Going through U.S. customs is a mandatory step in any trip to the United States. The procedure is the same whether you’re landing in Florida, Louisiana, on a roadtrip through the American West or visiting New York. However, it’s not uncommon not to know what documents you need to present to customs. Biometric/electronic passport or identity card? Printed version of ESTA? What questions will the U.S. authorities ask nationals? We’ll give you all the answers you need to make your passage through customs as smooth as possible.
Roadtrip USA
Travel documents to present when clearing U.S. customs
Summary :
First and foremost, forget everything you’ve seen in American films and TV series: if you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, there’s no reason to get into trouble with US customs. Our first piece of advice is not to panic, but to follow the instructions. Don’t try to make fun of U.S. customs officers – it’s a waste of time, at least until the immigration officer is sure you’re not a danger to U.S. homeland security.
The first travel document you need to present is your electronic or biometric passport. The presentation of a valid passport not only allows the immigration officer to know your identity, but also to have access to your travel authorization. As a French, Belgian or Swiss national, you can travel to the USA with an electronic travel authorization, the ESTA, or with a US visa. You’ll find one or the other in your biometric or electronic passport: the USA visa on one of its pages, and the ESTA authorization in its electronic chip.
If you are traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), the customs officer may ask to see your travel document to check that you are within the maximum stay of 90 days authorized by the ESTA. Present your return ticket if you are staying in the USA, and your exit ticket if you are transiting to a final destination other than the USA. For travel to the USA with a visa, the agent may ask to see the supporting documents mentioned by the consular agent during your appointment at the American embassy.
Customs clearance for border control
Once off the plane, simply follow the signs to passport control. Choose the line corresponding to your passport and wait your turn. The first thing to do when passing through US customs is to present your passport.
All you have to do is follow the agent’s instructions. In general, this involves taking a photo of yourself (look at the webcam) and checking your fingerprints (place your fingers on the reader).
The agent may ask you for additional supporting documents, as mentioned in the first part of this article. He or she may also ask you a few questions to determine the reasons for your trip to the USA. We remind you that travel with an ESTA requires transit, tourism or business travel only. Below is an example of questions that may be asked.
- How long will you be staying in (city of arrival)? This will determine the length of your stay in the U.S.;
- What are you doing in (city of arrival)? This will help you determine the reasons for your stay in the United States;
- Do you know people in (city of arrival)? This question will help you determine whether you are looking to live in the United States or establish a network of acquaintances with the aim of finding a job there;
- What kind of work do you do? If you are unemployed, the officer may think that you are looking for a job in the USA;
- Is this your first visit to (city of arrival)? This question will help you define your reasons for returning to the United States.
Travel advice: be concise in your answers and don’t try to lie to customs officers. Any suspicious attitude will lead to more questions, or even to your being barred from entering the USA.
When the customs officer hands you back your passport, it means you’ve been admitted to the U.S. territory. Your passport has been stamped with today’s date. You can then proceed to collect your baggage before leaving the airport or port of entry, if you have no goods to declare.
