Immigration and Customs staff

[Bartonzam]

Mumsnetters: Is it me or are these people the very worst possible advert for their countries in terms of attitude and approach? Without question they are rude, grumpy and as a first impression of a country absolutely awful. Just completed a trip involving four countries and without exception they were all the same. Do they not get an induction suggesting that being the first people visitors meet they could at least smile and try to be welcoming?. Before I get slated, I always smile, say good morning / evening and am not in any way rude patronizing or unpleasant so absolutely no provocation on my part.

In Europe, I agree they can come across as a bit grumpy and rude - but actually I think they're just serious. They seem to be trained that way. It's the same with the police in many countries in Europe - very serious when on duty. It's not a reflection on the general culture of the country though, and not really the job of immigration to welcome you with a smile (although it would be nice)

In the UK and USA though, they are generally lovely. Chatty, smiling, most have a good sense of humour.

The worst though the ones I've come across were in the far east. Several hinted that they wanted bribes to let us through. We pretended not to understand what they were getting at, and the eventually let us through anyway. This was over twenty years ago though, so it may have improved.

@budgiegirl jeez I think they are awful in the States! Boston, NY, Miami, LA... uniformly grumpy. Miami they were the worst screaming at people in the lines. My husband was extremely well travelled (he even had two passports) and said even he found it confusing.

They're there to protect the border, not as a welcome party!

I was expecting this the first time I went to the States, as I had been warned they could be a bit intimidating. But I've been to Miami, New York and Boston quite a few times, and they have been lovely every time. The people directing the lines could be a bit 'shouty' and impatient, getting people into lines, but the actual staff at the counters were great every time - really friendly, chatty, making jokes etc.

Seriously? US is the worst!

I can't say I've ever had a good experience of US immigration, whichever airport I've arrived in.

If you watch Nothing to Declare and Border Force and see some of the ignorant idiots they have to deal with, you'd not be surprised they're grumpy. In their place my blood pressure wouldbe through the roof and I'd have throttled someone by now.

I've always found Australian immigration friendly and cheerful. Even at 6am. As a general rule though, don't argue with immigration and customs, wherever you are. They can make your life unpleasant at a time when you really don't need that.

They are not a welcome committee, they are there to do the job protecting the border. But since the e-gates I don't have to interact a lot with them anymore.

The most bizzare encounter I had was in NY 18 years ago, really grumpy guy, asking why we have a German passport but living in the UK and why mine was issued by the embassy and not like DH's in Germany (I had a new one as I changed my name after our wedding).

Then after lots of huffing and puffing he finally gave them back to us and suddenly smiled and said "I was stationed near the town you lived in Germany, very fond memories and great food and beer. Have a lovely time" Honestly, DH and I nearly forgot to move forward.

Thanks

Oh try being brown. Everyone thinks I am illegal.