honest people are penalized :-(

His mistake was being honest, telling the customs people what was true ("I will teach a class") instead of what they wanted to hear ("I will attend a conference").

Most countries require a working (rather than tourist) visa to work there. How many of you have taught a class in another country, or consulted there, or worked at your normal job there (set up a system, pre-sales presentation, business meeting, ....)? Did you obtain a 'working' visa?? Did you tell the customs agent you are 'going to work there for a few days'?

I feel sorry for him - he was honest, he told the truth, and he is being penalized for it. It's a shame that if he had lied, he would have gotten through without problems.

And how many of you are now thinking 'next time, I must be very careful answering the agent's questions'? Sad world...