Before being allowed into the United States, all visitors must pass through security checkpoints overseen by States Customs and Border Protection (CBP). There are many people who feel a little intimidated by this process, but it's actually a very simple and straightforward procedure. Follow CBP's instructions to enter US territory without any problems. The clerk will scan your passport and customs forms, ask you a few simple questions, then let you through.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Filling in Customs Form
Step 1. Get your passport ready and take it with you
A valid passport is essential for entering the United States of America. Native Americans are also required to carry it. The passport will be a guide when filling out customs forms. So, be prepared to take it out. Don't put your passport in a suitcase.
Do not try to pass through customs without a passport. CBP will not let you in. If you lose your passport while traveling, go to the nearest embassy or consulate. They will help you apply for a new passport
Step 2. Take the customs form from the staff on the plane or boat
Before landing, the flight attendants and flight attendants will start handing out forms. Foreign nationals and US citizens are both required to fill it out. So make sure you get this form. You only need to fill out 1 form for 1 family.
- This form is in the form of a small blue rectangular card. The words “custom declaration” will be printed at the top. If you don't get one, ask the staff on the plane.
- CBP already has Automated Passport Control (automated passport control, or APC) machines in many of the major airports there. US citizens, Canadians and visa-free international travelers can use it without the need to fill out customs forms.
Step 3. Fill in the form with your personal and travel information
Write the requested information in the space provided using a black ink pen. You must provide information such as your full name, country of origin, passport number, flight number and countries you have visited. Your passport and travel ticket will be your guide when filling out this form.
- Make sure the information listed is accurate. The slightest error will slow down the customs inspection process.
- Customs forms are only required by travelers arriving by plane and boat. If you're traveling by land, the border control officer will check your bag and ask you a few questions.
Step 4. Estimate the value of all the objects you report
The form will ask you a few “yes” or “no” questions about the items you are carrying. Customs officials should know if you are carrying fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, large amounts of cash, or working near farm animals. You are also required to enter the total commercial value of all items brought into the United States.
- If you are a US citizen, determine the total value of the items you purchased overseas. This includes gifts that you did not send separately. You don't need to include anything that is out of stock or not under the plane.
- For travelers, calculate the total commercial value of all the items you intend to leave in the United States. You do not need to include personal items that will later be taken home.
Step 5. Write a list of items reported on the back of the form
The goods that need to be reported are the goods listed in the calculation of the commercial value earlier. These include gifts, purchases, duty-free items, items for sale, bequeathed items, and repaired items. Include cash statements as well, including cash, traveler's checks, gold coins, money orders, and so on.
- Provide as accurate information as possible so that the journey through the CBP checkpoints is smooth and fast.
- The list of carry-on reports will be used for tax and security calculations. So CBP needs to know what you are bringing into the US.
Method 2 of 3: Bypassing Passport Control
Step 1. Walk into the passport control queue for US citizens or foreign travelers
After getting off the plane, you usually need to walk through a short passage to reach the first checkpoint. Directions on the wall or roof will point you to the right place. In the inspection area, separate yourself to the proper line.
- If you need help, ask the staff. Do not wander around the inspection area.
- Sometimes, you may find a third line for passengers who want to change planes (connecting flight). Use this route to speed up the customs inspection process if you wish to continue your journey.
Step 2. Submit your passport and customs form to the officer
The officer will check the passport, then scan it to ensure authenticity. They will also validate customs forms and return them. This process is very easy and fast, but make sure the document is returned before you leave.
For international travelers, CBP may print an I-94 form and attach it to the passport. Take good care of this form as you will need it when you leave the US
Step 3. Answer the questions asked by the staff about your trip
Travelers do not need to explain their journey in detail, but must answer questions accurately. The officer will ask the reason for your visit. If you are a tourist, he will also ask you how long you will be in the US and where you will be staying. The officer may also ask for other information, such as your schedule of activities or work.
- For example, if the clerk asks the purpose of the trip, simply say something like “I'm on vacation” or “I want to visit relatives here”.
- CBP officers are only doing their job, which is to monitor travelers to ensure the safety of the country. Be friendly so that the officers feel reluctant.
- If you are a traveler, bring the necessary documentation. For example, bring a letter from the company, university, or host that can prove the reason for your trip.
Step 4. Provide a photo and fingerprint if you are just visiting
CBP retrieves this information from all visitors for the purposes of a biometric database. The clerk will hand you a small scan mat. Stick your finger on the tool so that the fingerprint can be uploaded. After that, stand up straight so the officer can take your photo.
