Understanding how customs work with laptops
I am thinking of carrying a laptop in my suitcase. Let's forget for a minute the risk that an unprotected laptop may encounter while in the suitcase and focus on my question, please:
If I have understand correctly, when I reach Europe (and not when I leave USA), I will have to declare my laptop (purchased in USA). However, if it is in the suitcase how will I do that?
I mean, my feeling is that I leave the aircraft, go inside the airport's building, pass the check (verify that I a European, etc.), then I pick up my suitcase and I am gone.
So when does the custom appear? My feeling is that it appears during the check phase..I seem confused.
usa customs-and-immigration europe airports electronic-items
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:52
Community♦
1
asked Aug 25 '16 at 18:57
gsamarasgsamaras
2,59421843
|
show 3 more comments
I am thinking of carrying a laptop in my suitcase. Let's forget for a minute the risk that an unprotected laptop may encounter while in the suitcase and focus on my question, please:
If I have understand correctly, when I reach Europe (and not when I leave USA), I will have to declare my laptop (purchased in USA). However, if it is in the suitcase how will I do that?
I mean, my feeling is that I leave the aircraft, go inside the airport's building, pass the check (verify that I a European, etc.), then I pick up my suitcase and I am gone.
So when does the custom appear? My feeling is that it appears during the check phase..I seem confused.
usa customs-and-immigration europe airports electronic-items
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:52
Community♦
1
asked Aug 25 '16 at 18:57
gsamarasgsamaras
2,59421843
5
In most or even all countries you get your luggage before you pass through customs. Even if your luggage is delayed and someone else will pass it through customs for you, you will write a declaration of what is in it and whether you need to declare it.
– Willeke♦
Aug 25 '16 at 18:59
So @Willeke then an answer for my question should be where do we pass customs, since I don't remember meeting one before.. :/ Sorry if that sounds too dummy, but I don't think to be mistaken for a smuggler!!
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 19:00
@phoog has explained it well in his answer, it is where you have the green and red canals.
– Willeke♦
Aug 25 '16 at 19:16
Regardless of any misunderstandings between the terms "customs" and "immigration", how on earth does your hypothetical laptop being in your suitcase rather than your hand prevent you from declaring it? Declaring it means going to somebody and saying, "Hey, I have a laptop."
– David Richerby
Aug 25 '16 at 23:54
Because a person that is not aware of this kind of things, would expect to be asked in the check.
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 23:55
|
show 3 more comments
I am thinking of carrying a laptop in my suitcase. Let's forget for a minute the risk that an unprotected laptop may encounter while in the suitcase and focus on my question, please:
If I have understand correctly, when I reach Europe (and not when I leave USA), I will have to declare my laptop (purchased in USA). However, if it is in the suitcase how will I do that?
I mean, my feeling is that I leave the aircraft, go inside the airport's building, pass the check (verify that I a European, etc.), then I pick up my suitcase and I am gone.
So when does the custom appear? My feeling is that it appears during the check phase..I seem confused.
usa customs-and-immigration europe airports electronic-items
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:52
Community♦
1
asked Aug 25 '16 at 18:57
gsamarasgsamaras
2,59421843
I am thinking of carrying a laptop in my suitcase. Let's forget for a minute the risk that an unprotected laptop may encounter while in the suitcase and focus on my question, please:
If I have understand correctly, when I reach Europe (and not when I leave USA), I will have to declare my laptop (purchased in USA). However, if it is in the suitcase how will I do that?
I mean, my feeling is that I leave the aircraft, go inside the airport's building, pass the check (verify that I a European, etc.), then I pick up my suitcase and I am gone.
So when does the custom appear? My feeling is that it appears during the check phase..I seem confused.
usa customs-and-immigration europe airports electronic-items
usa customs-and-immigration europe airports electronic-items
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:52
Community♦
1
asked Aug 25 '16 at 18:57
gsamarasgsamaras
2,59421843
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:52
Community♦
1
asked Aug 25 '16 at 18:57
gsamarasgsamaras
2,59421843
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:52
Community♦
1
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:52
Community♦
1
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:52
Community♦
1
1
asked Aug 25 '16 at 18:57
gsamarasgsamaras
2,59421843
asked Aug 25 '16 at 18:57
gsamarasgsamaras
2,59421843
asked Aug 25 '16 at 18:57
gsamarasgsamaras
2,59421843
2,59421843
5
In most or even all countries you get your luggage before you pass through customs. Even if your luggage is delayed and someone else will pass it through customs for you, you will write a declaration of what is in it and whether you need to declare it.
