Oh my God! I can't even begin to explain how much I needed these videos. I'm travelling on my own for the very first time and I'm looking to find all the tips that I can get. Your videos are amazing so thank you so so much!
Your tips are always helpful...even if I'm not traveling at the moment I still look at your videos...cause you never know what happens and I'm glad I'm getting tips from you Sonia. Thanks! :) have a nice day
Watching your video, i just remembered that travellers should also check regulations about any OTC and prescribed medications that they take. I travel with prescribed meds and have to remember a doctors note.
also remember certain countries strict quarantine requirements. Australia you cannot bring anything living, including plants or foods at risk of bugs or parasites
Here is a tip to hopefully save you some time - in some countries (particularly less well developed countries with busy airports) immigration is VERY manual and takes a LONG TIME to get through. The worst thing you can do is go to the toilet as soon as you get off the plane because 300 + people kept walking and lined up ahead of you while you did. That can make the difference between a 20 minute queue or hours of waiting!! Go to the toilet BEFORE the plane starts to land and be ready to walk quickly to immigration when you get off.
Another thing the Customs & Immigration people look for is people who'll wind up broke and homeless because they didn't plan ahead. If you're a standard visitor who's already reserved your hotels and your return flight, you're probably fine. If you're staying with friends, bring a note from the friend confirming the dates that you'll be staying. One-way tickets are a big red flag. If you're doing a backpacking thing where you're not sure where you'll go or how long you're staying, be prepared to show that you have enough money to support yourself and return home.
All sensible advice. And from the passenger point of view, always a good idea to be friendly, courteous, truthful, smile, and you'll make the person on the other side of the counter's day.
Ah thanks for this video :)! In 40 days I will be leaving for Switzerland for 3 months all on my own for the first time, and even though I travel a couple times per year I always get nervous
Some countries beside the US also care what you bring in. China has a customs form, for example. Australia tends to be super picky about things like produce too - after all, their local ecosystems are different from the rest of the world's. Also, beware US travelers who might think (as I did) that you don't need a visa for other English-speaking countries: You do for Australia! (and perhaps others...) Thank goodness for the kind airline check-in worker in Bangkok who helped me get a visa online before boarding my connecting flight to Brisbane.
Hey nice videos. Really helpful Btw what should i fill on the form if i will just stay at the airport for the next flight? Should i fill it with random hotel address?
There are a few comments on here about moving to another country long-term. Immigration isn't as simple as picking a country and booking a flight; it can be a years-long process. You typically need to have relatives in the country or a job offer in hand to even be considered. Even then, you'll usually have to have a medical exam to make sure you're not carrying any diseases, a background check to make sure you're not running from the law, and an interview where they'll question your character and motives. At some point you may be flat-out told that your kind isn't welcome in their country. There's also tons of paperwork that will inevitably get lost, and guess who's responsible for getting everything back on track.
I am traveling out of the country for the very first time on my own for a study abroad program in Bangkok, Thailand in a few weeks. I have 2 connecting flights (U.S. state A to U.S. state B, U.S. State B to Seoul, South Korea then Seoul, South Korea to Bangkok). Do I have to go through customs and immigration at all my stops? I am extremely nervous because I have never left the U.S. before. Thank you.
thanks for the tips! quick question. i'll be traveling to france sometime next year with my husband. obviously i have to have my passport but do i need to do a visa thingy? like anything extra.
this is very helpful!!!! I'm planning to immigrate to Canada in two years times (I'll look on to this video in two years time!!!) and this is great information to know since USA is close to Canada!!!! Thanks Sonia!!!!!
Apply for the Global Entry program through Customs and Border Protection website. You complete an app then go in for a brief interview within a couple of weeks. If approved, you receive a "Trusted Traveler" card for use to zip through Customs at airports when arriving on international flights. It's more cost effective to get the Global Entry card, as it covers you on both domestic and international travel. The Trusted Traveler card only covers you for domestic travel within the US. Thanks for the great video, +Sonia. Very informative.
If I'm 17 years,from mexico, and I'm traveling from sanDiego to San Francisco, They're going to ask me about where I'm Staying there? and with who?? love your tips!
do you know anything about border officials wanting a bribe for you to enter? I was traveling from Italy to Prague for a weekend trip(by auto)..and had problems at the Slovenia border. My Italian friend had to enter their little office and was occupied for some time. Any ideas why this was done?
