Ever Had Problems Entering the U.S? Prepare for your Ski Trip

Do you have any tips or experiences to share about your encounters with U.S immigration authorities?  Avid skiers will be busy planning their ski trips to the snowy slopes of North American resorts for the upcoming season. We understand that the authorities need to take precautions to keep terrorists out and keep us all safe, but the tightened security has an impact on all visitors to the country.  We’ve read horror stories about immigration delays at some U.S. airports, mistaken identities, and visitors being wrongly interrogated.  Here are a few tips to avoid potential problems:

Most visitors will already have accommodation booked for their arrival, but be aware that you must give the authorities the address where you will be staying on your first night in the U.S.  Check for updates, but it seems that currently airlines will not let you check-in for your flight unless you have a valid destination address.

Your passport should be the type that has a bar code and is machine-readable, but if you still hold one of the old style passports it will need to be renewed before you will be allowed into the country.  Also, children are required to have their own passports.  Remember that you will be required to remove your shoes for inspection so further delays can be avoided by being prepared for this.

As visitors, UK citizens are covered under the visa waiver programme if staying less than 90 days (with restrictions).  You will be required to complete the I-94W waiver form on the plane.  It appears that you are not required to declare offences such as minor driving convictions on the form, but if you have something more serious – even a drink driving conviction – this must be declared in advance of your trip and you must apply for and obtain a visa.  This can all take time so it’s best not to book your flights until you have the visa.  Check with your travel agent or airline for current requirements, or search on one of the websites listed below.  Ensure the portion of the I-94W form that is left in your passport is handed in on your return, otherwise their records will indicate you are still in the country and you could have problems the next time you try to enter.  If you arrive back home and find you still have that form, it should be posted back to the authorities. For more information visit usembassy.org.uk and use the A-Z index to go to the Visa Waiver Program section or call their information line on 0904 2450100.

It is advisable not to lock your checked luggage to the U.S. or your locks could be broken if they need to search them.  If you want to lock your bags it’s best to purchase special locks which the TSA (Transport Security Administration) can open with a master key.  The locks are not expensive and details are available on the TSA website.  The locks are also available at U.S. airports and travel shops.

The above is not a complete list of information about entry to the U.S. but hopefully will get you thinking about the process and do your homework before you set off.  Other useful websites:  U.S. visas:  unitedstatesvisas.gov, Transport Security Administration (TSA) tsa.gov and Dept. of Homeland Security at dhs.gov.