In a previous blog we looked at how the travel arrangements aspect can be one of the most daunting parts of arranging a language exchange or homestay language holiday for your child. When flying, many children children will be travelling on their own, often for the first time. Airlines are sensitive to the concerns of parents and the logistics required but even when the flight goes smoothly arriving at customs and immigration can be a time consuming and daunting experience. Children flying on an airline that offers an unaccompanied minor service , the arrival formalities will be supervised by a member of the airline who will take responsibility for your child until they meet with a named chaperone. However it is important that you provide the correct documents and paperwork to help the airline representative negotiate the immigration procedures on your behalf. This blog will look at the customs process and how using Lingoo to arrange your trip will provide your child documentation that will make their passage through to the arrivals lounge as smooth as possible whether your child is supervised or flying completely unaccompanied.
Immigration
Arriving at any major airport your child may be confronted by a very busy customs and immigration area with long queues of people waiting complete their formalities and collect their luggage. Upon reaching the immigration desk your child will be required to pass the agent their passport who will then make checks on your child’s identity and right to enter the country concerned. The agent will inspect the relevant documentation and this may include some questioning as to the reason your child is visiting and the purpose of their stay. This situation can happen both for young people travelling alone or for children registered as unaccompanied minors. Apart from checking that all of their documentation is present, is quite likely that customs will be keen to ensure that there is someone waiting for them at the other end and that they have a genuine reason to enter the country concerned.
The Lingoo Agreement
All stays booked through Lingoo, whether they are a two way language exchange or a one way paid homestay with a host family, are documented in a printable agreement that is available to both families once the stay is confirmed. This documentation, that your child can hand to immigration, will include the Lingoo exchange/host agreement details which will confirm that your child is on a Lingoo arranged language exchange/holiday. It will outline the details of what has been arranged and provide a quick reference point for customs agents. It also provides full contact details for both families. Also easier for the host family who are picking up – they too can show the document to immigration.