?

4. Where does the passenger go when the formalities have been completed?

5. What do the passengers usually do at the Customs?