– Willeke♦
Aug 25 '16 at 18:59
So @Willeke then an answer for my question should be where do we pass customs, since I don't remember meeting one before.. :/ Sorry if that sounds too dummy, but I don't think to be mistaken for a smuggler!!
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 19:00
@phoog has explained it well in his answer, it is where you have the green and red canals.
– Willeke♦
Aug 25 '16 at 19:16
Regardless of any misunderstandings between the terms "customs" and "immigration", how on earth does your hypothetical laptop being in your suitcase rather than your hand prevent you from declaring it? Declaring it means going to somebody and saying, "Hey, I have a laptop."
– David Richerby
Aug 25 '16 at 23:54
Because a person that is not aware of this kind of things, would expect to be asked in the check.
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 23:55
|
show 3 more comments
5
In most or even all countries you get your luggage before you pass through customs. Even if your luggage is delayed and someone else will pass it through customs for you, you will write a declaration of what is in it and whether you need to declare it.
– Willeke♦
Aug 25 '16 at 18:59
So @Willeke then an answer for my question should be where do we pass customs, since I don't remember meeting one before.. :/ Sorry if that sounds too dummy, but I don't think to be mistaken for a smuggler!!
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 19:00
@phoog has explained it well in his answer, it is where you have the green and red canals.
– Willeke♦
Aug 25 '16 at 19:16
Regardless of any misunderstandings between the terms "customs" and "immigration", how on earth does your hypothetical laptop being in your suitcase rather than your hand prevent you from declaring it? Declaring it means going to somebody and saying, "Hey, I have a laptop."
– David Richerby
Aug 25 '16 at 23:54
Because a person that is not aware of this kind of things, would expect to be asked in the check.
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 23:55
5
5
In most or even all countries you get your luggage before you pass through customs. Even if your luggage is delayed and someone else will pass it through customs for you, you will write a declaration of what is in it and whether you need to declare it.
– Willeke♦
Aug 25 '16 at 18:59
In most or even all countries you get your luggage before you pass through customs. Even if your luggage is delayed and someone else will pass it through customs for you, you will write a declaration of what is in it and whether you need to declare it.
– Willeke♦
Aug 25 '16 at 18:59
So @Willeke then an answer for my question should be where do we pass customs, since I don't remember meeting one before.. :/ Sorry if that sounds too dummy, but I don't think to be mistaken for a smuggler!!
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 19:00
So @Willeke then an answer for my question should be where do we pass customs, since I don't remember meeting one before.. :/ Sorry if that sounds too dummy, but I don't think to be mistaken for a smuggler!!
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 19:00
@phoog has explained it well in his answer, it is where you have the green and red canals.
– Willeke♦
Aug 25 '16 at 19:16
@phoog has explained it well in his answer, it is where you have the green and red canals.
– Willeke♦
Aug 25 '16 at 19:16
Regardless of any misunderstandings between the terms "customs" and "immigration", how on earth does your hypothetical laptop being in your suitcase rather than your hand prevent you from declaring it? Declaring it means going to somebody and saying, "Hey, I have a laptop."
– David Richerby
Aug 25 '16 at 23:54
Regardless of any misunderstandings between the terms "customs" and "immigration", how on earth does your hypothetical laptop being in your suitcase rather than your hand prevent you from declaring it? Declaring it means going to somebody and saying, "Hey, I have a laptop."
– David Richerby
Aug 25 '16 at 23:54
Because a person that is not aware of this kind of things, would expect to be asked in the check.
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 23:55
Because a person that is not aware of this kind of things, would expect to be asked in the check.
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 23:55
|
show 3 more comments
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
You generally pass through immigration control to reach the baggage claim. Immigration control is commonly called "customs," but it is not.
