Visiting boyfriend in US, what to expect from Border Security?
Dec 16, 2014 | 6:26 am
#31
Join Date: May 2001
Location: exUA1K, UA MM, lifetime UA1P, AA MM, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,806
The interview will probably only take 1 minute.
5 tips for the OP:
1. Be well rehearsed in all of the correct answers.
2. Show no nervousness or fear.
3. Yawn a lot and comment on the longest trip imaginable. (Yes, yawning works wonders since nervous people won't be yawning)
4. Be friendly and honest.
5. Never over-answer question as this indicates fiction.
I've been successfully yawning at the last 60 entry interviews ever since I reacted nervously to a question many years ago. Oddly, it was about being on a farm in Germany since we ate at a restaurant on a "farm"! This resulted in a detour to a second interviewer. Never again.
5 tips for the OP:
1. Be well rehearsed in all of the correct answers.
2. Show no nervousness or fear.
3. Yawn a lot and comment on the longest trip imaginable. (Yes, yawning works wonders since nervous people won't be yawning)
4. Be friendly and honest.
5. Never over-answer question as this indicates fiction.
I've been successfully yawning at the last 60 entry interviews ever since I reacted nervously to a question many years ago. Oddly, it was about being on a farm in Germany since we ate at a restaurant on a "farm"! This resulted in a detour to a second interviewer. Never again.
Dec 16, 2014 | 7:54 am
#32
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: BOS
Programs: AS MVPG75k
Posts: 353
This sort of travel is certainly generally allowed, but will raise questions. Being honest that you are there to meet a friend whom you have been corresponding with online, but have never met is fine, provided you have a return ticket and funds to support yourself during that time period.
I would be somewhat conservative about the seriousness of the relationship. In reality, you have no idea what it will be like when you are together, so be open and honest with the border security that if it doesn't work out, you will leave (if they ask).
Agreed also that your friend and his immediate family should be prepared for a phone call from your first port of entry if there are any concerns raised by CBP.
As every indication is that you have honest intentions, honesty is the best policy. You are the least of CBP's concerns. If you don't, then they will likely see through it (as they should).
Enjoy the USA and best of luck to the two of you.
I would be somewhat conservative about the seriousness of the relationship. In reality, you have no idea what it will be like when you are together, so be open and honest with the border security that if it doesn't work out, you will leave (if they ask).
Agreed also that your friend and his immediate family should be prepared for a phone call from your first port of entry if there are any concerns raised by CBP.
As every indication is that you have honest intentions, honesty is the best policy. You are the least of CBP's concerns. If you don't, then they will likely see through it (as they should).
Enjoy the USA and best of luck to the two of you.
Dec 16, 2014 | 7:59 am
#33
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: K+K
Programs: *G
Posts: 5,083
How did you find flyertalk if your not a frequent flyer?
Customs / immigration usually take about a minute or 2 (at least in all the countries around the world that I have been). The officers are regular people just like you and I. You are doing nothing illegal or out of the ordinary for todays day and age. The worst that will happen is you will have to answer more then five questions. You should be more nervous about spending the holidays with you BFs family
Customs / immigration usually take about a minute or 2 (at least in all the countries around the world that I have been). The officers are regular people just like you and I. You are doing nothing illegal or out of the ordinary for todays day and age. The worst that will happen is you will have to answer more then five questions. You should be more nervous about spending the holidays with you BFs family 
Dec 16, 2014 | 8:01 am
#34
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
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For residents they do also take your picture with a little webcam type device right at the booth which takes about 2 seconds though I'm not sure if they do that for internationals.
Just stay relaxed, honest if you're questioned about anything, and make sure you have money/credit cards, etc just to show that you're able to fund yourself on the trip in the event that someone asks. There is nothing illegal or questionable about what you're planning to do, so you really have no need to be concerned.
Dec 16, 2014 | 8:28 am
#35
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: PBI / FLL / YUL
Programs: UA 1K, DL Silver, AA Plat Pro, B6 Mosaic, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Courtesy Card
Posts: 2,001
The interview will probably only take 1 minute.
