Bullpitt From Spain, joined Mar 2004, 871 posts, RR: 9 Posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4967 times:
Hi I've been hearing and reading about the problems some people are having with US authorities after 9/11. One colleague was actually detained for several hours because a name similar to his came up on the computer. This is making me re-think my holiday plans for this year. I was planning to take the family to JFK then to LAS or SFO MIA and back home to MAD. Has anyone here encountered problems with US officials recently? I was really looking forward to going to the US, but like a said I'm starting to have second thoughts.
These are my principles but if you don't like them I have others
ANstar From Netherlands, joined Nov 2003, 4844 posts, RR: 6 Reply 1, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4898 times:
I went to New york with my partner for Valentines day, landed off an AA flight around 9.20pm. I got through the Passport control ok, but my partner was held back because of an empty box on the green form and this caused untold grief as the immigration officer went on about not being able to read etc etc (Yes before you ask we are Australian and can read English quite well but missed 1 field on the form)
Then after we collected our bags I was pulled aside by customs and had my bag gone though. After that they asked what I did for work, I said I was an IT manager and they demanded a business card. I didnt have any on me and I was told what sort of It Manager doesn't carry a business card and I was asked to wait. Thankfully my partner had one of my cards so I got though ok after that.
Now, after an enjoyable flight in AA business the last thing I wanted was all that fuss. What a welcome to New York!
That has certainly turned me off any future long weekends/holidays in the states.
B747-437B From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 2, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4852 times:
Has anyone here encountered problems with US officials recently?
Not quite recent, but in 2002 I was locked up in an airport holding cell and interrogated for 17 hours over 3 days by the US authorities because they felt that a brown person working in the aviation industry must be up to something illegal. I've subsequently received an "unofficial verbal apology" from the State Department for their actions, but I still have refused to set foot back in the US ever since. Your mileage may vary...
Cmckeithen From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 617 posts, RR: 2 Reply 3, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4846 times:
Sorry for the trouble at immigraions. I would write the Immigration Department and let them know what went on. They will be happy to help you or explain things.
NIKV69 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 4, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4802 times:
I wouldn't change my plans because of one incident. Come see this country. If you are going to Vegas take a little time and drive to the Grand Canyon. You will not be disappointed. If you can get to Mount Rushmore see that too. You will be thankful you came here.
Cmckeithen From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 617 posts, RR: 2 Reply 6, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4770 times:
B747-437B I just cant understand some Americans way of thinking. I can tell you not all Americans are rude or out looking to bust any foreigner. It's a shame and embarrasment to our country when we hear claims about our own mistreating our tourists.
Mrniji From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 7, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4722 times:
B747-437B, I really feel ashamed to hear that, being an American citizen. Apparently, we are both of Indian decent, and I hear so many similar cases from different sources. I am permanently and every time coming in these so-called "random controls", behind me 10 Africans and Indians. Sad...
At the same time I want to add that many Americans apparently feel ashamed of those conditions, which gives a little hope (that things will change a little at least after Nov elections)
Bullpitt From Spain, joined Mar 2004, 871 posts, RR: 9 Reply 8, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4711 times:
Hi ANstar yes that is precisely what I mean, most of the stories I've heard are similar, I plan to travel with my family and obviously I don't feel like having my holidays ruined by an over zealous custom official. Fine I'm Spanish and all for the fight against terrorism, we have suffered the Basque terrorist here a long time before 9/11 but the Spanish police don't go stopping people for stupid reasons like not carrying a business card. That's what worries me the most and the feeling of defenselessnes you feel when confronted with these officials.
These are my principles but if you don't like them I have others
BCALdavid From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2004, 74 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4673 times:
I visit the US from London 3 to 4 times each year. Every time, I am taken away for further interrogation by the immigration authorities. I can trace my family line back beyond 8 generations, all from the heart of England, so its nothing to do with the other reasons being posted here! Thats just the way it is now. They make you feel threatened, unwelcome and dishonest, they will never give a reason for the interrogations and I'm always allowed in to the US eventually. I still go back, though I don't know why, so I say go for it! Las Vegas is fab.
StevenUhl777 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 10, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4641 times:
I'm sorry to hear you're having second thoughts!
