For first-time travelers, the process of going through customs and immigration in a new country can seem daunting, but it is actually a very simple process in most places. For the vast majority of travelers, you will have absolutely no issues going through customs and immigration in almost any country, even those that require you to obtain a visa before you arrive. Just as long as you follow the procedures correctly, you’ll be fine.

Before taking off for your destination, be sure to check up on that country’s policies regarding visas for people from your country. In some cases, you are required to apply for a visa (which is a document that lets you enter the country) from the embassy in your home country before you leave. In most cases, tourists can simply enter on a visa stamp that is placed into the passport as soon as they arrive in the airport at the destination.

Let’s begin by unpacking these two terms: customs and immigration.

Immigration is also often referred to as passport control, and it is usually the first process you undergo after arriving in a new country. If arriving by air, you will stand in a line near a series of checkpoint booths just after you get off the plane. Here, an immigration officer will examine your passport and sometimes take a computer scan of it, as well as sometimes a fingerprint or eye scan, depending on the country. He or she may also ask you a series of questions about your purpose in the country and, in extremely rare cases, will ask for proof of financial statements and so on. Then, the officer will place a stamp in your passport booklet that will allow you to stay in the country for tourism for a number of weeks or months.

Customs is the process of bringing things into and out of a country. Each country places restrictions on what can and cannot be brought in and taken out. For instance, many countries ban the import and export of plant and animal materials, even for personal use. Other items that are commonly restricted are tobacco and alcohol, as well as perfume and, of course, large sums of cash.

When arriving to most places, you will be asked to fill out a customs card or landing card with information about the belongings you’ll be bringing with you. You should be as honest as possible about all of the items you are carrying and what they cost, as this will save you hassle later.

After you collect your luggage in the airport arrivals hall, you will be faced with a customs channel that will lead you out of the bag claim and into the world at large. Usually, there are 2-3 channels, so look for signs explaining which channel applies to you. Usually, tourists can simply exit through the “green” or “nothing to declare” channel, as you will not be carrying anything incredibly valuable or questionable.

If you are carrying something of great value, such as an incredibly expensive piece of equipment or precious jewels, etc, you should think about declaring that item at customs. This provides a written declaration that you had the item in your possession when you arrived, and this way you will not be taxed for it on your way out. But again, this is only for items that are incredibly valuable.