Five red flags that can get you denied entry at customs, even with colored contact lenses

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Going through security and customs checks is an inevitable part of international travel, and while standards vary by country, there are common and widely accepted guidelines to follow. Travelers might want to take note of the key points compiled below to avoid unintentional mistakes that could lead to being denied entry and ruined trips.

1. Wearing colored or magnifying contact lenses
Customs officers may ask you to remove your glasses, and in some countries where facial recognition standards are stricter, wearing contact lenses that enlarge pupils or change eye color can raise suspicions. This is especially true if there's a significant difference between your passport photo and your actual appearance, which could lead to questioning by immigration officers and potential entry denial.
 
2. Unclear explanation of accommodation and itinerary
Upon entering certain countries, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan, travelers may be required to fill out an entry form for foreigners. Customs officers will ask for personal details including accommodation address, contact information, and sometimes even your travel itinerary. If these are not clearly stated, you may be questioned. Failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could result in being sent back.

3. Entering a country too frequently
With the rise of daigou (overseas shopping agents), some people frequently visit certain countries, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand. However, entering a country too often may raise suspicions of smuggling and could lead to deportation. For example, Japan has rules that require valid reasons for frequent entries or for stays totaling more than six months within a certain period.
 
4. Carrying too little or too much cash
Having cash amounts that don’t match declarations, or carrying either too little or too much money, can prompt customs officers to question you. For instance, the Thai government strictly cracks down on illegal employment, so immigration officers may doubt your travel purpose. To confirm you have adequate funds, travelers must carry a minimum amount of cash—20,000 THB per individual or 40,000 THB per family.

5. Damaged passports or stickers on them
If your passport is damaged in any way or if there are drawings or markings on blank pages, it may be deemed invalid and you could be denied entry. Similarly, attaching stickers to your passport is considered misrepresentation or tampering, which could also result in being barred from entry. Always check your passport condition before traveling.
 

Even gashapon toys and contact lenses have limits: Taiwan’s 2018 customs entry regulations

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