You’ve just landed in a new country. The air is different, and you hear the sounds of Spanish all around you. The first official step of your adventure is passing through immigration and customs. This can feel a little intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Knowing a few key phrases in Spanish can make this process much smoother. It helps you understand the officials, answer their questions with confidence, and show respect. A simple, polite greeting can change the tone of the entire interaction and start your trip on a positive note. Once you're through customs, you can often relax and explore the duty-free shops. This is a great chance to buy local specialties, gifts, or travel essentials. This guide provides the practical vocabulary you need for a stress-free airport experience, from the passport control desk to the checkout counter at the duty-free.
Good morning/afternoon.
Use this as a polite greeting when you first approach the immigration or customs officer's desk. It's a respectful way to begin the interaction.
Here is my passport.
Say this as you hand your passport and any required forms to the immigration official.
I'm here on vacation / for tourism.
This is the standard and clearest answer when an official asks for the purpose of your visit ('Motivo del viaje').
I'm staying for two weeks.
Use this to state the length of your stay. Replace 'dos semanas' with your specific duration (e.g., 'diez días', 'un mes').
No, nothing to declare.
This is the standard response to the customs officer's question, '¿Algo que declarar?' (Anything to declare?), if you are not carrying restricted items.
I only have clothes and personal items.
A simple way to describe the contents of your luggage if asked. It indicates you have nothing unusual or commercial.
Should I open the suitcase?
Ask this if an officer seems to want to inspect your bag. It shows you are cooperative.
It's a gift for a friend.
Use this to explain a new item in your luggage that isn't for your personal use.
I don't understand, can you speak more slowly, please?
An essential phrase if you are having trouble understanding. Politeness is key here.
Do I need to pay taxes on this?
Use this if you have an item that might be over the duty-free limit, like expensive electronics or alcohol.
Where can I pay?
If you do need to pay a tax or fee, this is the direct question to ask where to go to handle the payment.
Excuse me, where are the liquors?
Use this to ask for help finding a specific section in the duty-free store. You can replace 'los licores' with 'los perfumes', 'los chocolates', etc.
I'm just looking, thank you.
A polite way to respond to a salesperson who asks if you need help ('¿Le puedo ayudar en algo?').
How much does this cost?
The most important question for any shopping situation. Point to the item as you ask.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Use this to confirm your payment method is accepted before you get to the register.
A traveler approaches the customs checkpoint at a major Latin American airport. A male customs officer is waiting to inspect their declaration form and luggage.
Buenas tardes. Su pasaporte y formulario de aduana, por favor.
Good afternoon. Your passport and customs form, please.
Buenas tardes. Aquí tiene.
Good afternoon. Here you are.
Gracias. ¿Motivo del viaje?
Thank you. Purpose of the trip?
Turismo. Vengo de vacaciones.
Tourism. I'm here on vacation.
Perfecto. ¿Trae algo para declarar? ¿Comida, alcohol, tabaco?
Perfect. Are you bringing anything to declare? Food, alcohol, tobacco?
No, nada que declarar.
No, nothing to declare.
De acuerdo. Por favor, ponga su maleta en la banda para los rayos X.
Alright. Please put your suitcase on the belt for the X-ray.
Claro.
Of course.
Todo parece en orden. Bienvenida. Puede pasar.
Everything seems in order. Welcome. You may pass.
¡Muchas gracias! Con permiso.
Thank you very much! Excuse me (as I pass).
Always address immigration and customs officials with 'usted'. Using the informal 'tú' is considered disrespectful and could complicate your entry. Politeness, a calm demeanor, and simple, direct answers are your best tools for a smooth process.
In Mexico and some other Latin American countries, you may encounter a 'semáforo fiscal' (customs traffic light). After collecting your bags, you'll press a button. A green light means you can pass through without inspection; a red light means your luggage will be randomly selected for a manual check. It's a system of chance, so don't be alarmed if you get a red light.
Be extremely careful about declaring food items. Most countries have very strict rules against bringing in fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and meat products to prevent the spread of agricultural pests. It's almost always better to declare any food you have or, even better, to not bring any at all. Fines for undeclared food can be steep.
When shopping at the duty-free, remember that 'duty-free' doesn't always mean 'cheaper'. Prices for electronics or cosmetics can sometimes be higher than at stores in your home country. It's best for purchasing items like alcohol and tobacco, where taxes are highest. Also, be aware of the duty-free allowance for your destination country to avoid paying taxes on arrival.
Keep your documents—passport, boarding pass, and customs form—in your hand and ready. Fumbling for papers can slow down the line and create unnecessary stress. Having everything organized shows you are a prepared and serious traveler.
Mexico is famous for its 'semáforo fiscal' (customs traffic light system). You will be asked to 'oprimir el botón' (press the button). Green means pass, red means inspection. The immigration agency is often just called 'Migración'.
In Spain, customs is handled by the 'Agencia Tributaria' or the 'Guardia Civil'. While officials will use 'usted', you'll hear 'vale' used constantly for 'OK'. Remember that Spain is part of the EU, so customs procedures are different if you're arriving from another EU country (usually no check) versus a non-EU country.
The customs authority is 'la DIAN' (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales). They can be particularly strict about agricultural products. When leaving, if you've bought emeralds, be sure to have all the proper certificates of authenticity.
The agency in charge is 'la AFIP' (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos). You'll hear 'valija' used for a suitcase more often than 'maleta'. While officials may use the 'vos' form with you ('¿Tenés algo que declarar?'), it is always safest for you to respond using the formal 'usted' ('No, no tengo nada que declarar').
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I'm staying in a hotel.
This is a simple way to answer the question '¿Dónde se va a quedar?' (Where are you going to stay?).
Do you accept dollars / euros?
Helpful if you want to pay with a major foreign currency instead of the local currency or a card.