TravelBeginner
Going through immigration in English
What to say at immigration: why you're here and how long you'll stay.
The textbook way: people will understand, but it isn't what they say
I come here for travel.
What people actually say ↓Full script
Lin
Hi! I'm here on vacation.
Them
How long are you staying?
Lin
For seven days.
Them
Where will you be staying?
Lin
At a hotel downtown. Here's my booking.
Them
Anything to declare?
Lin
No, nothing to declare.
Them
All set. Enjoy your stay!
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
When they ask why you're here
✗ I come here for travel.
✓ I'm here on vacation.Purpose: vacation.
For work: I'm here on business.
They ask: How long are you staying?
✓ For seven days.Length: 7 days.
For + time is enough; don't say "seven days long"
They ask: Where will you be staying?
✓ Here's my booking.This is my reservation.
First say where, then show your booking
They ask: Anything to declare?
✓ Nothing to declare.No items to declare.
declare = report items; be honest about cash or food
Quick answers
When they ask why you're here: what to say in English
Say “I'm here on vacation.” — purpose: vacation. For work: I'm here on business.
They ask “How long are you staying”: what to say in English
Say “For seven days.” — length: 7 days. For + time is enough; don't say "seven days long".
They ask “Where will you be staying”: what to say in English
Say “Here's my booking.” — this is my reservation. First say where, then show your booking.
They ask “Anything to declare”: what to say in English
Say “Nothing to declare.” — no items to declare. declare = report items; be honest about cash or food.