I'm about to go on a 10 day trip to Mauritiius to see my brother get married. I plan on doing lots of water activities as it's a beach resort. In the evening, we have to dress up for dinner and evening events, what clothes do I pack and. What shoes?
Love your videos! They're always so helpful. Any tips for traveling while abroad? From January to May I'll be studying abroad in Seville, Spain and wonder if you have any tips for traveling around Europe while I'm there?
Catherine White I lived in Spain for a few months! Seville is so beautiful! Visit Granada (La Alhambra) and Madrid! Also, travel to France and London- they are both such short flights! Don't forget your electrical converters sunglasses! ;)
Bring a backpack (like the ones people use for hiking? not sure if that makes sense), the cheap airlines have super strict rules for carry on luggage but one of those (that fits 40-45lbs) was always of for me! Plan ahead the destinations and remember to check online prices and then delete the cookies from your computer (that's how they raise the price next time you go to buy the ticket). Although most of the things you learn as you go.Have a great time in Spain, studying abroad (in Spain as well!) has been one of the most gratifying experiences in my life! Essay over. XD
Love this video! Hey Sonia, Can you do a video about traveling and this new Ebola breakout? Maybe possible ways to stay safe? I will be traveling in two weeks and I was telling my friends that I'll be that chick with the surgical mask and disinfectant wipes on the plane. LOL.
Calm down. Even the scientist who discovered ebola said he'd sit next to someone on a train who had it. It's not infectious until they're actually bleeding out of various orifices and even then you can basically only catch it if you're medically treating them - it's transmitted in the same sorts of ways as HIV
I am visiting some friends in Holland in a few months, since I won't be staying in a hotel what do I do?? Do I need something to prove I'll stay with them or what? any advice please-
Hi Sonia, I live in the USA and I'm traveling to Spain this summer. This is the first time I travel over seas. Do I have to go through customs and immigration when I get to Spain or is just when I get back to the USA?
Immigration can be very tiring as the line is super long and slow. Go to those station where there is shorter line or those station for local which will be faster and get out for the crowd. Sonia, I love your show. Can you go to Asia to explore? Such as Singapore (where I lived). I did not see any video about Asia. Can you do one video about Asia. I love to see. Hope you can make one. Thanks
Just a quick point: if you're travelling somewhere geographically isolated, they may have stricter customs regulations than other places to keep the enivronment clean from all the nasties you can find in the rest of the world. If you wait until you do the customs card on the plane, you could get burned and have to throw away something you want to keep, particularly if you're traveling on from somewhere else if you have souvenirs. The big one for me is Australia and wood. If you want a souvenir its worth shelling out the extra bucks to get it in treated wood or to find somewhere that will treat it for you. Its also a good idea to have a glance over the regulations of anywhere you intend to visit. A lot of things are self-evident (don't try to bring in drugs, duh) but somethings you just don't expect (chewing gum in Singapore, for example)
For the wood etc in Australia, we''re worried about bugs coming in, and getting at the plants, crops, fauna etc. Good advice from you to make sure its treated, but still declare it. Singapore is very strict about cleanliness, particularly on their footpaths/sidewalks, roads, and public areas, hence the restrictions on gum.
What if you are staying for a long period of time in a country and not staying in the same place. Do you put the address of the first destination you're staying at?
I remember when I went to London to visit my brother. The guy at the immigration took FOREVER just to ask me the purpose of visit, where I was going to stay at, how long I was going to be there, and whether I was travelling alone (I was travelling with my parents - which meant it literally took FOREVER just to clear all those questions per person) =/
me gustan mucho tus videos, Dios te bendiga Sonia... quiero ir a Colombia de vacaciones pero no se que documentos piden,que dinero agarran aya, cual es el mejor hotel que me recomiendes y la aerolinea te agradeceria mucho que me dieras tips seguire ahorrando en el 2015 para asi poderme ir muy pronto de vacaciones que tengas buen dia, saludos desde Tamaulipas México :)
One day, while crossing back to the states, a dog sniffed my pocket. The previous day I had gone herb (rosemary, thyme, and sage) gathering in the wilderness and apparently, those dogs can sniff that. I was so scared XD
Not customs, but I was asked to go to some random little office at Gibraltar airport so they could empty my bag... a can of insect repeller that had been on at least 10 flights before was confiscated as being dangerous. Who knew?! :p
You should go to asian countries as well! I'm doing another multi country trip this winter to Japan korea Singapore hk vietnam and Thailand. I'd love for you to join!
