Lesson 2

Immigration & Customs

Dialogue

Officer: “Purpose of your visit?”

Traveller: “Tourism. I’m here to check out the old town.”

Officer: “How long will you stay?”

Traveller: “Two weeks. I’ll crash at my friend’s place.”

Phrasal verbs:

Check out =explore

Crash at =sleep at someone’s place

Idiom:

Red tape = bureaucracy

Slang:

“No sweat” = no problem

Crossing Borders

Crossing borders can be stressful. Some countries have more red tape than others, and travellers often feel on edge while waiting in long queues.

David was travelling from Europe to South America. At the border, the officer asked him many questions about his trip. He decided to play it safe and answer honestly, even though he felt nervous. “I’m here for tourism,” he explained, showing his hotel reservation.

The officer looked serious, then finally stamped his passport. David sighed with relief. He realized that honesty is the best policy and that patience helps when things feel up in the air.

Later, he told his friends: “Crossing borders is never easy, but if you keep your cool and stay polite, you’ll usually get through without trouble.”

Key Idioms & Phrasal Verbs In Context

Red tape = official rules and paperwork

On edge = nervous or anxious

Play it safe = act cautiously

Honesty is the best policy = truth works best

Up in the air = uncertain

Keep your cool = stay calm

True/False

  1. Crossing borders is always easy and stress‑free.
  2. Some countries have more red tape than others.
  3. Maria decided to play it safe by answering honestly.
  4. The officer refused to let Maria enter.

Short Answer

  1. What does the idiom red tape mean in the story?
  2. Why did Maria feel on edge at immigration?
  3. What lesson did Maria learn after crossing the border?
  4. Which idiom describes a situation that is uncertain?

Role‑Play Prompts

  1. Act out a border crossing where you must explain your travel purpose. Use play it safe and honesty is the best policy.
  2. Practice a dialogue where one traveller feels up in the air about whether they will be allowed entry.
  3. Role‑play giving advice to a nervous friend: encourage them to keep their cool.