Going on inrenational Business trip

Lesson 8

Getting trough Immigration and Customs

1. DIALOGUE Ω disk 1-23

Listen to the dialogue and note the numbered expressions.

(passing through immigration)

Immigration Agent: Next...passport please.

Passenger: Here you are.

Immigration Agent: What is the purpose of your visit?⁷⁰

Passenger: Business.... I am attending a conference...but also I plan to do some sightseeing.⁷¹

Immigration Agent: How long are you going to stay here?

Passenger: Five days.

Immigration Agent: Where are you staying?⁷²

Passenger: I have a reservation at the Garden Plaza Hotel in downtown Cincinnati.

Immigration Agent: Here's your passport. Enjoy your stay.⁷³

(passing through customs)

Customs Agent: Do you have anything to declare?⁷⁴

Passanger: No, I don't.

Customs Agent: Are you carrying any food, fish or meat?⁷⁵

Passanger: No, I'm not.

Customs Agent: Do you have on your person⁷⁶ or in your baggage US currency⁷⁷ or its equivalent of $10,000 or more?

Passanger: No, I don't.

Customs Agent: OK, you're clear to go through the duty-free line.⁷⁸

⁷⁰ What is the purpose of your visit? = Why do you wish to enter the United States (Canada, etc)? This is asked by the immigration agent to know the reason why you are traveling to the country. Possible answers are: business, sightseeing, visiting friends, etc.

⁷¹ The passenger made it clear that the purpose of the visit is two-fold - to attend a business-related function and also to do some sightseeing.

⁷² Where are you staying? = This question is asked to make sure that the person entering the country has enough money and a place to stay.

⁷³ Enjoy your stay. = Some agents will offer a departure greeting, but not always. It is best not to expect any niceties in the conversation when going through immigration.

⁷⁴ Do you have anything to declare? = Passengers must declare any items that are dutiable (taxed). It is necessary to declare these items voluntarily.

⁷⁵ This question is asked to find out whether a passenger is bringing in prohibited items. Due to health concerns, it is illegal to bring in raw foodstuffs like fish, meat, or fruit.

⁷⁶... on your person = on your body or with you. [e.g. Do you have any identification on your person?]

⁷⁷ currency = money

⁷³ duty-free line = non-duty line; in the United States, an agent will usually interview you as you are making your way to the exit. After a short interview, he/she will decide whether to have you go through the "duty" line to be checked further, or to allow you to pass directly through to the exit.

2. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

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