travelling to usa-customs
Jul 6th, 2012, 03:27 PM
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travelling to usa-customs
Hello everyone,
I am travelling at the end of August to Minneapolis, Usa and I have some questions if you could help. I'm greek-canadian and i live permanently in Greece. I'm going to the us under my canadian citizenship to visit my cousins for the first time ever and i'm really excited. I'll stay for at least 4 months and I have a return ticket.
My questions have to do with the process at the airport when I arrive in the us. I've read that youhave to fill out some forms for the custom control and that i may not be allowed to enter if i don't pass their screening. What exactly is the process and what do i have to do exactly?
I'd be obliged if someone could help me so i can relax and enjoy my trip..
Thank you very much in advance!!
I am travelling at the end of August to Minneapolis, Usa and I have some questions if you could help. I'm greek-canadian and i live permanently in Greece. I'm going to the us under my canadian citizenship to visit my cousins for the first time ever and i'm really excited. I'll stay for at least 4 months and I have a return ticket.
My questions have to do with the process at the airport when I arrive in the us. I've read that youhave to fill out some forms for the custom control and that i may not be allowed to enter if i don't pass their screening. What exactly is the process and what do i have to do exactly?
I'd be obliged if someone could help me so i can relax and enjoy my trip..
Thank you very much in advance!!
Jul 6th, 2012, 03:48 PM
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I'm not aware of how long Canadians are allowed to stay in the US - but I assume that you have checked and 4 months is allowed (for most countries it is 3 months I believe). So, your first stop is Immigration and you will be expected to show a return ticket to be admitted. Also - be careful not to mention that you will be visiting family - or they may look upon you as a potential illegal immigrant. Also be prepared to show how you will pay for your stay - as in credit card, ATM card, bank statement etc. (They may not ask for all this - but they may - assuming you are arriving from Greece and not from Canada.)
For customs there is a form to be filled out concerning
1) not bringing contraband into the country (and this can mean food such as cheeses or sausages) - don;t try this - they have sniffer dogs
2) part is a limit on non-taxable purchases - but this won't apply to you
3) they always ask if you have been in a farm or similar area recently - since they are afraid of hoof & mouth disease
4) I believe there is a limit on currency that can be imported - you would have to check - but it's a significant amount that no on in their right mind would carry (assume you will be living off credit cards and cash from ATMs
If you go to the department of state web site it should list all of this information on rules for tourists entering the US.
For customs there is a form to be filled out concerning
1) not bringing contraband into the country (and this can mean food such as cheeses or sausages) - don;t try this - they have sniffer dogs
2) part is a limit on non-taxable purchases - but this won't apply to you
3) they always ask if you have been in a farm or similar area recently - since they are afraid of hoof & mouth disease
4) I believe there is a limit on currency that can be imported - you would have to check - but it's a significant amount that no on in their right mind would carry (assume you will be living off credit cards and cash from ATMs
If you go to the department of state web site it should list all of this information on rules for tourists entering the US.
Jul 6th, 2012, 04:03 PM
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As Nytraveler mentioned there is passport/border control and then customs
Customs is simple uless you try to bring in prohibited foods or such.
Passport/Border control should not be problematic for a Canadian citizen. The fact that you live in Greece should not affect you as long as you explain why you are entering the U.S from Greece rather than from Canada. You have a return ticket so that helps too though it is not required.
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...-residents-%2F
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wi...hout_1260.html
Of course you should NOT hide the fact that you're visiting family! Assuming you are staying with them, it will explain how you're planning on being in the U.S. for 4 months. There is no great problem of Canadians trying to sneak into the U.S and stay here, and when you approach the counter, it will be with a Canadian passport in hand. Plenty of Canadian (and U.S. ) citiznes were born in or live in Europe, IT will not seem odd to officials
Customs is simple uless you try to bring in prohibited foods or such.
Passport/Border control should not be problematic for a Canadian citizen. The fact that you live in Greece should not affect you as long as you explain why you are entering the U.S from Greece rather than from Canada. You have a return ticket so that helps too though it is not required.
