ARRIVAL IN THE UNITED STATES: FORMALITIES

Generally speaking, a trip to the United States can’t be improvised. Firstly, because of the cost of tickets, and secondly, because of the length of the trip (between 8 and 12 hours’ flight time from Paris, depending on the destination), but also because you need to have a residence permit(ESTA or visa) and good insurance in place beforehand. All this takes time and a minimum of organization. So, once you’ve got your passport, you might as well do everything you can to get through the final checkpoint successfully, once you’re on the doorstep of the U.S. border.

U.S. IMMIGRATION SERVICE

As its name suggests, ESTA is a travel authorization. In other words, when you arrive in the United States, it’s the immigration officials who decide whether or not to let you enter the country. The decision is theirs to make, and there is no right of appeal. So it’s best to take every precaution before you leave!

DOCUMENTS TO BE PRESENTED UPON ARRIVAL ON AMERICAN SOIL

The following are the travel documents you should have in your possession on arrival:

• Your electronic or biometric passport, valid for the duration of your stay and 6 months after your return date;
• The blue 6059B or customs declaration form. This form is given to you on the plane. You will be asked to enter your full name and passport number. You must also declare the products you are carrying and your address during your stay.
• Possibly your ESTA certificate, electronic or paper copy( we recommendprinting your ESTA to avoid any technical problems).

PASSAGE TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT

Passage through immigration is generally very quick, but waiting times naturally vary according to the number of travelers. When it’s your turn, you must present your passport and the famous blue card. The officer will then take a photo of you and a scan of your fingerprints.

Above all, remain natural and answer the agent’s questions frankly. These are usually routine questions, the same as those asked when you filled in your ESTA application. If you don’t understand what the agent is saying (an American accent can be difficult to understand), don’t hesitate to ask him or her to repeat what he or she is saying. Avoid humor, as this is not part of good manners in the USA and will harm you.

Finally, if you’re just transiting the U.S., you’ll also need to go through this step, but in a dedicated transit queue (before going to Cuba, for example).

Good to know: ESTA does not allow you to work in the United States. If you wish to work, you must apply for a green card.