If your fortunate enough to only have to go through basic Customs in a destination, the whole process is much shorter. Of course, this all depends on how much time you spend waiting to reclaim your luggage, and waiting to hand in your Customs declaration form to the official at the Customs exit area. Have your passport handy in case the official wants to look at it to make sure it matches your form. Don't waste time frantically searching for it in your pockets or purse. On high-traffic weekdays and holidays, allow extra time to wait in line in the customs area. Turn your cell phone off in customs areas or risk confiscation.
If you are carrying agricultural products, such as fruits, plants or fresh produce, you must declare them and go through agricultural screening. Agricultural screening may add an hour or more to the time you spend getting through Customs, so be prepared. If you don't declare your produce, or forget you have fresh fruit in your bag, a Customs' dog may smell it, and you will have to go through agricultural screening and possibly pay a fine -- which will take even more time.
If a Customs official decides secondary screening is necessary, be prepared to wait patiently and quietly. If there is a long line, or Customs officials decide to do an in-depth search, be prepared to spend an extra hour or more going through Customs. Don't try to chat or be entertaining, you may distract officials causing them to work slower, or even worse, cause them to suspect you're carrying something illegal and do a more extensive search. Do as instructed by the Customs agents to make the process go as smoothly and quickly as possible. If illegal items are found in your luggage, be prepared for a strip search and further delays in getting through customs.
Save time in Customs by having everything in order. Fill out your Customs declaration forms on the plane, or as soon as you receive them, as completely and legibly as possible. Make sure your passport is in order and that you don't have stamps from countries where you're not allowed to travel. Save time spent waiting for checked bags by going carry-on only, and skip agriculture products, since agricultural screening will often tack an extra hour onto the whole Customs process. Make sure you're not carrying illegal items, or quantities of items in excess of legal limits. Keep your luggage clean and away from natural products such as fruits and meats that may cause the Customs' dogs to come sniffing around your bag, which means agricultural and possibly secondary screenings that will take more of your time. Keep your receipts and have them on hand for Customs officials to examine. Don't wear expensive or ostentatious jewellery or accessories, they may increase your chances of a secondary Customs screening.
