Border Crossing Cards / Immigration Cards to Know Before Crossing the Border

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Date: 7/26/2024
Generaltravel

If you're planning international travel, it's important to know about immigration cards, which you'll mostly need to fill out when crossing borders into countries in Asia, the Americas, and Africa.

First of all, an immigration card is an official document that a traveler fills out when entering and exiting a border. Its main purpose is to ensure security through the control of travelers and goods.

Every country has its own individual immigration card, which differs from other countries' cards. However, they're all united by the need to share personal information.

Today in this blog, we'll walk you through the immigration cards of various countries and share the important information you should know before traveling there.

United States of America

Document name: Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B)
Where to fill it out: on the plane or at the airport
Purpose: security and customs control
Information the document includes: the traveler's personal information
Cost: free

In the case of the US, the immigration card - called the Customs Declaration Form - must be filled out by foreign visitors as well as citizens and residents alike. This applies regardless of the traveler's purpose for entering the country, whether it's a business trip, tourist visit, or transit.

The form's content mainly includes the traveler's personal information, such as full name, date of birth, and passport details, as well as travel details and the declaration of any items.

Naturally, the requirement to fill out this document also applies to citizens of Georgia.

The document is handed to you in physical form at the airport, and if you're traveling with family, you can fill out just one card for all family members.

The information provided on the form is protected under US law, and any personal data shared is used only as needed.

What happens if you don't fill out the US immigration card when entering the country?

If you decline to fill out the immigration card, several scenarios may follow:

  • Denial of entry: if you don't submit the immigration card, the US Department of State reserves the right to deny you entry into the country.
  • Additional screening: the entry process may be significantly delayed due to additional screening.
  • Fines: US law provides for fines or other penalties if you don't fill out the required card, particularly if it turns out you were attempting to bring in prohibited items or funds.

For more information about the US immigration card, you can visit the official website of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the website of the airport you plan to fly into

Canada

Document name: CBSA Declaration Card
Where to fill it out: on the plane, at the airport, or online
Purpose: to ensure lawful and secure entry into the country
Information the document includes: the traveler's personal information
Cost: free for tourism purposes

When traveling to Canada, it's necessary to fill out the customs declaration form (CBSA Declaration Card) to ensure lawful and secure entry into the country. The form can be filled out either on paper or electronically through the ArriveCAN app.

If you're flying into an international airport with primary inspection kiosks or eGates (an automated border control system), you can fill out the customs and immigration declaration in advance through the ArriveCAN app, which will significantly save you time at the border. However, if you're flying into an airport without kiosks or eGates, you'll be given a paper form (the E-311 CBSA Declaration Card) on the plane, which you must fill out before landing.

As with the US, Canada's customs declaration form also requires the traveler's personal information (such as full name, date of birth, citizenship, and more), along with travel and declaration details.

What happens if you don't fill out Canada's immigration card when entering the country?

Filling out the CBSA Declaration Card is a mandatory process when entering Canada. Failing to fill out the document may result in delays, fines, additional screening, and problems related to immigration status.

  • Denial of entry: if you don't fill out the immigration card, you may be denied entry into the country.
  • Additional screening: the entry process may be significantly delayed due to additional screening, and your luggage, belongings, and documents may be checked.
  • Fines: Canadian law provides for fines or other penalties if you don't fill out the required customs declaration, particularly if it turns out you were attempting to bring in prohibited items or funds.

Mexico

Document name: FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple)
Where to fill it out: on the plane or at the airport
Purpose: to ensure lawful and secure entry into the country
Information the document includes: the traveler's personal information
Cost: the FMM form is usually free if your stay doesn't exceed 7 days. For longer stays, the form costs approximately $25–$30.

Upon arrival in Mexico, the immigration authority will issue the relevant immigration form (FMM), also known as the tourist card. Once filled out, the traveler is allowed to remain in the country according to the validity of their visa.

The immigration form can also be filled out online, for which a passport and travel history are required. Some Mexican states may have local requirements and may require you to fill out an additional form besides the tourist card. However, you'll receive information about this when completing the online application.

What happens if you don't fill out Mexico's immigration card when entering the country?

If you don't fill out the immigration card (FMM) when entering the country, you may encounter certain difficulties:

  • Denial of entry: if you don't fill out the immigration card, you may be denied entry into the country.
  • Additional screening: the entry process may be significantly delayed due to additional screening, and your luggage, belongings, and documents may be checked.
  • Fines: Mexican law provides for fines or other penalties if you don't fill out the immigration card, particularly if it turns out you were attempting to bring in prohibited items or funds.

For additional official information about Mexico's immigration card (FMM), you can visit the website of Mexico's National Immigration Institute (INM).

Maldives

Document name: Traveller Declaration Form
Where to fill it out: filled out electronically through the IMUGA platform
Purpose: to ensure security when entering the country
Information the document includes: the traveler's personal information
Cost: free

To travel to the Maldives for tourism, you'll need to fill out the Traveller Declaration Form. This form is mandatory for every traveler entering and leaving the country's territory.

Filling out the form is necessary to comply with the Maldives' immigration and customs regulations and ensures security upon entering the country. The form is filled out electronically through the IMUGA platform and is free.

What happens if you don't fill out the Maldives' immigration card when entering the country?

If you don't fill out the immigration card when entering the country, you may encounter certain difficulties:

  • Denial of entry: if you don't fill out the immigration card, you may be denied entry into the country.
  • Additional screening: the entry process may be significantly delayed due to additional screening, and your luggage, belongings, and documents may be checked.
  • Fines: the country's law provides for fines or other penalties if you don't fill out the immigration card.

For additional official information about the Traveller Declaration Form, you can visit the Maldives immigration website.

Singapore

Document name: SG Arrival Card
Where to fill it out: the document can be filled out online
Purpose: migration control
Information the document includes: the traveler's personal data
Cost: free

Singapore's immigration card must be filled out at least 72 hours before entering the country's territory. The card is filled out online on the ICA website and is free.

When filling out the form, you'll need to enter personal information such as full name, passport details, purpose of travel, and more. Once the card is successfully submitted, you'll receive a confirmation and a PDF version of the card by email.

What happens if you don't fill out Singapore's immigration card when entering the country?

Filling out the SG Arrival Card is mandatory when entering Singapore. Failing to fill it out may result in delays at the border, denial of entry, and even fines. That's why it's important to fill out the SG Arrival Card 3 days before your visit to Singapore, to avoid inconvenience at the border.

For additional official information about Singapore's immigration card, you can visit the official website of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

So, when entering the territory of a specific country, you may need to fill out the relevant immigration card, which differs from country to country. In most cases, though, their main purpose is to ensure security.

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