By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
Passing through immigration when traveling abroad often means long queues, especially during peak travel seasons when crowds are even bigger. Security checks and customs inspections are mandatory steps, and waiting times can add up when there are many people. Here are six tips to help travelers clear customs faster—perfect for your next trip overseas.
(Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots)
1. Apply for the e-Gate automated clearance system
Taiwan offers the “e-Gate Automated Clearance Service,” which uses computer automation combined with biometric technology to enable self-service, convenient, and fast entry and exit. Once registered, you can breeze through airports and ports equipped with this system. Similar automated clearance services are also available in countries like the U.S., Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
2. Check in online and print your boarding pass yourself
Most domestic flights now allow self-printed boarding passes. After booking online, if you have no checked luggage, you can use your computer printer to print your boarding pass and skip the queue at the airport. Some airlines have also introduced self-service check-in kiosks at airports, as easy to use as an ATM.
(Photo / ??枕 Incheon Airport)
3. Avoid booking flights during peak hours
Avoid booking flights during peak hours. The busiest times for domestic flights are 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM, while international flights are most crowded between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM—especially from Thursday to Monday. Leaving home earlier also gives you more time and helps avoid stress or the dangers of speeding, particularly during rush hours.
4. Try not to pack food or drinks in your luggage
One key to speeding up customs clearance is reducing the chances of additional checks. Carry-on luggage is a common hold-up due to items like knives, scissors, or liquids over 100ml. It’s best to pack these in your checked baggage.
(Photo / vietnamvisaonline)
5. Check what you can and can’t pack before you start packing
It’s a good idea to check what you can and can’t bring in your luggage before you start packing, to avoid trouble with airport security.
6.Checked luggage doesn’t always have to be processed at the counter
You don’t have to check in your luggage at the main counter—there are also baggage drop-off desks on the sidewalk outside, helping you avoid the crowds.
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