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...-residents-%2F
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wi...hout_1260.html
Of course you should NOT hide the fact that you're visiting family! Assuming you are staying with them, it will explain how you're planning on being in the U.S. for 4 months. There is no great problem of Canadians trying to sneak into the U.S and stay here, and when you approach the counter, it will be with a Canadian passport in hand. Plenty of Canadian (and U.S. ) citiznes were born in or live in Europe, IT will not seem odd to officials
Jul 6th, 2012, 04:38 PM
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With the Customs officer, be polite but don't get chatty. Answer ONLY what they ask, don't offer information they didn't ask for. If they want more information, they will ask you.
Have your passport and documents in your hand and look organized.
I don't see where visiting your family would pose a problem. It makes more sense for someone to be here for four months with family than fours months just traveling around.
Most of all, be honest. If they catch you in a lie then your problems begin.
You shouldn't have any problems. Enjoy your visit.
Have your passport and documents in your hand and look organized.
I don't see where visiting your family would pose a problem. It makes more sense for someone to be here for four months with family than fours months just traveling around.
Most of all, be honest. If they catch you in a lie then your problems begin.
You shouldn't have any problems. Enjoy your visit.
Jul 6th, 2012, 07:07 PM
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> I believe there is a limit on currency that can be imported
Not quite correct. If you convey negotiable securities (this means cash, stock certificates, bonds, promissory notes, etc) as you enter or leave the U.S., and their total value is more than $10,000, you must DECLARE this fact, but doing so is not illegal.
> i may not be allowed to enter if i don't pass their screening
A border agent has the LEGAL authority to deny entry to anyone, but this will only happen if a visitor begins doing suspicious stuff. To avoid hassles (as others have noted), answer all questions 100% truthfully, but don't add anything not asked. Also note that the agent may ask a seemingly random question or make a seemingly irrelevant remark -- the purpose of this is to see how you react. As always, just respond to the question or statement without belligerence or defensiveness.
I should note that the border agent is trying to prevent bad guys from entering the U.S. -- NOT trying to make your first impression of the U.S.A a pleasant one. Expect bluntness and direct questions, and things will go fairly mechanically, and thus smoothly.
Not quite correct. If you convey negotiable securities (this means cash, stock certificates, bonds, promissory notes, etc) as you enter or leave the U.S., and their total value is more than $10,000, you must DECLARE this fact, but doing so is not illegal.
> i may not be allowed to enter if i don't pass their screening
A border agent has the LEGAL authority to deny entry to anyone, but this will only happen if a visitor begins doing suspicious stuff. To avoid hassles (as others have noted), answer all questions 100% truthfully, but don't add anything not asked. Also note that the agent may ask a seemingly random question or make a seemingly irrelevant remark -- the purpose of this is to see how you react. As always, just respond to the question or statement without belligerence or defensiveness.
I should note that the border agent is trying to prevent bad guys from entering the U.S. -- NOT trying to make your first impression of the U.S.A a pleasant one. Expect bluntness and direct questions, and things will go fairly mechanically, and thus smoothly.
Jul 7th, 2012, 04:39 AM
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Specifically, here's the process.
1. As your flight nears the US, the attendants will hand out a customs card and immigration card for you to fill out. You should have handy: your passport, your flight number, and a pen. OK to ask for help if you don't understand what is wanted on the forms. If its just an ordinary trip (you're not importing cigars or bringing huge piles of money with you) you have nothing to declare.
2. After you disembark, you follow the crowd to the immigration area. There are lines for U.S. citizens and lines for non-citizens. The agent will want to see your passport and the cards you filled out, and may ask you questions. This is the ``screening'' you mention -- they have the right to deny entry, but they don't do it capriciously. Just tell the truth and you'll be fine.
3. After that, you go to the area to pick up your checked bags. There will likely be customs officers with cute dogs to sniff out unallowed food/agriculture products in your luggage (apple, half-eaten sandwich, meat, etc.). If you are found with something, they will take it from you and mark your customs card.
Then you follow signs to the exit. Hand over your customs card on the way out. Most people just walk out, but an official may stop you and ask to check your bags. (They do make random checks, so no need to panic. Yet. ;-)
1. As your flight nears the US, the attendants will hand out a customs card and immigration card for you to fill out. You should have handy: your passport, your flight number, and a pen. OK to ask for help if you don't understand what is wanted on the forms. If its just an ordinary trip (you're not importing cigars or bringing huge piles of money with you) you have nothing to declare.