Yes, you can bring liquids IF it's 3 ounces or less; I've done this on Delta many times. But if you are traveling on an international flight, they are going to feed you on a regular basis. You really don't need to bring food unless you have specific diet requirements.
Because I'm from Puerto Rico and have an American passport (as all puerto ricans do) I'm almost always held back at immigration and have to explain the whole common wealth thing and why I have an american passport. Sometimes is funny, others is annoying.There was one time when I was taken aside from my group of friends and everyone was freaking out because they though something was wrong. Sigh
Usually yes. There are some countries that can issue a “visa on arrival”, like for US citizens that includes India and Egypt. It’s more involved than visa-free travel (more paperwork, photos, questions, fees) but you can do it at the airport when you arrive. It may still be _easier_ to get the visa ahead of time, especially if it can be done online by scanning in your documents. For other countries (e.g., USAers in Russia unless they fall under a very specific exception for tour groups) you’ll need a visa and you need to apply for it a couple months in advance. Again, specifics depend on your home nation and the one you’re visiting, but a good rule of thumb is to start the visa process 3 months before you’re scheduled to travel. That allows enough time for processing, but it’s also not so early that the visa itself expires. They’re usually only good for a single entry within the next couple of months, so if your plans change you may need a new visa. Of course, this all assumes you’re a tourist visiting for a short stay. Finding employment, studying, or living in another country almost always requires a different kind of visa that must be obtained ahead of time.
If you're staying at a friend's house, then do you need some sort of proof from your friend that you are indeed staying with them? I'm traveling to the UK in one month, I'm trying to tie up any loose ends. Please help. :)
Yes they asked, and I had my friend e-mail a letter stating that I would in fact be staying with them, I printed it before my trip and showed it to the man at the UK customs booth whenever he asked where it was that I would be staying, he also asked what my friend did for a living and how old they were.
Imhim247 well this is philippines bro, your cellphone and wallet should always be on your touch and you should know when you are being taken advantage of in buying something bcoz foreign people get priced higher than local. don't leave cebu without you being able to experience the floating restaurant :)
hi sonia i love you but i think that you sold your spirit and your taveling soul to the Advertisement companies Keep smiling your real huge smile and do not let any dollar to take him. moshe, israel.
Oh my God! I can't even begin to explain how much I needed these videos. I'm travelling on my own for the very first time and I'm looking to find all the tips that I can get. Your videos are amazing so thank you so so much!
Your tips are always helpful...even if I'm not traveling at the moment I still look at your videos...cause you never know what happens and I'm glad I'm getting tips from you Sonia. Thanks! :) have a nice day
linda viveros :) xo
Watching your video, i just remembered that travellers should also check regulations about any OTC and prescribed medications that they take. I travel with prescribed meds and have to remember a doctors note.
also remember certain countries strict quarantine requirements. Australia you cannot bring anything living, including plants or foods at risk of bugs or parasites
Here is a tip to hopefully save you some time - in some countries (particularly less well developed countries with busy airports) immigration is VERY manual and takes a LONG TIME to get through. The worst thing you can do is go to the toilet as soon as you get off the plane because 300 + people kept walking and lined up ahead of you while you did. That can make the difference between a 20 minute queue or hours of waiting!! Go to the toilet BEFORE the plane starts to land and be ready to walk quickly to immigration when you get off.
Make sure your pen is black or blue. No reds pinks or purples :)
peterk814 OMG so true!!
Thanks Sonia. I already knew all of these but it was a good reminder... I'm planning an international trip in a few months and this will be handy!
I love your energy in the videos
Another thing the Customs & Immigration people look for is people who'll wind up broke and homeless because they didn't plan ahead. If you're a standard visitor who's already reserved your hotels and your return flight, you're probably fine. If you're staying with friends, bring a note from the friend confirming the dates that you'll be staying. One-way tickets are a big red flag. If you're doing a backpacking thing where you're not sure where you'll go or how long you're staying, be prepared to show that you have enough money to support yourself and return home.
