Translators at Immigration and Customs
Dec 6, 2009, 3:49 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Arlington, VA
Programs: HH Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 252
Translators at Immigration and Customs
Has anyone had experience with the transalator services at passport control or customs. I've noticed that they have phone lines that connect to translation services for non-english speakers, but wasn't sure how well they worked; I've seen this at other Gov't service offices also.
The reason being is we have family from Italy that would like to visit sometime next year, but are concerned about them going through customs and then getting around the airport (if not IAD) as they speak little English. I would also be curious if JFK or EWR has Italian speakers on staff with the large Italian population there.
If needed either my wife or I would escort them here, but would like to avoid if unnecessary.
Thanks
The reason being is we have family from Italy that would like to visit sometime next year, but are concerned about them going through customs and then getting around the airport (if not IAD) as they speak little English. I would also be curious if JFK or EWR has Italian speakers on staff with the large Italian population there.
If needed either my wife or I would escort them here, but would like to avoid if unnecessary.
Thanks
Dec 6, 2009, 4:03 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 10,967
The CBP officers at JFK (especially at T4) are very, very accustomed to processing passengers who do not understand any English at all. Sometimes for routine processing of VW-eligible citizens/nationals, they can process passengers with minimal conversation. For example, if they cannot get clear answers to their questions because of a language barrier, they might choose to inspect luggage instead. I've seen it work this way.
Of course, they can get interpreters on site if necessary. But in your case, I think if you just explain the process in advance to your family step-by-step, they will do fine.
If you have serious concerns and think your family might need assistance and/or interpreters, you should notify the operating carrier. As a last resort, you can contact the CBP office (the "ships office") in the appropriate terminal (based on operating carrier) and give the officers a heads up about the specific flight and arrival date.
Of course, they can get interpreters on site if necessary. But in your case, I think if you just explain the process in advance to your family step-by-step, they will do fine.
If you have serious concerns and think your family might need assistance and/or interpreters, you should notify the operating carrier. As a last resort, you can contact the CBP office (the "ships office") in the appropriate terminal (based on operating carrier) and give the officers a heads up about the specific flight and arrival date.
Dec 6, 2009, 4:18 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 158
There is a tendency to bring gifts especialy at this time of the year. Suggest you look at the Customs form (6059B)on the CBP website and then inform them of their responsibilities especially regarding food items. Could save a lot of time and head aches. The forms they will fill out on the plane will be in Italian.
Close attention to #11, a $300 minimun for prohibited food items.
CBP and USDA will not accept language problems!!!
Close attention to #11, a $300 minimun for prohibited food items.
CBP and USDA will not accept language problems!!!
Dec 8, 2009, 4:59 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: EZE, YVR
Programs: American AAdvantage, Aerolineas Plus, Hertz, Hyatt, Marriott , SPG.
Posts: 348
I think they can carry a note or short letter explaining (in English) the basic usual questions: the purpose of their trip, lenght of stay, temporary address in the US and if they have a roundtrip ticket already everything should be ok, most probably no more questions needed.