CUSTOMS VERIFICATIONS TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES

Are you ready to conquer the United States? But before you do, you’ll need to pass through customs, even if you’re in possession of an authorization like the ESTA!

It’s best to be patient, because security in the United States is no joke. Our experts will give you all the advice you need to make your passage through customs as stress-free as possible!

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED TO CUSTOMS

Before you leave, make sure you have a residence permit. This document is mandatory if you are not American and wish to travel to the United States. Authorization can take various forms: a green card, a visa or an ESTA. ESTA is the easiest and cheapest document to obtain. You can obtain it very easily through esta-officiel-usa.com, or through U.S. Customs, which has an ESTA website.

Without authorization, U.S. customs won’t let you enter the country. So make sure you have your up-to-date document, and don’t panic if you’re late! Unlike visas and green cards, ESTA applications are processed within 72 hours. In fact, you’ll usually receive it the same day! Remember, too, to travel with a valid electronic or biometric passport. Without it, customs will leave you on the tarmac!

Once on board the plane or ship, you will be given a blue card by the cabin crew. This corresponds to the customs form. You’ll need to specify your passport number, the physical address at which you’re traveling to the U.S., the amount of cash you have on you, and the list of special items accompanying you on the flight (plants, animal products, etc.).

SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THROUGH CUSTOMS

Once you’ve arrived in the USA, customs will review the required documents: your passport, the blue form and the authorization. If you’re traveling with a French ESTA form, customs officers will use their computer to check that the document has been issued to you. The ESTA procedure is fully automated, so customs can see in real time whether or not you are authorized to stay on their territory. However, don’t let this stop you from traveling with your paper credentials. Two precautions are better than one! Especially in a country with such strict security requirements.

Once you’ve passed this stage, you’ll be asked a series of questions by customs officers. These mainly concern your reasons for coming to the United States. Finally, a photo of you will be taken, along with a scan of your fingerprints. These steps can take time, and queues can be long. But stay calm! And don’t forget that U.S. Customs is doing its job, and has full authority over whether or not a person isadmitted to the country!

If youlose your ESTA, don’t panic! You can easily find it on the U.S. Customs online site.