Only if you are from one of the Mercosul's countries you wont need a visa to Brazil. Love your videos!
OMG Sonia! I'm from Nicaragua and i love your vídeos!
All sensible advice. And from the passenger point of view, always a good idea to be friendly, courteous, truthful, smile, and you'll make the person on the other side of the counter's day.
Ah thanks for this video :)! In 40 days I will be leaving for Switzerland for 3 months all on my own for the first time, and even though I travel a couple times per year I always get nervous
Great tips! Didn't know about some places needing a passport to be valid for a certain amount of time... Will keep that in mind!
Love this kind of informative videos. I want more!!!
Matias P And more will come... :)
Some countries beside the US also care what you bring in. China has a customs form, for example. Australia tends to be super picky about things like produce too - after all, their local ecosystems are different from the rest of the world's. Also, beware US travelers who might think (as I did) that you don't need a visa for other English-speaking countries: You do for Australia! (and perhaps others...) Thank goodness for the kind airline check-in worker in Bangkok who helped me get a visa online before boarding my connecting flight to Brisbane.
Hey nice videos. Really helpful
Btw what should i fill on the form if i will just stay at the airport for the next flight? Should i fill it with random hotel address?
OMG ! Thanks I'm going to Brazil for New Year's thanks about the visa notice ! Talk Life saver!
Thanks you !
There are a few comments on here about moving to another country long-term. Immigration isn't as simple as picking a country and booking a flight; it can be a years-long process. You typically need to have relatives in the country or a job offer in hand to even be considered.
Even then, you'll usually have to have a medical exam to make sure you're not carrying any diseases, a background check to make sure you're not running from the law, and an interview where they'll question your character and motives. At some point you may be flat-out told that your kind isn't welcome in their country. There's also tons of paperwork that will inevitably get lost, and guess who's responsible for getting everything back on track.
Could u please make a video about what foods are allowed by the TSA. I wanted to know if any packaged food would be allowed.
I am traveling out of the country for the very first time on my own for a study abroad program in Bangkok, Thailand in a few weeks. I have 2 connecting flights (U.S. state A to U.S. state B, U.S. State B to Seoul, South Korea then Seoul, South Korea to Bangkok). Do I have to go through customs and immigration at all my stops? I am extremely nervous because I have never left the U.S. before.
Thank you.
thanks for the tips! quick question. i'll be traveling to france sometime next year with my husband. obviously i have to have my passport but do i need to do a visa thingy? like anything extra.
this is very helpful!!!! I'm planning to immigrate to Canada in two years times (I'll look on to this video in two years time!!!) and this is great information to know since USA is close to Canada!!!! Thanks Sonia!!!!!
Thank you for another entertaining and useful video.
Apply for the Global Entry program through Customs and Border Protection website. You complete an app then go in for a brief interview within a couple of weeks. If approved, you receive a "Trusted Traveler" card for use to zip through Customs at airports when arriving on international flights. It's more cost effective to get the Global Entry card, as it covers you on both domestic and international travel. The Trusted Traveler card only covers you for domestic travel within the US.
Thanks for the great video, +Sonia. Very informative.
Is the flight number the plane you just came from or the one you'll be going to next?
Will they say something to me with a one way ticket if I'm going to hitchhike across to the next country?
If I'm 17 years,from mexico, and I'm traveling from sanDiego to San Francisco, They're going to ask me about where I'm Staying there? and with who??
love your tips!
If on the plane they give you multiple documents that seem (or actually are) identical. Fill them both out.
Very informative and useful thank you. Love your videos :)
do you know anything about border officials wanting a bribe for you to enter? I was traveling from Italy to Prague for a weekend trip(by auto)..and had problems at the Slovenia border. My Italian friend had to enter their little office and was occupied for some time. Any ideas why this was done?
I'm about to go on a 10 day trip to Mauritiius to see my brother get married. I plan on doing lots of water activities as it's a beach resort. In the evening, we have to dress up for dinner and evening events, what clothes do I pack and. What shoes?
These tips will be a great help for when I move to Russia.
Love your videos! They're always so helpful. Any tips for traveling while abroad? From January to May I'll be studying abroad in Seville, Spain and wonder if you have any tips for traveling around Europe while I'm there?
