Going through the customs

While travelling a tourist may find himself in different places where he must both observe certain rules and enjoy his rights. Let’s begin with the Custom’s house.

Landing formalities and customs regulations are about the same in all countries.

a) While still on board the plane the passenger is given an arrival card to fill in, he fills in (in block letters) his name in full, country of residence, permanent address, purpose and length of visit, and address in the country he is visiting.

b) After the passenger has disembarked, officials will examine (check) his passport and visa (to see if they are in order).

c) In some countries they will check the passenger’s certificate of vaccination.

d) When these formalities have been completed the passenger goes to the Customs for an examination of his luggage.

The passenger is required to fill in a customs declaration form. He must list all dutiable articles. (Personal belongings may be brought in duty-free). Here is a partial list of prohibited articles (items): firearms, drugs, in some countries- meat products, fresh fruit and vegetables.

The customs inspector may ask you to open your bags for inspection. After you are through with all customs formalities he will put a stamp on each piece of luggage.

3. Answer the questions.

1.What does the passenger fill in while he is still on board the plane?

2.What questions does he have to answer?

3.Does he state the purpose and length of his visit?

4.When do officials check the passenger’s passport and visa?

5.Where is the passenger’s luggage examined?

6.What does the passenger list in the customs declaration form?

7.What articles are usually brought in duty-free?

8.Which articles are dutiable in our country (in the country you have visited)?

4.Match the words with their definitions.

visa to fill in dutiable passport duty-free certificate

allowed to enter without the payment of customs duties; stamp or signature put on a passport to show that it has been examined and approved by the officials of a foreign country which the owner intends to visit; written or printed statement, that may be used as proof or evidence; to write one’s name and other particulars required; official document to be carried by a traveller abroad, certifying identity and citizenship; on which customs duties must be paid

5.Fill in the customs declaration.

Customs declaration

Full name _______________________________________________

Citizenship ______________________________________________

Arriving form ____________________________________________

Country of destination ____________________________________

Purpose of visit __________________________________________

(business, tourism, private, etc.)

My luggage (including hand luggage) submitted for Customs inspection consists of ____ pieces.

Have you got weapons in your luggage or with you? ____________

What objects of art have you got in your luggage? _____________

How much of Ukrainian currency have you got? _______________

What other foreign currency have you got? ___________________

I am aware that, in addition to the objects listed in the Customs Declaration, I must submit for inspection: printed matter, manuscripts, films, sound recordings, graphics, etc. Plants, fruits, live animals and birds, as well as the foodstuffs of animal origin and slaughtered fowl.

I also declare that my luggage sent separately consists of ____ pieces.

Date ______________ Owner of luggage ____________

(signed)

6.Speak about customs regulations in your country.