Entering the U.S. as a Tourist

For foreign travelers, the U.S. can be an intimidating country to enter. When you arrive in other countries, the most an immigration officer will ask you is, “How many days will you be here?” Often times, they don’t even ask any questions and simply stamp the entry into your passport.

In the U.S., every foreign visitor must undergo an interview process. Here is a short guide to ease your worries about travel into the U.S. and to understand the immigration and arrival procedures:

Before Traveling to the U.S.

Before even getting to the airport to fly to the U.S., you must first check if your travel documents qualify for entry into the country.
–  Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months before its expiry date
–  You must have a valid visa to enter the country. Countries requiring a visa are on this official list
–  Visa exemptions include 1) Permanent residents of the U.S. and 2) Canadian citizens

When planning your trip, make sure to have a return date booked in case the immigration officer at the airport asks for proof of a return ticket. Additionally, keep in mind that the customs form will inquire the address (hotel name or house address) of where you will stay in the U.S.

Arrival into the U.S.

What to Know About the Immigration Process:
–  Listen to the signs about not using your phone in the immigration line. There are officers roaming around making sure everyone follows the rules.
–  Families can interview with the immigration officer as a group.
–  Be prepared to state the purpose of your entry into the U.S. The officers simply want to know that you will not overstay and that you will do no harm in the country
–  Remember to keep your customs slip on hand after you receive it back from the immigration officer. You will hand it to the customs officer after collecting your luggage

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