Just wanted to say, have an amazing time! :)
Catherine White I lived in Spain for a few months! Seville is so beautiful! Visit Granada (La Alhambra) and Madrid! Also, travel to France and London- they are both such short flights! Don't forget your electrical converters sunglasses! ;)
Bring a backpack (like the ones people use for hiking? not sure if that makes sense), the cheap airlines have super strict rules for carry on luggage but one of those (that fits 40-45lbs) was always of for me! Plan ahead the destinations and remember to check online prices and then delete the cookies from your computer (that's how they raise the price next time you go to buy the ticket). Although most of the things you learn as you go.Have a great time in Spain, studying abroad (in Spain as well!) has been one of the most gratifying experiences in my life! Essay over. XD
Catherine White I have a video on Seville coming up next month. Stay tuned!
I'm so excited! that's fantastic!! Also, what about a holiday gift guide for travelers???
Love this video! Hey Sonia, Can you do a video about traveling and this new Ebola breakout? Maybe possible ways to stay safe? I will be traveling in two weeks and I was telling my friends that I'll be that chick with the surgical mask and disinfectant wipes on the plane. LOL.
Calm down. Even the scientist who discovered ebola said he'd sit next to someone on a train who had it. It's not infectious until they're actually bleeding out of various orifices and even then you can basically only catch it if you're medically treating them - it's transmitted in the same sorts of ways as HIV
I am visiting some friends in Holland in a few months, since I won't be staying in a hotel what do I do??
Do I need something to prove I'll stay with them or what? any advice please-
Hi Sonia, I live in the USA and I'm traveling to Spain this summer. This is the first time I travel over seas. Do I have to go through customs and immigration when I get to Spain or is just when I get back to the USA?
+Carmen Moore I'm pretty sure most of the times it's both ways especially if it's international.
Immigration can be very tiring as the line is super long and slow. Go to those station where there is shorter line or those station for local which will be faster and get out for the crowd. Sonia, I love your show. Can you go to Asia to explore? Such as Singapore (where I lived). I did not see any video about Asia. Can you do one video about Asia. I love to see. Hope you can make one. Thanks
Just a quick point: if you're travelling somewhere geographically isolated, they may have stricter customs regulations than other places to keep the enivronment clean from all the nasties you can find in the rest of the world. If you wait until you do the customs card on the plane, you could get burned and have to throw away something you want to keep, particularly if you're traveling on from somewhere else if you have souvenirs.
The big one for me is Australia and wood. If you want a souvenir its worth shelling out the extra bucks to get it in treated wood or to find somewhere that will treat it for you. Its also a good idea to have a glance over the regulations of anywhere you intend to visit. A lot of things are self-evident (don't try to bring in drugs, duh) but somethings you just don't expect (chewing gum in Singapore, for example)
For the wood etc in Australia, we''re worried about bugs coming in, and getting at the plants, crops, fauna etc. Good advice from you to make sure its treated, but still declare it. Singapore is very strict about cleanliness, particularly on their footpaths/sidewalks, roads, and public areas, hence the restrictions on gum.
What if you are staying for a long period of time in a country and not staying in the same place. Do you put the address of the first destination you're staying at?
Thanks so much!! tis tips me han sido de gran ayuda!
Staying in the country of the customs or in Europe?
I remember when I went to London to visit my brother. The guy at the immigration took FOREVER just to ask me the purpose of visit, where I was going to stay at, how long I was going to be there, and whether I was travelling alone (I was travelling with my parents - which meant it literally took FOREVER just to clear all those questions per person) =/
This chick is AMAZING!
what about a nexus card?
Adorei, linda! Obrigada pelas importantes dicas!!!
Muy divertida!!! Me encantan tus tips!!! :)
me gustan mucho tus videos, Dios te bendiga Sonia...
quiero ir a Colombia de vacaciones pero no se que documentos piden,que dinero agarran aya, cual es el mejor hotel que me recomiendes y la aerolinea te agradeceria mucho que me dieras tips seguire ahorrando en el 2015 para asi poderme ir muy pronto de vacaciones
que tengas buen dia, saludos desde Tamaulipas México :)
One day, while crossing back to the states, a dog sniffed my pocket. The previous day I had gone herb (rosemary, thyme, and sage) gathering in the wilderness and apparently, those dogs can sniff that. I was so scared XD
lol, from mex to US a dog attacked a bag for having tamales, she was pulling them out and eating them. :)
Where I live at customs they check every bag it is so long
hehe i love your sense of humor, come and visit me in norway :)
Not customs, but I was asked to go to some random little office at Gibraltar airport so they could empty my bag... a can of insect repeller that had been on at least 10 flights before was confiscated as being dangerous. Who knew?! :p
You should go to asian countries as well! I'm doing another multi country trip this winter to Japan korea Singapore hk vietnam and Thailand. I'd love for you to join!
