The Most Astonishing Questions Asked by Immigration Officers Worldwide

While most visa forms demand precise, formal answers, some countries take a far less conventional approach. Immigration requests in certain destinations may surprise applicants with questions that are both unexpected and sometimes downright amusing.

In this article, we take a lighthearted but informative journey through some of the world’s most curious—and occasionally hilarious—visa application queries.

Unconventional and Downright Funny Visa Questions

Visa policies vary widely, and what one country considers standard information, another may frame in ways that raise eyebrows. Here are some of the most surprising questions applicants have encountered:

Australia

"Have you visited a farm in the last six weeks?"
Australia enforces stringent biosecurity laws to protect its unique ecosystems. A recent farm visit could mean unintentional exposure to soil or plant material harboring invasive pests or diseases.

Canada

"How did your previous relationship end?"
This question may seem intrusive, but it helps verify the legitimacy of current relationships—especially in spousal sponsorship cases. Understanding the history of past relationships can assist officials in assessing whether a relationship is genuine.

Congo

"Have you visited a traditional healer in the last 14 days?"
This query aims to assess potential health risks. Traditional healers often use herbal remedies or practices that may not align with Western medical standards. The information can help flag possible health concerns.

Mexico

"Describe your mustache/beard."
This question is likely used for identification purposes, allowing officials to record detailed physical descriptors of applicants.

Middle East

"How many wives will you be bringing?"
Reflecting regional cultural norms, this question assesses compliance with local marriage laws in countries where polygamy is permitted.

United States

"Which side of the bed does your spouse sleep on?"
While it may sound odd, U.S. visa officers ask this to evaluate the authenticity of a spousal relationship during immigration interviews.

"Will you be practicing polygamy in the United States?"
This question is included because polygamy is illegal in the U.S. It ensures that applicants understand and comply with domestic marriage laws.

"Have you ever been directly involved in the transplantation of human organs or human body tissue?"
This inquiry helps identify individuals who may have participated in illegal or unethical transplant-related activities.

"Are you the spouse, son, or daughter of someone who has engaged in terrorist activities—including providing financial or other support to terrorists or terrorist organizations—within the last five years?"
Part of stringent U.S. security measures, this question seeks to prevent the entry of individuals connected to terrorism.

"Have you ever ordered, incited, committed, assisted, or otherwise participated in genocide?"
This question is part of the U.S. effort to bar individuals implicated in grave human rights violations from entering the country.

Japan

"Have you ever been a member of a mafia organization?"
Given Japan’s long-standing battle against organized crime—particularly the Yakuza—this question screens out individuals linked to criminal syndicates.

Russia

"Do you have professional skills, training, or experience in chemical, biological, or nuclear engineering?"
This may relate to national security concerns, as authorities aim to identify individuals with potential dual-use expertise that could pose a risk.

England (UK)

"Are you a peer, aristocrat, or member of a royal family?"
This question may help identify individuals who could have diplomatic obligations or require special immigration consideration due to noble status.