2. After you disembark, you follow the crowd to the immigration area. There are lines for U.S. citizens and lines for non-citizens. The agent will want to see your passport and the cards you filled out, and may ask you questions. This is the ``screening'' you mention -- they have the right to deny entry, but they don't do it capriciously. Just tell the truth and you'll be fine.
3. After that, you go to the area to pick up your checked bags. There will likely be customs officers with cute dogs to sniff out unallowed food/agriculture products in your luggage (apple, half-eaten sandwich, meat, etc.). If you are found with something, they will take it from you and mark your customs card.
Then you follow signs to the exit. Hand over your customs card on the way out. Most people just walk out, but an official may stop you and ask to check your bags. (They do make random checks, so no need to panic. Yet. ;-)
Jul 7th, 2012, 09:58 AM
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You haven't mentioned where you will land - I'm assuming there are no direct flights to Minneapolis - so you then need to organize getting to the terminal - or area for you next flight out. Unless this is all one ticket yuo will need to check in again - and definitely will need to go through security again for your next flight.
Jul 8th, 2012, 02:58 PM
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Hello again,
thank you all very much for your great help and quick response!
''You haven't mentioned where you will land - I'm assuming there are no direct flights to Minneapolis - so you then need to organize getting to the terminal - or area for you next flight out. Unless this is all one ticket yuo will need to check in again - and definitely will need to go through security again for your next flight.''
I'm booking the tickets in thenext few days so I wasn't sure about the itinary exactly that's why I don't mention it. It will be one ticket till my final destination Minneapolis but not sure which cities will be involved.
''I'm not aware of how long Canadians are allowed to stay in the US - but I assume that you have checked and 4 months is allowed (for most countries it is 3 months I believe.''
I have checked and 6 months is the period allowed for sure as far as canadians are concerned.
I just wanted to hear about the process because there are rumours about that and I wasn't sure what I would have to do or say. Thank you though very much!!! You gave me all the info I needed.
thank you all very much for your great help and quick response!
''You haven't mentioned where you will land - I'm assuming there are no direct flights to Minneapolis - so you then need to organize getting to the terminal - or area for you next flight out. Unless this is all one ticket yuo will need to check in again - and definitely will need to go through security again for your next flight.''
I'm booking the tickets in thenext few days so I wasn't sure about the itinary exactly that's why I don't mention it. It will be one ticket till my final destination Minneapolis but not sure which cities will be involved.
''I'm not aware of how long Canadians are allowed to stay in the US - but I assume that you have checked and 4 months is allowed (for most countries it is 3 months I believe.''
I have checked and 6 months is the period allowed for sure as far as canadians are concerned.
I just wanted to hear about the process because there are rumours about that and I wasn't sure what I would have to do or say. Thank you though very much!!! You gave me all the info I needed.
Jul 8th, 2012, 03:29 PM
#9
If your first touchdown on US soil is New York or Chicago, you will go through immagration and then customs there and not at Minneapolis. If you come by way of Toronto, they should welcome you back to Canada.
Jul 8th, 2012, 05:55 PM
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Hello Kellance,
You got so many good advices already that I will only make a few comments, as a Canadian citizen living abroad:
The comments from capxxx are very good. Just adding a little bit more, the foms you'll have to fill out are the immigration form I-94 and the customs form 6059B. Just Google them and you'll get all the details you need to know.
Just one advice: don't tell to the immigrayion officer that you will stay "at least 4 months"' just try to be more positive about the return date.
Good luck!
You got so many good advices already that I will only make a few comments, as a Canadian citizen living abroad:
The comments from capxxx are very good. Just adding a little bit more, the foms you'll have to fill out are the immigration form I-94 and the customs form 6059B. Just Google them and you'll get all the details you need to know.
Just one advice: don't tell to the immigrayion officer that you will stay "at least 4 months"' just try to be more positive about the return date.
Good luck!
Jul 9th, 2012, 09:24 AM
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"Just one advice: don't tell to the immigrayion officer that you will stay "at least 4 months"' just try to be more positive about the return date."
Yes, definitely. Be prepared to show information about your return (or onward) ticket. The immigration agent may ask since you are staying awhile and visiting family - nothing wrong with either, but that may mean that the immigration agent asks more questions to see what you are about, to make sure that you are not going to overstay or become an illegal immigrant. If you have a job to return to or are in school, it might not be a bad idea to have a letter from your employer showing that they expect your return to work on X date or a letter from your school showing that you are enrolled for the next term. There aren't any requirements to have this type of letter, but it may come up in the question process and having a letter may help speed things along.