Você é brasileira?
You Rock 🌟 Thanks for sharing 😁
Can you bring your own food on the plane or will they take it
Aza Za You can :) As long as it is not liquid.
Yes, you can bring liquids IF it's 3 ounces or less; I've done this on Delta many times. But if you are traveling on an international flight, they are going to feed you on a regular basis. You really don't need to bring food unless you have specific diet requirements.
Because I'm from Puerto Rico and have an American passport (as all puerto ricans do) I'm almost always held back at immigration and have to explain the whole common wealth thing and why I have an american passport. Sometimes is funny, others is annoying.There was one time when I was taken aside from my group of friends and everyone was freaking out because they though something was wrong. Sigh
Rouge Lips double sigh
Do we need to apply for visa of destination country on advance??
Usually yes. There are some countries that can issue a “visa on arrival”, like for US citizens that includes India and Egypt. It’s more involved than visa-free travel (more paperwork, photos, questions, fees) but you can do it at the airport when you arrive. It may still be _easier_ to get the visa ahead of time, especially if it can be done online by scanning in your documents.
For other countries (e.g., USAers in Russia unless they fall under a very specific exception for tour groups) you’ll need a visa and you need to apply for it a couple months in advance. Again, specifics depend on your home nation and the one you’re visiting, but a good rule of thumb is to start the visa process 3 months before you’re scheduled to travel. That allows enough time for processing, but it’s also not so early that the visa itself expires. They’re usually only good for a single entry within the next couple of months, so if your plans change you may need a new visa.
Of course, this all assumes you’re a tourist visiting for a short stay. Finding employment, studying, or living in another country almost always requires a different kind of visa that must be obtained ahead of time.
Well done dogy!!
If you're staying at a friend's house, then do you need some sort of proof from your friend that you are indeed staying with them? I'm traveling to the UK in one month, I'm trying to tie up any loose ends. Please help. :)
Did they ask?
Yes they asked, and I had my friend e-mail a letter stating that I
would in fact be staying with them, I printed
it before my trip and showed it to the man at the UK customs booth whenever he asked where it was that I would be staying, he also asked what my friend did for a living and how old they were.
Thanks for the tips! Can't wait to go to Philippines!
where exactly in the philippines are you going?
Jef Ramos cebu. why?
oh it's beautiful there!
Jef Ramos I know! i can't wait!!! Any advice for me?
Imhim247 well this is philippines bro, your cellphone and wallet should always be on your touch and you should know when you are being taken advantage of in buying something bcoz foreign people get priced higher than local. don't leave cebu without you being able to experience the floating restaurant :)
Girl, you're gorgeous!
how much is too much cash that you have too declare
+Kirk Putnam Sr anything over $10000 dollars in your currency
+Bridget Mueni how about jewlery
yeah sure :)
+Anshul Sukhlecha thanks :) are you done?
I'm going to Mexico for the first time on Sunday. It's my first time ever leaving the US, annnnd I'm a nervous wreck lol.
Don't stress over it you'll be fine. Good luck!
Thank you!
Shouldn't be a problem! I went for the first time in August. Everyone was friendly (both at customs / immigration) and the locals. It felt like home.
Awesome!! Thank you!
lex6361 Good luck lex! You'll have a wonderful time
That dog must be hungry hahaha.
Jajaja 🙋nice video
😊
hi sonia
i love you but i think that you sold your spirit and your taveling soul to the Advertisement companies
Keep smiling your real huge smile and do not let any dollar to take him.
moshe, israel.
Sonia
Under 301 club
matty mitchell high five
Awesome! this really helps. and i think i have a crush on you now, Sonia!
Mathis Laurant blush :)
luv your shoulders hahaha
Very informative and useful thank you. Love your videos :)