When the actual circumstances differ from what you expected, the most important thing is not to argue with other passengers, but to quickly find the person in charge. At the border, the decision depends on your route, nationality, the purpose of your journey and the current regulations of the country you are entering. Prepare your supporting documents in advance, but remember: the final assessment is made by the relevant authorities.
What to do before your trip
Check the rules on the websites of border, customs and consular authorities specifically for your route. Organise your documents in an easily accessible folder, make offline copies and prepare brief, truthful answers. Do not conceal items that are subject to declaration or inspection.
- Personal belongings
- New electronic devices
- receipts
- Declaration
Step-by-step guide
Show your ticket or confirmation to a member of staff, briefly explain the issue and wait for a decision. Do not occupy someone else’s seat or move luggage without permission.
If the decision is temporary, clarify the next step and make a note of who provided it; this is particularly useful when changing trains.
Useful links
Read more about travelling with a laptop, photographic equipment and hand luggage. Current flight schedules are available on RedRay. For rules that may change, refer to the European Commission’s official guidance on customs restrictions and the official resources of your destination country. Sources verified on 6 September 2026.
Questions and answers
Personal belongings: where to check?
Keep your personal, second-hand equipment separate from new, unopened items, which may look like a commercial consignment.
New electronics: what should you do?
Keep the serial numbers and, where possible, proof of previous ownership of expensive equipment.
Receipts: how to check them?
Do not leave a laptop or camera in the hold if the carrier’s rules allow for hand luggage.
Declaration: when should you prepare it?
If you are unsure about what to declare, speak to a customs officer before going through security.