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Viewing Crossing the Border? Don't Take These Items!Crossing the Border? Don't Take These Items!
By Kathy Steinemann
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Preparing and packing for any trip requires careful planning. However, if you intend to cross the border into another country, you must take special precautions to avoid transporting disallowed items. Preparing and packing for any trip requires careful planning. However, if you intend to cross the border into another country, you must take special precautions to avoid transporting disallowed items. The prohibited items for international travel are more plentiful than those for domestic transport. Some food items that will be allowed on a local trip will not be permitted on overseas routes. Generally, if something can harbor insects, rodents, viruses, or bacterial diseases - or can be used as a weapon - remove it from your packing list. Good common sense will steer you in the right direction. Although regulations vary by country, you can generally assume that the following things will not be allowed in your personal belongings, carry-on, or luggage. Crafts or items manufactured using any of the articles on the list may also be prohibited. • Opened alcoholic beverages • Pets without vaccination certificates • Weapons of any kind • Big game - unless accompanied by an appropriate permit • Natural wildlife • Prescription drugs without a doctor's prescription • Prescription or over-the-counter drugs with unreadable labels • Recreational drugs or paraphernalia - the penalty is death in some countries. • Houseplants, seeds, sand, and soil • Natural products like coral, seashells, and bone • Pork, poultry, or beef • Uncooked eggs • Uncooked or unprocessed fruits and vegetables • Straw or hay • Any other agricultural products that can carry diseases or pests • Fireworks Note that there are some exceptions with appropriate certifications or permits. If you have any outstanding police warrants or a criminal record, you may not be permitted to cross the border, no matter how carefully you pack! Check for specific regulations regarding the duty-free limit on purchased items - and keep all sales slips. This includes receipts for items you already own before you travel - especially if they appear brand new. It is certainly unpleasant to buy something like a new laptop computer prior to travel - and then have to pay customs taxes before you can transport it back into your own country! If you do not have sales slips for jewelry, watches, cameras, electronics, etc., take photos with a digital camera before you leave. Place each item on top of a newspaper with the current date plainly visible (and readable). Record serial numbers with the matching photos. Make sure that you complete necessary customs declarations before you leave the country. Other supporting records like appraisals, insurance policies, and credit card statements will be useful. Carry the paperwork in a safe place along with your passport. Some advance research on the internet may save you considerable cash and inconvenience. Try searches like: • customs regulations Australia • customs regulations Germany • customs regulations Mexico • customs regulations Canada In many cases, the government's official website or the appropriate embassy's site will appear on the first search results page. Sometimes it takes a little digging to find the information you require - but you can't put a price on the peace of mind you will have in knowing that your trip through customs will proceed without a hitch. (c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included. About the Author: Searching for a bed and breakfast, hotel, or hostel? Visit 111 Travel Directory. Trying to find some great travel tips? Surf over to 1000 Tips 4 Trips. Seeking romantic getaway resources? Adult Escapes can help! Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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