Here's an idea...if it works, try flying into a "lower profile" city instead of NY or Washington, where the scrutiny is probably higher. Consider MIA or ORD, if you're coming in on Iberia.
Don't know if this is possible, but maybe fly into Canada first, then cross into the US another way? Toronto, Montreal first, then a train to NYC? Just an idea...
As said, don't let the horror stories of others influence YOUR decision. Fill out the forms completely and honestly, and answer their questions. One of the things you have going for you is that your wife and kids will be along, so they're probably less concerned about you, being a family man.
Enjoy your trip!
BTW..Spain is a great place...I was there in July 2001 and had a wonderful time, it really exceeded my original expectations! The Spanish people were very friendly I thought, and the countryside was amazing.
Netdhaka From Bangladesh, joined Feb 2004, 181 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4596 times:
If I were you, I would go to the US with my family. There are a lot of wonderful things to see in the US. If you hold Spanish passport, you will be visiting the US without visa, so be sure to fill out all the forms. I think there is less chance of being harassed by the immigration/customs officials, if you are traveling with family, unless your name shows up on some watch list.
Shamrock_747 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 12, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4574 times:
Experiences can vary a lot depending on the individual you have to deal with.
At the start of my first visit to the US in August 2001 the immigration officer was a real bitch. She had a nasty attitude towards me and my Mum and was even shouting at us, even though we had our passports out ready for her and our visa wavier forms filled in correctly.
Going back to the US in 2002 I expected treatment worse than before considering 9/11 had happened, but it was actually much better. The officer was really friendly and welcoming despite the fact I'd made a couple of mistakes on my form. Again in 2003 I had no problems.
There is always a chance you could be unlucky with an immigration officer, but I wouldn't let that put you off your trip.
WindowSeat From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 1307 posts, RR: 59 Reply 13, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4558 times:
Mrniji,
Well said. Being of Indian origin, I find myself almost always singled out in 'random security checks' only at US airports. I have never had problems at other airports in Europe. The only time I have been 'interrogated' was at London Gatwick. Almost all of the Immigration officers at EWR (I travel in/out of EWR the most) are very nice and I even befriended an Immigration officer (it was more like the other way around) who I am in touch with outside of his work. So it could go either way. But my father who travels all over the world thinks otherwise and refuses to step foot in the US. He just takes his money elsewhere...
cheers
I'm all in favour of keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of fools. Let's start with keyboards.
Aa757first From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 3336 posts, RR: 9 Reply 14, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4533 times:
I really encourage you to come to my country. Our cousins from Germany have come over post-9/11 (via PHL) and didn't say anything negative about immigration. New York is really a nice city. My mom and dad love Las Vegas. I had a great time in 'Frisco and Miami. If it's between Miami and 'Frisco, I would choose Miami, South Beach is really a neat place.
I don't know the age groups in your family, but I, being a teen, really enjoyed SFO, NYC, and MIA.
AMS From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 1689 posts, RR: 12 Reply 15, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4529 times:
A friend of mine was refused entry into the U.S without any reason. This was her first time going to the U.S, and she had to sit whole night on a small chair, afther 20 Hours she was put on the plane back to Amsterdam.
NIKV69 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 16, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4506 times:
Bullpitt,
Don't think that way. As long as your passport and everything is on order you will be fine. If you want I will show you around Manhattan! Come here. I will return the favor. My fiance has been to your country and she did the Camino de Santiago. Which I want to do one day. I want to travel to Spain! Don't pay any mind to an official that is rude or otherwise, just come here and enjoy yourself. Especially Vegas, go there! I live there in the winter time and it's the greatest! The western part of the USA is the most beautiful thing to see.
Bullpitt From Spain, joined Mar 2004, 871 posts, RR: 9 Reply 17, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4453 times:
Thank you all for the feed back I imagine I'll give it a go and hope for the best. I'm going to start to plan my trip for this summer and hope things go well. I use to work for a joint venture company half American half Spanish so I had a chance to meet many Americans and to go there has been one of my dreams since I was a child. I just hope the American government takes note of these incidents and acts accordingly. And yes StevenUhl777 I have thought of entering through ORD but what can I say, New York is something I need to see. .
