In the first of the series English for travelers we will show you a dialog for English at passport control. Arriving in a foreign country and talking to officials at the airport can be scary, however in many countries, even if English isn’t the main language, the officials at the airport often speak English. I hope that after you have practiced this dialog a few times you will feel more confident when going through an airport.
A man has just got off the plane at Heathrow Airport. Before he can enter the country he has to go through passport control. There are two lines one for EU citizens and one for non-EU citizens. He comes to the front of the queue and gives his passport to the immigration officer.
O = Official T = traveller
O: Where did you travel from today?
T: Frankfurt. (variation1)
O: What is the purpose of your visit?
T: Sorry, I don’t understand.
O: Why are coming to Britain? (variation2)
T: Oh, I see. I am a tourist. (variation3)
O: How long do you intend to stay?
T: Three weeks.
O: Where are you going next?
T: I’m going to Switzerland. (variation4)
O: Okay. Have a pleasant stay.
Variations
Try practicing the English for travelers (passport control) dialog with some variations. Here are some suggestions for you to try.
Variations 1: China, Beijing, Germany, Austria, Vienna
Variations 2: America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
Variation 3: I am here to study, I am a student, I am here on business
Variations 4: America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Italy, France
Key English Vocabulary
Official – A person who has power to do something at a place or an organization.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Scary – If something is scary is makes you feel afraid.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
“Let’s go and see New Moon. I love vampire movies!”
“Can we watch something different? Vampire movies are too scary for me. I won’t be able to sleep.”
“Don’t worry. It’s not really scary. It’s actually very romantic.”
Confident – If you feel confident it means that you are certain you can do something or you strongly believe that you are right.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
EU – European Union.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Citizens – The people who belong to a place are its citizens.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
I am British. I am a British citizen. I live in London. I am a citizen of London.
Queue – A line in which you wait for your turn to do something.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
“I’m sorry I’m late. There was a really long queue at the supermarket. I had to wait 10 minutes to get served!”
Passport – The travel document that says who you are and which country you are from.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Immigration – The place where you enter an foreign country and they check your passport to see if you are allowed to come into the country.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Intend -If you intend to do something it means that you plan or have decided to do it.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
“What are you going to do after university?”
“I intend to spend a year in Spain to improve my Spanish.”
Watch out for more English for travelers dialogs in the coming weeks and months.
