Help me understand how going through customs works!
 

Okay, so my husband and I are travelling out of the U.S. for the first time (other than Canada) and are flying to Auckland, New Zealand. It's kind of confusing because we live in the Seattle area, but are either driving or taking the train up to Vancouver, Canada and flying out of there because it is cheaper and a direct flight. So I know we will have our passports checked at the border as we go into Canada, but at the Vancouver airport will there be any type of customs to go through? Then what about when we get to New Zealand? Will we have to go through something there? And what about our return trip to Vancouver?

Go to this website: http://www.yvr.ca/en/passengers/navi...ssenger-guides

Use the dropdown menu to select "I am from the US to another country" and then select your connecting airline. You'll get step by step instruction on navigating the airport. Do the same for your return flight.

When you get to Auckland you'll clear both Immigration and Customs. It's pretty simple, when you deplane just follow the overhead signs (and the other passengers) to Passport Control (aka Immigration) then claim your bags and exit through customs.

Really, there is nothing to worry about, it's almost impossible to "do it incorrectly".

Do educate yourself about what is not allowed into NZ - they have very strict bio security procedures.

No fresh fruit allowed, etc.

Be sure to clean your hiking boots, poles and any camping equipment prior to arrival as well. It will make your life easier and speed up the inspection process.

If in doubt declare - otherwise you could face a stiff fine.

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/travel-and-r...n-new-zealand/

Oh, I mis-red your initial post and thought you were flying into Vancouver from the US.

Since you are driving you'll clear Immigration & Customs when you cross the US/Canadian border. That process is simple as you'll be in your car and the border agent will guide you through the process.

Not exactly sure how it works if you take the train but you'll clear Immigration and Customs either before you board the train or when you get off. Regardless the process itself will be the same.

You can use the same website I mentioned in my previous post but since you "entered Canada" when you crossed the border you use the dropdown menu to select "Departing to another country" then select the airline you be flying to Auckland. Follow the step by step instructions.

Yes that's why I am confused because we will be driving over the border so I wondered if we get checked there AND the airport. So then we don't have to worry about anything once we get to the airport and just go directly to our terminal after clearing security? Will security need to see both our passports and ID?

Going on the train was easy because you'd just stop at the border, agents would come on and take a quick look at your passport and then get off.

No Customs for you when you get to the airport as you are already in Canada. FYI - You clear "Customs" when entering a country, not leaving it.

No need for both an ID and Passport. Just use your passport as your ID when you check in for your flight and again when you go through the Security Checkpoint.

You'll go through "New Zealand" Immigration & Customs again when you land in Auckland.

Just to clarify, if you have checked in to your flight online, already have your boarding pass and are doing only carry When you arrive at the airport simply proceed to the Security Checkpoint, show your boarding pass and your ID or Passport (not both) then proceed to your departure gate. You'll probably be asked to show your Passport to the gate agent before you actually board the aircraft.

If you haven't checked in online and don't have your boarding pass or you have luggage to check then first go to the airline check-in counter where the agent will check your Passport, take your checked luggage (if any) and issue your boarding pass. Then proceed to Security as above.

Really, it's all very simple and routine. No need to feel confused.

Pay very close attention when completing the customs declaration for entry into New Zealand. Declare EVERYTHING! They are mostly concerned about food, plant and animal products (and dirty boots). Declare everything. If in doubt declare and ask an official. They do check thoroughly.

My wife declared everything ( she thought) but forgot about a small pot of honey. Was made to wait in an office whilst an agent typed up a wrtten warning and sent us on our way. Another guy waiting with us was not so lucky, he got the same treatment plus a $200 fine.