These are my principles but if you don't like them I have others
UwoAviation From Canada, joined Mar 2004, 39 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 4382 times:
It should be said that this forum will attract those with negative experiences. I am sure that they are the vast minority as thousands and thousands enter and exit the USA every day.
I have entered the USA about 20 times since 9/11 and haven't had a problem. I am always treated with the utmost respect and every official that I have dealt with was very nice. Although, this might be because I am Canadian. But haven't Canadians been getting a bad rap down there recently?
Cory6188 From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 2686 posts, RR: 6 Reply 19, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 4357 times:
I would agree with WindowSeat. EWR Customs and Immigration is excellent, especially (and some may say only) if you are coming in on CO in C-3. Surprising for the area where EWR is located (let's just say that downtown Newark and Elizabeth are a dump), the employees are extremely nice and the lines are never too bad. If you can, take CO to EWR rather than IB to JFK.
I have nothing against IB, but JFK immigration/customs can be a complete nightmare. Some US travel guides recommend allowing at least 2 hours just waiting in line at JFK. EWR is never more than 30 mins, especially at C-3, where you would be arriving. Terminal B isn't that bad either, but it can really get crowded when all the European flights arrive.
Amwest25 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 20, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 4307 times:
Dont let immigration and customs scare you. They are and always have been in general real a** holes for as long as I can remember. Even before 9-11. I hold a US passport, born in the US but because I have a girlfriend in Canada and frequent Canada once a month I always get harassed by US customs and immigration on my return, but in all fairness to US immigration the Canadian immigration and customs is not any better. The only country where I have met sincerly nice immigration officers is in Cabo, they just dont seem to give a damn. The worst was Jamaica with Australia being in the middle of good and bad. Its the job they are trained to to scare you in the hopes that you will say or do something they can secondary you for, it does make sense though if your a law abiding citizen you have no need to be nervous and just let them do their job and you will be on your way. If you have nothing to hide a slight delay in secondary wont kill you.
"I went to New york with my partner for Valentines day, landed off an AA flight around 9.20pm. I got through the Passport control ok, but my partner was held back because of an empty box on the green form and this caused untold grief as the immigration officer went on about not being able to read etc etc (Yes before you ask we are Australian and can read English quite well but missed 1 field on the form) "
Immigration has been like this well before 9/11 even occured.
PVD757 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 3374 posts, RR: 18 Reply 21, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 4283 times:
I'll be honest with you, I'm hesitent to leave the US for the exact opposite reason. I think there are enough people that don't like you in the world if you are a US citizen travelling abroad. I think you have a target on your back and you have to be very careful.
WindowSeat From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 1307 posts, RR: 59 Reply 22, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 4266 times:
Cory6188,
EWR is never more than 30 mins, especially at C-3, where you would be arriving. Terminal B isn't that bad either, but it can really get crowded when all the European flights arrive.
I have never arrived into Terminal C on CO, always into Terminal B. You,re right...It can get crowded at Terminal B when two or more flights arrive, but thats why the new Immigration Hall was built for and the transit times have greatly improved. Never more than 30 mins.
cheers
I'm all in favour of keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of fools. Let's start with keyboards.
Gilesdavies From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2003, 2878 posts, RR: 1 Reply 23, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 4222 times:
Immigrations in the US is not a pleasant experience even if like me you have never had a problem. But they always ask to see my return ticket.
I think the staff are paid a bonus to look miserable, rude and obrupt.
I have always landed into PHL and since terminal A has been extended passport control is so quick and efficent. Compared to how it was before and when you could easily queue for an hour and be sweating thinking your gonna be missing your connection.
When I get home and land at LGW there always seems to be justice, while I sale through UK passport control quickly you see all the foreigner queuing for ages to be interegated by us! (But I don't think it is quite to the same level as their US counterparts and like to think they look a little happier!)
Leneld From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 606 posts, RR: 1 Reply 24, posted (9 years 2 months 1 week 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 4220 times:
Come to Portland, Oregon..Were gay friendly!!!!
