Immigration questions

[Shocking Hocking]

Hi , noticed a few people saying big queues at immigration and wondered what was needed . I have been to Barbados and filed in the form on flight . Do you have these on the planes to fill in . I have done our ESTA's on line but not had any email confirmation have noted down our references . Is there anything else I need to do ? Don't want to get turned away . Also seen that people have declared food they are bringing into the country . Don't think I will take any but do you need to declare anything else .

 

[BlueGiraffe]

You have to have your index fingerprints scanned, and have a photo taken, and they will ask you how long you're staying, and your reason for going to Florida (so, in most cases, for a holiday).

I have been asked my profession before, but that was before we were married and DH and I used to go through immigration separately. Last time we went, in 2011, we were married and had DD with us, so went through as a family. On that occasion we were asked if we'd been to Florida before, and when the last trip was (so we just said "yes" and "in 2008")

They may also ask how much money you have with you (to check you can support yourself), but again I was only ever asked this when going through on my own.

There are no trick questions (providing people have nothing to hide).

There's a card you fill in on the plane where you will need to declare things you have with you, but it's things like fresh fruit and meat, not a packet of biscuits or sweets. And also whether or not you are carrying large sums of money (in excess of $10,000 I think).

 

[queendisney]

here's a copy of the customs form.

http://www.immihelp.com/immigration/sample-us-customs-declaration-form-6059b.pdf

As long as your passport is in date and you have been approved for your ESTA then all you have to do is complete a customs form for each member of your family.

You have do declare ANY/ALL food you are taking in, even if its the normal things like teabags.

Generally the immigration officers don't really interact with you at all they just ask a set of questions..all basic stuff like 'what is the purpose of your travel'. They take your photo and finger prints and that's it. The customs at MCO is after you pick your bags up. If in doubt declare it.

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

here's a copy of the customs form.

http://www.immihelp.com/immigration/sample-us-customs-declaration-form-6059b.pdf

Vanda thank you so much for posting that The boys are flying out to join us DH & I next year and I was concerned about telling them what to write on the customs form ....... now you've made it easy

 

[zippy99]

A couple of years ago I was asked at immigration if I had been to Orlando before - cheerfully I replied - "Yes on 17th January 2008, 6th September 2009 and 22nd October 2010" - I am sure he was having a joke - but in the most serious voice and a face to match he questioned how I knew the exact dates, had I been studying a stolen passport? - slightly shocked and a bit teary I said I just love coming here and remember all our holiday dates! He remained in serious mode and said it is suspicious to have what sounded like a rehearsed response!!!

DH thought it was quite funny - now when asked I just say - this is our XX year coming here.

 

[queendisney]

A couple of years ago I was asked at immigration if I had been to Orlando before - cheerfully I replied - "Yes on 17th January 2008, 6th September 2009 and 22nd October 2010" - I am sure he was having a joke - but in the most serious voice and a face to match he questioned how I knew the exact dates, had I been studying a stolen passport? - slightly shocked and a bit teary I said I just love coming here and remember all our holiday dates! He remained in serious mode and said it is suspicious to have what sounded like a rehearsed response!!!

DH thought it was quite funny - now when asked I just say - this is our XX year coming here.

They can be quite scary can't they? I think I can count on one hand the ones that have been friendly!!! I just don't speak unless spoken to nowadays

 

[Grumpy McScrooge]

I've had experience of both types, 1 officer refused to let any of my party thru unless i removed my "cap" as i was being disrespectful..i was 13. Last visit i was havin a laugh and joke with the officer, when he found out i worked in sports he was very chatty, when he asked if i was carrying more than $10000, i just replied "i wish" which he laughed off n let us go with no hassle.

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

They can be quite scary can't they? I think I can count on one hand the ones that have been friendly!!! I just don't speak unless spoken to nowadays

Back in 2004 we went to Canada. The boys having been through US immigration many times were well versed and looked neither to the left or the right, didn't talk and didn't even laugh when the Canadian immigration agent made a small joke. The Canadian agent eventually leaned over him desk at them and said "don't worry you can laugh at my jokes boys this is Canada not America !!"

 

[BlueGiraffe]

I've never really noticed a "customs" area at MCO. You go through immigration, then collect your baggage from the carousel, then go through a small area where you have to show your passport, and then you're off through the airport. I've never seen anything like we have here at Heathrow/Gatwick where you have to choose to go through the 'Nothing to Declare' or the 'Items to Declare' walkways when we get home...

 

[BlueGiraffe]

Back in 2004 we went to Canada. The boys having been through US immigration many times were well versed and looked neither to the left or the right, didn't talk and didn't even laugh when the Canadian immigration agent made a small joke. The Canadian agent eventually leaned over him desk at them and said "don't worry you can laugh at my jokes boys this is Canada not America !!"

LOL. The scariest immigration officers are the ones at JFK in NY. Going to Florida is a breeze after that

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

LOL. The scariest immigration officers are the ones at JFK in NY. Going to Florida is a breeze after that

100% agree with that statement

 

[queendisney]

I've never really noticed a "customs" area at MCO. You go through immigration, then collect your baggage from the carousel, then go through a small area where you have to show your passport, and then you're off through the airport. I've never seen anything like we have here at Heathrow/Gatwick where you have to choose to go through the 'Nothing to Declare' or the 'Items to Declare' walkways when we get home...

its definitely there
You leave the plane, queue for ages if you're unlucky to get off the plane late, to get through immigration, pick your bags up, go through customs where you hand in your form and they staple a bit to your passport, then leave the hall where you can either put your cases back onto the belt to be delivered to the terminal and baggage reclaim or take them with you on the monorail to the terminal.
It can be a total blur when you're tired though

 

[BlueGiraffe]

go through customs where you hand in your form and they staple a bit to your passport)

LOL, oh yes!! I vaguely remember showing my passport and handing my form in, but never realised it was cutoms

 

[starrysky]

Back in 2004 we went to Canada. The boys having been through US immigration many times were well versed and looked neither to the left or the right, didn't talk and didn't even laugh when the Canadian immigration agent made a small joke. The Canadian agent eventually leaned over him desk at them and said "don't worry you can laugh at my jokes boys this is Canada not America !!"

We pre clear in Dublin and they have always been the nicest bunch I have ever met. One year we were chatting with the guy about speed cameras and the weather. He cracked a few jokes as well. Another one was making funny comments about DH height (6foot 9).
The ones at MCO scared me. We even saw them take someone away!
I'm sure OP your boys will have no problem at MCO.