Excuse me Sir; I am being deported back because I did not fill out WHAT?

If you are planning your trip to NY it is very likely that you have a list of places where you want to go: that restaurant that your co-worker recommended, some museums, a couple of Broadway shows that your friend suggested, you probably even bought a city guide and a map… but, do you have all you need to just enter the country?

Even if you don’t need a visa because your country is under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) you are subject to apply for an authorization called ESTA (3 days minimum before your trip) using the following process: Click here to start ESTA application form >>

In addition to this, you must present a machine-readable passport which is valid for 6 months past the expected stay in the US.

Print out a couple of copies of your approved ESTA confirmation and carry them with you when you travel. And remember this: the ESTA approval is a “conditio sine qua non” although this approval just means that you are eligible to enter the US. But there is still one more step to go: IMMIGRATION!! OK, relax.

You might have heard many stories about the NY immigration officials but old times are gone. If you are a visitor you should not have any problem. Most of them are distant but friendly. You will be asked standard questions mostly. Be ready to give the reason of your trip, the address where you will stay while in NY, your profession and where you live in your home country. As long as you can verify that you have the intention to come back to your country of origin you are all set. Important notice: don’t make jokes or try to be funny, just stay calm and behave naturally. Although they can be friendly you are being interviewed and evaluated. If you cannot communicate in English, a number of officials speak Spanish and other languages. They also provide interpreters of different languages if needed. Wait a minute! If you cannot communicate in English you would not be reading this lines, so forget about the language thing.

When you pass immigration you are almost done. You just need to submit the Customs declaration form to the customs officials once you have picked up your luggage and are on your way out. However, you could be asked for a last luggage check so make sure that you don’t bring an amount of money that exceeds $10,000! And if you carry a laptop with you then you should bear in mind that immigration and customs don’t understand about privacy. I am just saying.

Oh! I almost forgot; bring a pen with you during your flight. You will need to fill out a green hard copy version of the ESTA along with the Customs form. You don’t want to make a huge line to be returned back to the start because you did not have your green form ready, right? and don’t make scratches!