5 tips for the OP:
1. Be well rehearsed in all of the correct answers.
2. Show no nervousness or fear.
3. Yawn a lot and comment on the longest trip imaginable. (Yes, yawning works wonders since nervous people won't be yawning)
4. Be friendly and honest.
5. Never over-answer question as this indicates fiction.
5 tips for the OP:
1. Be well rehearsed in all of the correct answers.
2. Show no nervousness or fear.
3. Yawn a lot and comment on the longest trip imaginable. (Yes, yawning works wonders since nervous people won't be yawning)
4. Be friendly and honest.
5. Never over-answer question as this indicates fiction.
Dec 16, 2014 | 8:31 am
#36
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Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,077
Picture and fingerprint capture are done for visitors to the U.S. too. The OP should expect that as part of the routine process for a tourist to the U.S.
Dec 16, 2014 | 9:08 am
#37
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: UK somewhere North of London
Programs: DL Skymiles, HiltonH, AA Advantage
Posts: 107
One of the lst things they ask us (l) How long are you staying in the US? Then,
(2) What date are you returning?
(3) What is the purpose of your visit?
Be truthfull. If you are visiting a 'pen pal' and his family, tell them. If they want further info they will ask for it.
They will always take your photo and fingerprints so the next time you enter the US, they will have your details on the system. Never OVERSTAY. Don't return on the 90th day under the VWP. Planes get delayed sometimes for a day and, I believe they record when the plane successfully leaves the tarmac, not when you board at the Gate. I have gotten off the tarmac and been returned to the Gate. It's OK if you only travel occasionally but if you visit more often you need to watch the dates.
Most importantly, you have a return ticket.
Only answer the questions they ask, don't supply more detail than they need.
Have a good vacation.
(2) What date are you returning?
(3) What is the purpose of your visit?
Be truthfull. If you are visiting a 'pen pal' and his family, tell them. If they want further info they will ask for it.
They will always take your photo and fingerprints so the next time you enter the US, they will have your details on the system. Never OVERSTAY. Don't return on the 90th day under the VWP. Planes get delayed sometimes for a day and, I believe they record when the plane successfully leaves the tarmac, not when you board at the Gate. I have gotten off the tarmac and been returned to the Gate. It's OK if you only travel occasionally but if you visit more often you need to watch the dates.
Most importantly, you have a return ticket.
Only answer the questions they ask, don't supply more detail than they need.
Have a good vacation.
Last edited by langham123; Dec 16, 2014 at 9:16 am
Dec 16, 2014 | 10:33 am
#39
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,253
Hope for the minimum encounter and be prepared for the lengthy secondary. Bear in mind that CBP's concern is that you will overstay and become a burden on the US (no different for the USN entering Canada, UK, Australia or any of a host of other countries).
The only reason the boyfriend issue matters is that you might be tempted to overstay.
Thus, have clearcut documentary proof of your intent to return when scheduled, funds to support your stay and contact information for the boyfriend and relatives.
Whatever you do, do not lie. Lying includes withholding details which a reasonable person knows are significant and it also includes playing word games. Lying becomes the basis to pop you on the next flight back, so don't do it.
There is nothing to be nervous about and there is no reason to seat this. Just have the stuff ready if you are asked, but don't start pulling it out until challenged on it.
Remember, although there is all kinds of snark above, this is not a policy debate. Maybe it ought to be easier to move between countries, but it isn't.
The only reason the boyfriend issue matters is that you might be tempted to overstay.
Thus, have clearcut documentary proof of your intent to return when scheduled, funds to support your stay and contact information for the boyfriend and relatives.
Whatever you do, do not lie. Lying includes withholding details which a reasonable person knows are significant and it also includes playing word games. Lying becomes the basis to pop you on the next flight back, so don't do it.
There is nothing to be nervous about and there is no reason to seat this. Just have the stuff ready if you are asked, but don't start pulling it out until challenged on it.
