Skift Take
Taking a trip overseas ought to be an amazing experience, however you might be amazed to learn more about regional laws that could land you in big problem at the airport.
Gordon Smith and Meghna Maharishi, Skift
International travel, with every country having its own set of guidelines and policies, can be a stressful experience– even for stars.
Previously today, Arnold Schwarzenegger was stopped by custom-mades officers at Munich Airport for entering Germany with an unregistered luxury watch, according to the Associated Press. The Terminator actor and former California governor was held for regular questioning, a custom-mades spokesperson told the AP. Schwarzenegger was able to leave a number of hours later.
The high-end watch at the center of the story was because of be auctioned at a charity event in Austria for the Schwarzenegger Environment Initiative, a company the actor established to raise awareness of environment modification.
Unfortunately for Arnie, products worth over EUR430, or around $467, need to be declared, and when essential, have duty paid on them. The EU also mandates that items used for charity need to be declared upon arrival, but tourists can prevent paying the costs if they can prove the item is being utilized for a good cause.
German newspaper Bild reported that Schwarzenegger’s watch is worth around EUR20,000 ($21,761).
Prevent Awkward Airport Interrogations
The scenarios of the Schwarzenegger case feel separated from the experience of the typical tourist, but there are great deals of laws that even we simple mortals ought to understand. To avoid ‘doing an Arnie’ on your next trip, here are four ways to help you fly through airport border control:
1. Double Check That Flu Medication
When you’re on the roadway, it’s constantly a good concept to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. With this in mind, much of us will pack our go-to individual care and health products to be on the safe side. Nevertheless, what might be considered a daily medication in your home nation can be strictly prohibited in another.
Japan is one location where travelers require to be additional careful. Certain over-the-counter items utilized to deal with allergic reactions and sinus conditions in the U.S. are prohibited. According to the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami, inbound visitors to Japan ought to be especially knowledgeable about items with stimulants such as Actifed, Sudafed, and even Vicks inhalers. Numerous popular prescription medications such as Adderall are also prohibited, with just a handful of exceptions. If in doubt, consult the Japanese Government’s English language website here before you go.
2. Ensure Your Documents Remains In Order
The possibility of working overseas may sound attractive, but it generally features included rules. Unlike checking out for a regular vacation, a lot of nations will require you to have additional permissions and visas if you want to use up paid employment while you exist.
A prominent example of this was Jennifer Lawrence, who was quickly detained at a London airport after lying to customizeds about her visa. The actress flew to the U.K. to audition for a film, but her passport was set to end in 6 months.
After an uncomfortable exchange with a customizeds officer, where she said she was checking out for “enjoyment,” Lawrence said she split and eventually informed them she was visiting the nation for work, however didn’t have a visa.
While the U.K. lets U.S. people go to the nation with simply a passport, Americans require to get a work visa if they plan to handle a job. Stars, for example, are eligible for nine different visas, depending on the nature of their work. Lawrence described being held in a “tiny jail” for several hours as customizeds authorities tried to verify her correct status.
3. Avoid Sticky Situations
What could be more safe than exploring a new city and delighting in some bubblegum? Authorities in Singapore disagree. The Asian city-state, famous for its squeaky clean streets, banned the sale, import, and manufacture of chewing gum in 1992.
According to the National Library of Singapore, this followed a rise in the quantity of gum-related litter and even metro trains being delayed due to gum getting stuck in doors– a huge no-no for a society built on tidiness and punctuality.
Visitors going into Singapore are required to declare chewing gum in their belongings at migration checkpoints. Newbie offenders can expect a cash fine, while those discovered importing the chewy contraband commercially can face up to two years in prison. As a result, that simple package of peppermint gum signs up with firecrackers, shisha, and rhinoceros horn on the list of restricted items.
There is one exception to the guideline. The overall restriction on chewing gum was partially lifted in 2004 following trade talks with the U.S. government. American diplomats made the sale of dental chewing gum one of their issues throughout negotiations for a free trade arrangement in between Singapore and the U.S. We’re thrilled the sticking point was agreeably fixed.
4. State Any Unusual Products
Shorts, sun cream, and beach shoes are not likely to cause a fuss at border control however be careful when loading more unique products. Lots of locations have strict rules on what can be taken in and out of the country, and even if it is enabled, it might be based on extra checks or limitations.
In 2014, Beyonce faced a snag during the European phase of her “Mrs. Carter World Tour” when Portuguese authorities refused to let her bring a rather unique one-legged jumpsuit into the country. According to the London Night Requirement, the uncommon designer product was made from silver cobra skin.
It’s unclear exactly why Beyonce was momentarily disallowed from bringing in the item. Generally the EU will flag products at customizeds if there’s missing or incorrect documentation, exceptional duties or taxes, or if the item is prohibited. Thankfully, the pop star’s group was able to figure out the required custom-mades documents and Beyonce was able to use the quirky one-piece suit for her Lisbon show.
Keep all of this in mind to avoid any awkward minutes at the airport. With a fault-free custom-mades record, you’ll enhance your chances of being warmly invited for future sees. As the Terminator himself may say, “I’ll be back!”