Even if you have submitted your photo via the visa application form, you will still have to go through this process. A CBP officer will guide you throughout the process
Method 3 of 3: Bypassing Customs Area and Baggage Collection
Step 1. Go to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage
Walk through the aisles while reading the directions needed to get to the baggage claim area. You have to pick up items even if it's just changing flights. Check the screen in the baggage area to find the carousel number for your flight number, then wait for your luggage to appear.
- By law, you must pick up your baggage and recheck it before continuing your flight. Take a moment of your time to go through the inspection.
- If you are traveling via boat or bus, you will still have to claim your baggage. For bus trips, staff must transfer their belongings into the vehicle after the CBP officer finishes checking.
Step 2. Take your bags to the correct customs queue
Walk through the aisle from the baggage area to the customs inspection area. In the customs inspection area, you will find a lane labeled as “free lane” with a green arrow. The other route is marked with a red arrow, and is intended for travelers with “must report items”.
Choose the right path to go through customs inspection without any problems. If you try to sneak around faster, security will stop you. Double-check the completed customs form to find out which route to choose
Step 3. Submit the customs form to the officer
After a short wait, you will come to the next checkpoint. Make sure your form is filled out correctly before handing it over to the clerk. They will ask you some basic questions, such as what country you are from and what items to bring along while traveling. Officers will look for prohibited items, contraband, or anything not listed on the customs form.
Give a clear and specific explanation when answering. That way, you can get past the checkpoints as quickly as possible. Answers that sound slow or unclear will make officers suspicious and ask more questions
Step 4. Follow the officer's directions if you are selected for random checks
The CBP officer may separate you from the queue for a more thorough inspection. This is not an issue. The staff can search your belongings by hand or using an X-ray machine. They may also ask more questions about your trip.
Making it difficult for the officers will only trouble themselves. Hand over your luggage voluntarily to them. Remember, they are just doing their job, not trying to make things difficult for you
Step 5. Continue on or leave the area
Once the CBP officer has let you through the checkpoint, keep walking down the hall until you reach the lobby. If you have arrived at the destination city, please leave. If you have to change planes at the airport, look for signs that say “connecting flight” or “connecting baggage drop-off”. Place your bags on the nearest conveyor belt before continuing on your journey.
- Before placing your luggage, make sure the labels are appropriate for your next destination.
- After placing your luggage on the conveyor belt, you must pass the nearest security check point to enter the flight area.
- Keep liquids, gels and aerosols weighing more than 85 grams in your baggage, along with other items limited by the TSA.
Tips
- Be friendly to the staff. They will usually be friendly too.
- Usually, PBC officers stand at the front of the passport control queue to direct visitors to go to an empty booth. The booths are also numbered to help you identify where to go.
- Don't be afraid to get lost. Customs facilities are quite clear and are designed to be passed quickly and efficiently. You will not go in the wrong direction. Follow the directions if you are confused.
- There are many airports in Canada and several places outside of Canada that are equipped with US-owned screening facilities. The check-in process is the same as customs in the United States. When you get off the plane, go directly to the baggage claim area.
- There's no reason to be nervous at the checkpoint. As long as you answer the officer's questions clearly and honestly, you shouldn't get in trouble.
- To make the process easier, prepare the basic information needed. This information includes departure date, return date, hotel address and reason for visiting.
- Customs queues are sometimes very long and slow. Be patient.
- Look for information about items that are prohibited from being brought into the US. Raw fruit, vegetables, meat and animal products are usually prohibited, as well as contraband. You usually shouldn't bring goods from countries that are subject to U. S. government economic sanctions. You must also report if you carry large amounts of money.
- Depending on the country you visit, you may receive a tax exemption on goods worth up to $1,600. Travelers in the US are only given a $100 limit. So, be careful.
- If you are detained, the CBP officer will take you to a small room and ask you a number of questions. The duration of the interrogation can last up to hours. You will then be released or denied entry and sent back to the point of arrival.
Warning
- After leaving the goods and customs claim area, you are not allowed to enter again. Make sure no personal items are left behind.
- Taking photos, smoking, and using cell phones are not permitted within the jurisdiction of the United States Customs and Immigration Service. Remember, you're in an area that's tightly controlled by the federal government.
- Don't make jokes about violence, smuggling, or other illegal acts. CBP agents will take the threat seriously.
