A foreign visitor exits the jet bridge at an American airport. After a brief shuttle transfer, she navigates her way through the US Customs and Border Protection area where she encounters a long line of people waiting to be inspected. A few weary souls are standing nervously in front of grim-faced CBP officers, fielding pointed questions about their travel. Everyone is on edge.
Physiologically, the experience isn’t for the fainty. Cerebrally, it isn’t for the unready.
While it’s true that passing through US immigration is a monotonous exercise for some people, there are certain seemingly innocuous questions that, unless handled with caution, can throw a wrench in the travel plans of many a first-time visitor, resulting in hours of interrogations and delays or, worse, a quick removal and embarrassing ride on the next plane out.
Just what are these “seemingly innocuous” questions?
First and foremost, and arguably one of the most important is, “What’s the purpose of your visit?”
The most prudent response, of course, is the shortest one. If traveling on a tourist visa, the answer is “for tourism.” If holding a business visitor’s visa, it’s “for business.” Unless asked to elaborate, a direct but short response is recommended.
Second, “How long do you plan to stay in the country?” A response with specific duration such as “three months” or “until the end of June” is preferable to a vague answer like “depends on my schedule” or “my aunt will decide.” Any word denoting uncertainty should be avoided.
Third, “What’s your occupation?” The answer should match the purpose of travel and must not be incompatible with the entry visa. A “sports journalist” visiting a relative in Las Vegas just days before a Pacquiao mega-fight will raise not only an officer’s eyebrow but also a red flag. Unless traveling on a business visitor’s visa, flying in as a “writer” is a safer alternative to avoid the perception of conducting an impermissible occupational activity in America.
Fourth, “Where are you staying?” Whether it’s a hotel, Airbnb, or private residence, providing the name and address of the place, as well as its occupant’s contact number, is prudent. Keeping all the info on the phone for ease of access is advisable.
Fifth, “Are you carrying more than $10,000?” Lying on this seemingly benign question, which includes checks, bonds, and equivalent foreign currencies, has far-reaching consequences, including forfeiture and possible criminal charges. Lesser amounts carried individually by family members traveling together must be declared if the total exceeds $10,000.
Sixth, “Can I see your phone?” This cannot be refused, as CBP officers possess the authority to search electronic gadgets at the border. Failure to comply will guarantee hostile treatment. If in doubt, it’s wise to remove sensitive contents from electronic gadgets before traveling.
Seventh, “Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?” This is self-explanatory, and lying can result in entry denial if the offense is easily verifiable.
Lastly, “Do you have anything to declare?” Allowable items and their limits can be found on CBP Form 6059B distributed on the plane before landing and must be disclosed in good faith to avoid fines and forfeitures. Bringing undeclared food items such as “tuyo” or “bagoong” is a common violation.