25 Bullpitt: Hi Leneld I'm sure Portland is very Gay friendly but as the Brits might say "Not really my cup of tea" Not to worry though I'll pass the message throu
26 Asuflyer05: Sorry to hear about everyone's immigration problems when coming to the U.S. I'm not sure if some of you in Europe are familiar with the term "going po
27 5T6: Fernando, I hope a few bad situations do not deter you from coming to the USA for a visit!! If you make it out here to the desert southwest, you'll en
28 NIKV69: Bullpitt, New York is a must see sight, but please don't neglect the west. I am already planning my trip back to Mount Rushmore this fall. Being from
29 Chi-town: Don't worry about it dude.....you'll have a blast in Las Vegas!
30 ManchesterMAN: Whilst I haven't had any problems on my two visits to the US this year I've got to say the situation does put me off a little. Whilst I have nothing t
31 Bullpitt: Thanks for the offer NIKV69 I've seen many pics of the Grand Canyon. I imagine most people in this world who want to go to the US have a visit to the
32 STT757: Bullpitt , Sorry you have apprehension about coming to the States but we (Americans) have apprehensions about foreigners coming here, 19 foriegners wh
33 GLA MD11: US immigration is a non-sense but one needs to compare it to a dentist appointment. It can be painful, one usually expect the worse and feel much bett
34 Texan: The authorities might be a pain in the butt (I've been thoroughly checked out many times as a citizen here, why, the world will never know), but it is
35 TR763: I think that the immigration officers get whoever they want. I´m Brazilian as you can see and in MIA (after arriving in a TAM flight from GRU) I alm
36 NIKV69: Bullpitt, I may not be the best person to ask that! I live in a small town just south of Vegas in the winter time. So for my journey back to New York
37 TR763: i have to agree with NIKV69, spend some time in Orlando! Many people may think it´s just minnie and mickey, but it´s not! It´s a city with lots of
38 NIKV69: TR763, Orlando is nice, but you definitely need to see the west! Florida can't even hold a candle to it! When you see the Rockies and everything else
39 BR715-A1-30: Bullpitt, May I recommend that you wait until after January 20, 2005 when John Kerry is president. And yes, you are hearing this from a republican.
40 Speedbudgie: I work in International Education with the University of California System and am constantly having to deal with the aftermath of our International St
41 Learjet23: Why not just fly into MEXICO! Then just walk across with the thousands of others who come into our country 24/7 all the time laughing like hell at the
42 Gigneil: Honestly, I think a lot of the immigration horror stories are made up. N
43 KEno: I wish to share a rather stupid/funny incident that happened to a friend of my dad's many many years ago in LHR. As many of you would notice, many of
44 JumboBumbo: Bullpitt... Why go to NYC when you could come to Boston... the Cradle of Liberty. NYC is full of overpriced, overhyped third basemen. Also spend some
45 MAH4546: Here's an idea...if it works, try flying into a "lower profile" city instead of NY or Washington, where the scrutiny is probably higher. Consider MIA
46 NIKV69: Jumbo, You ain't lying!! Colorado was AWESOME! I am glad I bought a condo in Nevada, the western part of the US just is the best! Wyoming, Utah as wel
47 Flymia: Don't worry Spanish citzent should have to problems going to MIA. The lines might be long but the Agents are good. Now never flown to JFK into that I
48 ORDnDFW777: Bullpitt, I'm sorry to see you are having second thoughts about visiting the United States. While we are far from perfect, this is the best place to l
49 Sydscott: Bullpitt - Dont worry about the customs officials etc. Once your past em you'll enjoy the US no matter which part you want to visit. It takes a bit l
50 QIguy24: I have been to the states 4 times since 9.11 And 3 times have I been pulled aside for an extra safety search. But the reason i have been that, is beca
51 Jmy007: I always found that Immigration in Australia to be, well for a lack of a better word or words, hard core. About 5 years ago I arrived in from Singapor
52 UK_Dispatcher: I generally try to ignore the rude attitude of US Immigration officials on entry to the country - the people beyond this point are generally very nice
53 Legacyins: Yes, there are a few rude apples in the barrel when it comes to Immigration officers but it falls under the exception and not the rule. Speaking from
54 Sydscott: Jmy007 - Australian Quarantine is hardcore. Thats because we have fewer introduced pests and diseases thanks to the geographical isolation. I usually
55 Jmy007: Sydscott- I was told, when it was all over at customs in Perth, that I fit a profile. Being young(23) and coming from SE asia, they were looking for s