You pass through customs as you leave the baggage claim area for the arrivals hall of the airport. Passing through customs in the EU generally means choosing a red or green lane. It is at this point that you can declare any items you are carrying. To do that, choose the red lane. If there are no customs officers present, there should be a telephone you can use to make your declaration.
Sometimes there is a blue lane for arrivals from the European Union. If you are arriving from the United States, you shouldn't take that lane (of course!).
So, in the scenario in your question, customs comes between "I pick up my suitcase" and "and I am gone."
answered Aug 25 '16 at 19:14
phoogphoog
72.4k12158232
"but it is not.", that explains my confusion, thanks!
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 19:16
2
Note: Some places rather than a red lane, there's a window/desk (often yes, red) for declaring goods.
– CMaster
Aug 25 '16 at 20:07
At London Heathrow and all other European airports I remember customs (as opposed to immigration control) is after baggage claim. When you say "but it is not" to where are you referring.
– djna
Aug 26 '16 at 18:45
1
@djna to nowhere! To rephrase: immigration control is commonly called customs, but immigration control is not customs.
– phoog
Aug 26 '16 at 19:02
add a comment |
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votes
You generally pass through immigration control to reach the baggage claim. Immigration control is commonly called "customs," but it is not.
You pass through customs as you leave the baggage claim area for the arrivals hall of the airport. Passing through customs in the EU generally means choosing a red or green lane. It is at this point that you can declare any items you are carrying. To do that, choose the red lane. If there are no customs officers present, there should be a telephone you can use to make your declaration.
Sometimes there is a blue lane for arrivals from the European Union. If you are arriving from the United States, you shouldn't take that lane (of course!).
So, in the scenario in your question, customs comes between "I pick up my suitcase" and "and I am gone."
answered Aug 25 '16 at 19:14
phoogphoog
72.4k12158232
"but it is not.", that explains my confusion, thanks!
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 19:16
2
Note: Some places rather than a red lane, there's a window/desk (often yes, red) for declaring goods.
– CMaster
Aug 25 '16 at 20:07
At London Heathrow and all other European airports I remember customs (as opposed to immigration control) is after baggage claim. When you say "but it is not" to where are you referring.
– djna
Aug 26 '16 at 18:45
1
@djna to nowhere! To rephrase: immigration control is commonly called customs, but immigration control is not customs.
– phoog
Aug 26 '16 at 19:02
add a comment |
You generally pass through immigration control to reach the baggage claim. Immigration control is commonly called "customs," but it is not.
You pass through customs as you leave the baggage claim area for the arrivals hall of the airport. Passing through customs in the EU generally means choosing a red or green lane. It is at this point that you can declare any items you are carrying. To do that, choose the red lane. If there are no customs officers present, there should be a telephone you can use to make your declaration.
Sometimes there is a blue lane for arrivals from the European Union. If you are arriving from the United States, you shouldn't take that lane (of course!).
So, in the scenario in your question, customs comes between "I pick up my suitcase" and "and I am gone."
answered Aug 25 '16 at 19:14
phoogphoog
72.4k12158232
"but it is not.", that explains my confusion, thanks!
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 19:16
2
Note: Some places rather than a red lane, there's a window/desk (often yes, red) for declaring goods.
– CMaster
Aug 25 '16 at 20:07
At London Heathrow and all other European airports I remember customs (as opposed to immigration control) is after baggage claim. When you say "but it is not" to where are you referring.
– djna
Aug 26 '16 at 18:45
1
@djna to nowhere! To rephrase: immigration control is commonly called customs, but immigration control is not customs.
– phoog
Aug 26 '16 at 19:02
add a comment |
You generally pass through immigration control to reach the baggage claim. Immigration control is commonly called "customs," but it is not.
You pass through customs as you leave the baggage claim area for the arrivals hall of the airport. Passing through customs in the EU generally means choosing a red or green lane. It is at this point that you can declare any items you are carrying. To do that, choose the red lane. If there are no customs officers present, there should be a telephone you can use to make your declaration.
Sometimes there is a blue lane for arrivals from the European Union. If you are arriving from the United States, you shouldn't take that lane (of course!).
So, in the scenario in your question, customs comes between "I pick up my suitcase" and "and I am gone."
answered Aug 25 '16 at 19:14
phoogphoog
72.4k12158232
You generally pass through immigration control to reach the baggage claim. Immigration control is commonly called "customs," but it is not.
