Visiting US twice in two weeks - advice
 

I'm wanting to attend ebay live in Chicago in mid June - but a friend also wants to see New York and last weekend in June is the only time I can do.

Last time I visited the US was two years ago and was twice within two months - on the second visit I was given a very hostile reception by immigration - so much so that I have avoided the US since.

So, my question is, if two months apart is a problem for them, does anyone have any advice on me entering and leaving the US twice in two weeks? Should I just forget it?

I did it twice in 4 weeks a couple of years ago and went again 3 months later.
I had no problem whatsoever.
I was asked why i was back so soon, explained the second trip was a treat for my parents and was let it without further problem.
I'd just tell them the truth.
With all the adverts on the tv in england at the moment encouraging tourists to visit , you'd hope they'd be delighted to see you

I go about every 6 weeks and stay from 4 days to a week at a time, I dont get much more hassle than the rest of the family who go about 3 times a year,

No, just find a nice lady who is manning the immigration desk. :) You think there is uniformity with these employees? As much as say.....officers of the NYPD.

Why a lady?

A few months ago I had the following visits/transits in the space of a couple of weeks

AKL-LAX-AKL <12 hours in USA
AKL-LAX-SFO-SYD <12 hours in USA
LHR-LAX-SYD ~3 hours in USA
AKL-HNL-LAX-SYD ~1 day in USA
SYD-LAX-SYD <16 hours in USA

No problems at immigration at all

Luck of the draw~
 

Either I have been very lucky or you haven't travelled much or only to certain countries. The vast majority of immigration officers I have dealt with are very polite and professional, and often even friendly. In my experience, the officers are exceptionally friendly in Australia, Singapore, Cuba (!) and Taiwan. USA and Canada are a hit-or-miss - in those countries I have had very pleasant and friendly officers as well as total a$$holes.

i typically spend one week every month in the US. sure, sometimes it takes a bit longer to get through immigration, but as long as you can show them a return ticket, a hotel reservation there usually is no problem. just tell them the truth.

Isn't it sad that we live in a time when you have to worry that visiting a certain country more than once in a short time period could cause problems. That's what we got from seven years of nicely colored threat levels, Patriot Act, DHS, TSA and all the other security nonsense.

I travelled twice in February, about 7 days apart. No problem.

Last year I made 2 trips with only 2 days in between. Np problem

I've done this many, many times. I've only once had an Immigration agent comment and there was nothing unfriendly or aggressive in the comment.

I don't recognise the characterisation of US immigration as rude or aggressive. I've been travelling across the Atlantic for over 20 years. I've landed at New York, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, Miami San Francisco, Washington, Orlando, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Atlanta and probably one or two others. YMMV of course but in all that time I have never found any aggressions or unpleasantness.

YMMV depending on whether or not you are coming from a Visa waiver country or not. I can asure you that your particular circunstances differ from other visitors and that is why some report 'x' and some 'y'.

It also depends on the 'history' you have with them, after over 50 stamps in my passport they rarely say anything, of course I am heading to 'immigration nightmare' soon as my visa expires in a year or so and this time I am married to an US citizen (lets hope I get someone who is having a good day at the Embassy :) )

Yes wolfie_cr YMMV however OP neilyork is based VERY near me so my experience may well be significantly relevant to him.

Regarding my comment we of course don't know what kind of passport he holds. I find it interesting that out of so many visits you have never encountered a hostile/rude officer, specially since Miami is in your list.

I actively avoid Miami as a) its ultrasuperbusy b) 'rude immigration' or even 'rude gate agents ' are quite common although in MY personal experience they have all been professional but NOT 'pleasant'/ (which I agree, is not their 'job' , they are trying to figure out who will overstay/work/etc from the 'normal' people and that cant be easy)

In Houston/Dallas/and even EWR I've never had an issue.

For the OP, as long as you can explain why you are going twice in a short period of time and tell them where you are staying etc (all the normal stuff) I doubt they will give you any hassle specially if (as I would imagine) you hold a british passport. They can't really be rude to you if you dont 'let them'.... 'yes sir' /'no sir' / 'ty sir' is all they get from me (on the other hand when I travel with Mrs Wolfie who is American she talks/smiles/engages in small talk ........ :mad: )