Entering Scotland, and Customs

**CameronCat** · 19th April 13, 02:10 PM

In our experience, customs passage in England or Scotland couldn't be much easier. We've gone into both Glasgow and Manchester; customs is basically "Hello, passport please", a brief looking, a stamp and perhaps a few questions as to the purpose of your stay. They always get a smile when you say "vacation" instead of "holiday." The time of course depends on the number of people (and idiots) in line but the customs folks seem well able to cope.

I did get asked once about the contents of my large-ish shoulder bag... I answered "A Nikon, and two lenses." The nice gent asked to see it, which was easy but I asked him why. He said if it looked too new, it might cause a problem on departure as someone might think I had just bought it (and was ducking taxes or duty.) He judged my camera to be OK and so it was...no query on the way out.

Returning to the U.S. of course subjects you to the indignities of the TSA inspections but you're already used to that.

For all the things you should worry about on your trip, I'd says customs isn't one of them.

Go, and enjoy!

JT

**Sir William** · 19th April 13, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by Lyle1

Flew direct to Edinburgh last year, and customs consisted of a glance at our passports, application of a stamp, and a welcome to Scotland. Returning to the U.S., we barely broke stride passing through customs. The only examinations that I saw done were by dogs sniffing out fresh produce in carry-on luggage as we waited for our bags to come down the chute.

Pretty much my experience last April.

I was dreading coming into the US as I was carrying a bit more than the whisky allowance (and it was fully declared on the customs form), but not a word was said about it. The customs officer was more concerned with fresh plants or meat, or whether I'd been on a farm, and he asked about some jam I had, and then I was off.

Rule of thumb when I travel is to keep all my receipts with me and make sure everything I acquired on my trip is listed on the customs form. I bundle them into things like clothing, books, CDs, jewelry, whisky, etc to make it easier, but I have a more detailed list in a notebook with all the receipts in case any questions arise (which they haven't).

**Alan H** · 20th April 13, 06:33 PM

Trip cancelled because of the immediate need for Joan to schedule a hip replacement. Recovery time will bracket pretty much exactly when we'd planned to be there.

**California Highlander** · 20th April 13, 06:58 PM

Oh no! sorry to hear that Alan. I hope it goes smoothly and you both are off to Scotland sooner than you imagine.

**Father Bill** · 20th April 13, 07:01 PM

Prayers for Joan and her doctors, Alan...

...and a little bit left over for you too!

**artificer** · 20th April 13, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by Alan H

Trip cancelled because of the immediate need for Joan to schedule a hip replacement. Recovery time will bracket pretty much exactly when we'd planned to be there.

Best wishes for Joan, hopefully her recovery will be speedy and smooth, and you two will soon be off on your slighly delayed trip.

ith:

**cessna152towser** · 21st April 13, 04:58 AM

Sorry to hear that Alan. I had been looking forward to at last getting to meet you this summer, but hopefully you can come to Scotland ere too long.
Joan will be in my prayers for a safe and successful hip op.