That brings up another question:
Let's assume I have an Imperial port (I'm not sure if every major starport is an Imperial port or if some are owned by the planet and the Imperials just have offices there).
If I as an individual go to walk off the port, do I have to then enter a queue and be processed by the locals? (That would preclude the grav sled zipping into startown)
If I am a local trying to go to the port, do I have to enter a queue and be processed by the locals (depending on gov't/laws) and then go be processed by the Imperials?
That crossing point could be a real slow, bureaucratic little piece of hell....
Maybe some places might grant some sort of expidited (bona fides already verified) pass to zip in and out (local or port businesses getting deliveries, couriers, diplomatic stuff, high priority VIPs, etc).
If the port is a crappy one on a backwater, does the Imperium necessarily even have an extrality area? or offices?
And if you walk off the port there.... do you... just walk off? And people just walk on?
And if there is a high port, do they have docking bays and pads that lead to Imperial security and customs (and maybe public health) checks? Or do you have to clear downwell at the downport and then go upwell via shuttle from the downport to the highport (thus not leaving extrality and presumably having done all entry routine at the ground)?
Or is this very situational by the Charter of a planet, the Imperial interest in a planet, and by the local gov't, law and situation at the moment?
I ask because I've yet to see anyone make a starport image or map that includes local facilities right outside the gate to channelize and process incoming foreigners.
TomB