Yes, definitely. Be prepared to show information about your return (or onward) ticket. The immigration agent may ask since you are staying awhile and visiting family - nothing wrong with either, but that may mean that the immigration agent asks more questions to see what you are about, to make sure that you are not going to overstay or become an illegal immigrant. If you have a job to return to or are in school, it might not be a bad idea to have a letter from your employer showing that they expect your return to work on X date or a letter from your school showing that you are enrolled for the next term. There aren't any requirements to have this type of letter, but it may come up in the question process and having a letter may help speed things along.
Jul 9th, 2012, 09:33 AM
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Much good advice above. Some terminology help. Although Customs and Immigration are words sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same.
Customs makes sure you are not bringing prohibited goods into the US
Immigration has to do with you as a person - whether you are entering legally, have some bad purpose for being here, might not leave.
You have to pass thru both, but Immigration is I believe the one you have questions about.
Customs makes sure you are not bringing prohibited goods into the US
Immigration has to do with you as a person - whether you are entering legally, have some bad purpose for being here, might not leave.
You have to pass thru both, but Immigration is I believe the one you have questions about.
Jul 10th, 2012, 04:05 PM
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Reporting back with info...
I'm inclined towards the Athens - Amsterdam - Minneapolis
or
the Athens - Paris - Minneapolis
flight whic are both overnight in the europea city flights.
I like the fact that I go straight to MN instead of through a major airport and another flight. I think it's easier if I pass immigration and customs and then meet directly with my cousins and home, instead of rechecking and more flying, even if I get a little tired with the overnight wait. Any objections or thoughts?
Plus, I heard that they fingerprin you and photograph you at immigration. Is that true? because nobody mentioned that above and I'm just wondering if it is true or an urban myth to scare away bad guys. Not that I object or anything. Just curious.
THanks a lot again.
I'm inclined towards the Athens - Amsterdam - Minneapolis
or
the Athens - Paris - Minneapolis
flight whic are both overnight in the europea city flights.
I like the fact that I go straight to MN instead of through a major airport and another flight. I think it's easier if I pass immigration and customs and then meet directly with my cousins and home, instead of rechecking and more flying, even if I get a little tired with the overnight wait. Any objections or thoughts?
Plus, I heard that they fingerprin you and photograph you at immigration. Is that true? because nobody mentioned that above and I'm just wondering if it is true or an urban myth to scare away bad guys. Not that I object or anything. Just curious.
THanks a lot again.
Jul 10th, 2012, 04:33 PM
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I think it is a good idea to enter the U.S. in Minneapolis. The international terminal will be small, less crowded and faster to get through, I expect.
I believe that citizens of Canada and some European countries (don't know about Greece) are not fingerprinted or photographed. People who are required to get visas, and permanent residents (Green Card holders), and such, do get their fingerprints scanned (no ink) and a photograph taken on entry and exit from the U.S.
I believe that citizens of Canada and some European countries (don't know about Greece) are not fingerprinted or photographed. People who are required to get visas, and permanent residents (Green Card holders), and such, do get their fingerprints scanned (no ink) and a photograph taken on entry and exit from the U.S.
Jul 10th, 2012, 05:21 PM
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Yes, the few times I have gone to Canada through the US I was never asked to record my fingerprints or had my picture taken.
My wife, that is not a Canadian citizen, had her fingerprint scanned when she was getting her US tourist visa but this is a totally different situation.
Be calm Kellance, you'll be fine. No reason to worry.
My wife, that is not a Canadian citizen, had her fingerprint scanned when she was getting her US tourist visa but this is a totally different situation.
Be calm Kellance, you'll be fine. No reason to worry.
Nov 2nd, 2014, 01:45 PM
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Fascinating -- Coaster2Coast's first and (so far) only post is a reply to a thread that's been dead for two years, he gives a link to his blog, and the info he gives there has nothing whatsoever to do with the question the OP asked.
If he's trying to get traffic to his blog (more views, more money from advertisers), he's not doing a good job.
If he's trying to get traffic to his blog (more views, more money from advertisers), he's not doing a good job.
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