Some passengers enjoy spending time at airports, while others dream of reaching their destination as soon as possible. I always make plans to get out of passport control quickly so I can immediately embrace and explore the country I’ve traveled to.
This becomes especially important during peak travel seasons, when the plane I’m on is packed, and even more so if I’m flying to a country that requires a visa.
I could honestly say, “No one gets through passport and security faster than I do at airports.” And I don’t think that’s an exaggeration.
So what do I do? Here are 5 tips:
1 — I Choose a Front Seat on the Plane
This article isn’t about business class passengers — it’s strictly for economy travelers. If you’re flying economy to a country that requires a visa, the trick starts with seat selection. Yes, you may pay a bit more for your ticket, but it’s absolutely worth it.
If you sit right behind business class, you’ll be among the first to exit the plane when it parks at a jet bridge, and therefore among the first to reach passport control. This helps you avoid long waits in line.
If the plane parks on the apron and passengers are taken by bus, the strategy changes: in that case, it’s best to board the first bus last and stand near the door. That way, you’ll be among the first to step off when the bus reaches the terminal.
2 — I Walk Fast and Overtake Passengers Ahead of Me
Before leaving the plane, I organize myself quickly without wasting time. I make sure my bag or belongings don’t slow me down on the way to passport control.
I don’t run, but I do walk briskly to reach the counters. If I know there are passengers with the same nationality/passport as mine on the flight, I push myself to be even faster — especially when flying to Schengen countries, where Turkish citizens need visas.
3 — I Follow the Airport Signs Carefully
While walking quickly, I don’t look down, around, or get distracted by other passengers. I focus only on the direction signs above me. Following them carefully helps me reach passport control without asking staff for help or taking a wrong turn. I try to avoid even a moment of distraction that might lead me to the wrong area.
4 — I Observe Which Passport Queue Moves Faster
When I approach passport control, I check how many counters are open. Then I observe the queues — not just which one is the shortest, but which looks like it will move faster.
I pay attention to the age groups in line, whether there are large, slow-moving travel groups, or passengers holding piles of documents. I usually choose the queue with more experienced travelers and fewer documents in hand.
Meanwhile, I also watch the officers. If one officer seems stuck with a problematic passenger or appears overly strict, I immediately switch to another line.
5 — I Speak Comfortably with the Border Officer
When it’s my turn, I act as if I’ve already traveled to that country countless times. I hand over my documents without staring nervously at the officer. Instead, I glance at my phone, adjust my bag, or casually look around.
When asked the classic questions — “Why are you here? Where will you stay? When will you return?” — I answer clearly, directly, and with confidence. Then, just like that, I step into the country.
Of course, this doesn’t always work in every country. But in most cases, these tips save me from wasting time in endless queues.
Have a good flight.