Do you have to go through immigration for connecting flights?

Navigating International Layovers: Understanding Immigration and Customs

International travel often involves connecting flights, which can raise questions about immigration and customs procedures. While navigating airport security is a common requirement, the need for immigration and customs clearance depends on the specific regulations of the connecting flight’s destination country.

Immigration

Immigration refers to the process of entering a new country, where one’s passport is inspected and an entry stamp or visa is issued. Whether or not you need to go through immigration for a connecting flight depends on the following factors:

• Destination Country: If your connecting flight’s destination is a different country than your origin, you will typically need to go through immigration upon arrival.
• Transit Passengers: In some cases, airports may have designated areas for transit passengers who are continuing on to another flight without leaving the airport. In these instances, you may not need to go through immigration.

Customs

Customs clearance refers to the process of declaring any goods or items you are bringing into a country. You may need to go through customs if:

• First Point of Entry: If your connecting flight is your first point of entry into a new country, you will likely need to clear customs.
• Restricted or Prohibited Items: If you are carrying any restricted or prohibited items, such as certain foods, plants, or medications, you may need to declare them to customs officials.

Transit Passengers Exemption

Some airports offer transit passengers exemptions from customs clearance, provided that they:

• Stay in the transit area: Remain within the designated transit area without leaving the airport.
• Have connecting boarding pass: Hold a valid boarding pass for their connecting flight.
• Meet eligibility criteria: Certain countries may have specific eligibility requirements for transit passengers.

Checking the Regulations

To determine if you need to go through immigration and customs for your connecting flight, it is essential to check the regulations of the destination country. You can typically find this information on the website of the country’s embassy or consulate.

In general, if you are not leaving the airport and your connecting flight is to a different country, you will need to go through both immigration and customs. However, if you are transitting within the same airport without leaving the transit area, you may be exempt from these procedures.