Arriving
Immigration - Passport Control
Once you’ve arrived you will need to be processed by immigration and then by customs once you’ve retrieved your luggage. The queues for immigration are likely to be long, especially if more than one international flight has landed.
Getting off the plane
Have you ever noticed the way that everyone jumps to their feet the minute the plane rolls to a stop and clamber over each other to get their bags down from the overhead locker only to wait in a queue to disembark? Even if they make it through immigration control quicker than everyone else, most people are going to end up waiting for their bags (which always seem to take longer to come out the earlier you arrive at the carousel).
Tip - arriving and disembarking
If you are not in a rush then wait on the plane for everyone else to disembark so that you have time to gather all your belongings
Tip - arriving
Always carry a spare t-shirt for yourself and your partner in case of spills on the plane (extremely likely if you have a lapsit baby!). Get changed once you land - chances are that you will have a long wait at immigration and at the baggage carousel anyway. I generally avoid using the toilets before […]
Tip - passport control
Fill in your entry cards before the plane lands. Make sure you have filled in both sides and every section - don’t forget to sign it! This saves a lot of time at immigration control.
Tip - passports
Have all of your passports in a readily accessible spot - I like to put my entry card inside my passport (and the kids) to mark the photo page. This makes it easier for the customs officer and gets you through the process quicker.