56 Chgoflyer: Best not to visit the U.S. right not.. Our customs officials are very uptight.
57 Broose27: I visited the US for the first time in February (LAX-LAS-JFK) before off to Europe, and was a bit apprehensive. No probs, however, as I was let into t
58 Amwest25: "and a guy in PHL was very off with me when gave him my airline card as I.D. & he hadn't heard of British Midland!" Once when I was non-rev from SJD i
59 Concord977: BR715-A1-30, You made me laugh out loud! We are anxiously awaiting the November elections! I agree that Americans and our foreign visitors will experi
60 StevenUhl777: Bullpitt, May I recommend that you wait until after January 20, 2005 when John Kerry is president. And yes, you are hearing this from a republican. I'
61 Northwestair: I will never fly via BOS anymore. I flew Non Rev once from AMS-BOS and when I got to US Customs I was detained and missed my flight to MEM. I had to s
62 Skydrol: >>> Best not to visit the U.S. right not.. Our customs officials are very uptight. Not quite recent, but in 2002 I was locked up in an airport holding
63 EK345: I haven't had any problems coming into the US but travelling out of the US I have ALWAYS been pulled aside for additional security checks. I am of Ind
64 ND: Although I have an American passport, I am Indian... even worse... I carry diecast model airplanes with me wherever I go! However, out of all the time
65 LHcapt2007: Have some confidence and lighten up! My best friend is from Bangladesh, BANGLADESH! HE is in a FLIGHT school here in Texas, think about that a second.
66 PER744: I've actually had far more problems going to Canada than going to the US. I'm 21, and have been to the US 6 times since just before my 18th birthday.
67 ND: Even though I'm a Texan at heart, go to Jackson, Mississippi, there were some REALLY friendly people (almost too friendly). Yeah, if you're comin' to
68 TonyB: Flew to Boston Logan a couple of weeks ago on American Airlines from London Heathrow. We were an hour early arriving into Logan so there were no other
69 Sevenair: well, security checks at LAS cause a 30 minute que 6 people deep on a morning. Something which would never happen in the UK. But dont let it put u off
70 JGPH1A: It's all part of Dubbya's "War on Tourism" (perhaps the INS didn't understand he was trying to say Ter-ror-rism, but can't). Seriously, US Immigration
71 B747Skipper: Among the people on the bad list for suspicion are people who are foreign citizens, who were born in USA, were US Citizens, but took citizenship in th
72 KEno: As someone pointed out earlier, it sounds like a good idea to avoid the airport hassles and fly to Canada instead - there's a direct rail service betw
73 Stefandotde: lol@B747 skipper! How could you do that? TRAITOR! lllolll
74 Santosdumont: Bullpitt: I agree with our colleagues: don't let one or two schmucks from INS/TSA deter you from doing what you want. I've had my share of run-ins wit
75 BDRules: When Me and my girlfriend arrived in BOS i got pulled to one side and had my bags checked and stuff chucked on the floor, and the woman asking me what
76 Jmy007: Out of all the port of entry in the US I have been through (JFK,EWR,BOS,LAX,ORD,STL,SFO,DEN,CVG) I have found the BOS immigration and customs to be do
77 BoingGoingGone: No worries... We'll be there to great you with our Cowboy Boots and Six Shooters. Yeeeeeeeeee-Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw!!!!!!!!!!
78 767Lover: The only time I have ever been interrogated was in Manchester, UK returning to the US with elderly parents in tow. We look about as white Anglo as it
79 Bullpitt: Hi all thanks for all the valuable comments, just got back home from work and read them all. Cant wait for a couple of days off next week to begin pla
80 RiverVisualNYC: Fernando - there is unfortunately a disconnect here between the procedures and the intentions. In their quest to NOT offend anyone's ethnic sensibilit
81 Gigneil: well, security checks at LAS cause a 30 minute que 6 people deep on a morning. Something which would never happen in the UK That's not true. I've expe
82 UAL777: I would not blame the security guys... they are just doing their jobs and some can be a little over zealous. But I guess my point is: you're coming to
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