You pass through customs as you leave the baggage claim area for the arrivals hall of the airport. Passing through customs in the EU generally means choosing a red or green lane. It is at this point that you can declare any items you are carrying. To do that, choose the red lane. If there are no customs officers present, there should be a telephone you can use to make your declaration.
Sometimes there is a blue lane for arrivals from the European Union. If you are arriving from the United States, you shouldn't take that lane (of course!).
So, in the scenario in your question, customs comes between "I pick up my suitcase" and "and I am gone."
answered Aug 25 '16 at 19:14
phoogphoog
72.4k12158232
edited Aug 25 '16 at 19:17
answered Aug 25 '16 at 19:14
phoogphoog
72.4k12158232
answered Aug 25 '16 at 19:14
phoogphoog
72.4k12158232
answered Aug 25 '16 at 19:14
phoogphoog
72.4k12158232
72.4k12158232
"but it is not.", that explains my confusion, thanks!
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 19:16
2
Note: Some places rather than a red lane, there's a window/desk (often yes, red) for declaring goods.
– CMaster
Aug 25 '16 at 20:07
At London Heathrow and all other European airports I remember customs (as opposed to immigration control) is after baggage claim. When you say "but it is not" to where are you referring.
– djna
Aug 26 '16 at 18:45
1
@djna to nowhere! To rephrase: immigration control is commonly called customs, but immigration control is not customs.
– phoog
Aug 26 '16 at 19:02
add a comment |
"but it is not.", that explains my confusion, thanks!
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 19:16
2
Note: Some places rather than a red lane, there's a window/desk (often yes, red) for declaring goods.
– CMaster
Aug 25 '16 at 20:07
At London Heathrow and all other European airports I remember customs (as opposed to immigration control) is after baggage claim. When you say "but it is not" to where are you referring.
– djna
Aug 26 '16 at 18:45
1
@djna to nowhere! To rephrase: immigration control is commonly called customs, but immigration control is not customs.
– phoog
Aug 26 '16 at 19:02
"but it is not.", that explains my confusion, thanks!
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 19:16
"but it is not.", that explains my confusion, thanks!
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 19:16
2
2
Note: Some places rather than a red lane, there's a window/desk (often yes, red) for declaring goods.
– CMaster
Aug 25 '16 at 20:07
Note: Some places rather than a red lane, there's a window/desk (often yes, red) for declaring goods.
– CMaster
Aug 25 '16 at 20:07
At London Heathrow and all other European airports I remember customs (as opposed to immigration control) is after baggage claim. When you say "but it is not" to where are you referring.
– djna
Aug 26 '16 at 18:45
At London Heathrow and all other European airports I remember customs (as opposed to immigration control) is after baggage claim. When you say "but it is not" to where are you referring.
– djna
Aug 26 '16 at 18:45
1
1
@djna to nowhere! To rephrase: immigration control is commonly called customs, but immigration control is not customs.
– phoog
Aug 26 '16 at 19:02
@djna to nowhere! To rephrase: immigration control is commonly called customs, but immigration control is not customs.
– phoog
Aug 26 '16 at 19:02
add a comment |
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5
In most or even all countries you get your luggage before you pass through customs. Even if your luggage is delayed and someone else will pass it through customs for you, you will write a declaration of what is in it and whether you need to declare it.
– Willeke♦
Aug 25 '16 at 18:59
So @Willeke then an answer for my question should be where do we pass customs, since I don't remember meeting one before.. :/ Sorry if that sounds too dummy, but I don't think to be mistaken for a smuggler!!
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 19:00
@phoog has explained it well in his answer, it is where you have the green and red canals.
– Willeke♦
Aug 25 '16 at 19:16
Regardless of any misunderstandings between the terms "customs" and "immigration", how on earth does your hypothetical laptop being in your suitcase rather than your hand prevent you from declaring it? Declaring it means going to somebody and saying, "Hey, I have a laptop."
– David Richerby
Aug 25 '16 at 23:54
Because a person that is not aware of this kind of things, would expect to be asked in the check.
– gsamaras
Aug 25 '16 at 23:55