US customs procedure?

[stacy87]

I'm flying from Manchester, UK in July. I have never flown to the US before, and I was hoping that someone could please give me a rundown of what happens once you arrive, with regards to customs?

We are filling in our online ESTA's in the next few weeks, to make sure they are done early. Oh, and we're flying to Sanford if that's of any help?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

There is a US Customs website, if you want to check it out:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/

There is also a good explanation of the process on the BA website and in the next link:

http://www.britishairways.com/travel/usawaiver/public/en_gb

http://www.visitusa.org.uk/visitors/us_visa_and_entry_requirements.aspx

Also check this out:

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/rctour.html

 

[stacy87]

There is a US Customs website, if you want to check it out:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/

There is also a good explanation of the process on the BA website and in the next link:

http://www.britishairways.com/travel/usawaiver/public/en_gb

http://www.visitusa.org.uk/visitors/us_visa_and_entry_requirements.aspx

Also check this out:

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/rctour.html

That's great thank you! I'll take a look at those sites

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

You'll go through the "Immigration" line first, answer a few questions and get your passport stamped. Then it's over to baggage claim and then to "Customs". Most people with nothing to declare will get waived right through without stopping. Sanford International is very easy and a lot quicker than Orlando International. If you're lucky, no other foreign flights will have arrived at the same time and it can be over very fast.

BobK/Orlando

 

[stacy87]

You'll go through the "Immigration" line first, answer a few questions and get your passport stamped. Then it's over to baggage claim and then to "Customs". Most people with nothing to declare will get waived right through without stopping. Sanford International is very easy and a lot quicker than Orlando International. If you're lucky, no other foreign flights will have arrived at the same time and it can be over very fast.

BobK/Orlando

Sounds good to me! Thank you!

 

[DebbieB]

They will pass out a form on the plane that will need to be completed. I went with 2 coworkers to India, we laughed at how many on the plane (including us) had to ask for another blank one because of mistakes! The FA said the record for one person is 5!

 

[drew64]

As said, you will fill in the customs form , get it stamped at immigration, and thne give it to a customs officer.

Hopefully, that is it and they will not ask to open cases, etc. but can.

US is very behind the times with customs process and everyone has to queue and hand in the form- for some reason we can't seem to grasp the red/green door system everyone else uses.

 

[Flossbolna]

Make sure to print out your ESTA confirmation once you got it (normally immediately after you submitted your data). I have read that startin 20 March 2010 airlines will be responsible to check that the passenger is registered with ESTA before letting people board their flight. I am not sure how they are going to do that, but it can't hurt to have a print out of the confirmation with you in any case!

 

[pr surfer]

1- Fill out the customs/immigration forms on the plane. Answer each question truthfully.
2- When you land, you do immigration first. If waved over to the US citizen line by an agent, thank your lucky stars. It's usually much shorter.
3- Answer their questions, stamp in your passport, and off to get your bags.
4- Once you get your bags, proceed to the customs. If you have something to declare, do so. If you have nothing to declare, don't.
5- Once you're through customs, exit.
6- Welcome to the USA.

 

[stacy87]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. It's helped put me at ease just knowing what to expect once I get off the plane, so I won't be like lol