Remember, although there is all kinds of snark above, this is not a policy debate. Maybe it ought to be easier to move between countries, but it isn't.
Last edited by Often1; Dec 16, 2014 at 10:49 am
Dec 16, 2014 | 10:37 am
#40
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 7,149
Dec 16, 2014 | 11:13 am
#41
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Somewhere In The Five Eyes
Posts: 238
> be truthful
+1
> Never OVERSTAY.
+1
... and for gawd's sake, if you are claiming to be a tourist/visitor, do not get married during this visit. Immigration looks really dimly on such seemingly spontaneous acts of affection/devotion.
+1
> Never OVERSTAY.
+1
... and for gawd's sake, if you are claiming to be a tourist/visitor, do not get married during this visit. Immigration looks really dimly on such seemingly spontaneous acts of affection/devotion.
Dec 16, 2014 | 11:21 am
#42
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Join Date: Feb 2010
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Posts: 10,033
I'd carry a written invitation from his family that makes clear that you will stay with the family.
Do you have a job? Are you a student? If so, carry some documentation (regular wage information and any written vacation time approval, a business card, etc. for a job, and a transcript and list of current courses or course registration for next semester if you're a student) as this could be viewed as evidence that you plan to return to Australia.
Do you have a job? Are you a student? If so, carry some documentation (regular wage information and any written vacation time approval, a business card, etc. for a job, and a transcript and list of current courses or course registration for next semester if you're a student) as this could be viewed as evidence that you plan to return to Australia.
Say you are visiting at the family's invitation. Spend time with them and visit some sights ( prepare to throw out a couple of local tourist sited, maybe Las Vegas if budget permits etc ?
Too too glib and well prepared may raise suspicions .....
Jan 2, 2015 | 8:47 am
#45
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 7
As some who's done long distance for a long time, and someone who's traveled to the US many times for long periods (literally 3 months on the day), I've got a few pointers for you.
1 - Never ever ever have someone else book travel for you. Always make sure to book flights and travel on your own credit card. Even if your parents, his parents or he himself want to pay for it just tell them to give you the money afterwards or upfront. They can immediately see that the travel was booked with someone else's credit card and you will get a second interview just based on that if you're unlucky. I'm speaking from personal experience, so never doing that again.
2 - If you have a pick, pick the opposite sex when walking to a customs officer. It sounds weird, but my fiancee and I have experimented with this and across the board it seems to smoothen things up a little bit.
3 - Carry every piece of documentation they could ever ask for. Travel itinerary, hotel stays, car rental, even print outs of plans you have like visiting specific cities or sights can help if they doubt your purpose of visiting.
4 - Tell the people/family you're visiting beforehand that they could receive a phone call from customs in the worst case scenario. Walk them through the situation and tell them a few things about what they should and should not say. I've heard of instances where this happened and the person picking up the phone playing it off like it was just a short visit, which ended up backfiring since the person in question was staying for three months.
1 - Never ever ever have someone else book travel for you. Always make sure to book flights and travel on your own credit card. Even if your parents, his parents or he himself want to pay for it just tell them to give you the money afterwards or upfront. They can immediately see that the travel was booked with someone else's credit card and you will get a second interview just based on that if you're unlucky. I'm speaking from personal experience, so never doing that again.
2 - If you have a pick, pick the opposite sex when walking to a customs officer. It sounds weird, but my fiancee and I have experimented with this and across the board it seems to smoothen things up a little bit.
3 - Carry every piece of documentation they could ever ask for. Travel itinerary, hotel stays, car rental, even print outs of plans you have like visiting specific cities or sights can help if they doubt your purpose of visiting.
4 - Tell the people/family you're visiting beforehand that they could receive a phone call from customs in the worst case scenario. Walk them through the situation and tell them a few things about what they should and should not say. I've heard of instances where this happened and the person picking up the phone playing it off like it was just a short visit, which ended up backfiring since the person in question was staying for three months.