How do I get through U.S. customs?

Armed with your ESTA, you’re about to embark for the United States. However, you’re dreading going through customs at the arrival airport. It’s true that the American authorities don’t play around with safety. Rest assured, all you need to do is comply with the formalities and everything will go smoothly. In this article, our experts give you all the advice you need to make your passage through U.S. customs as smooth as possible.

Formalities to be completed before clearing U.S. customs

Your long-awaited trip to the United States is just days away. To ensure that your customs clearance goes smoothly when you arrive, there are a few formalities to complete before you leave:

• be in possession of a valid biometric or electronic passport. If your passport has expired or is of an older generation (optical passport), you need to apply for a new passport at your local town hall. Please do this relatively early before departure, as the waiting time for a new passport is usually one month.
• apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) authorization for transit, tourist or business travel not exceeding 90 days. This is a mandatory authorization to travel to the USA, set up under the VWP (Visa Waiver Program). This program is designed to facilitate trade with the United States. The request is made by filling in an online form. You can do this via the U.S. government website, or via our partner’s website, which provides you with personalized assistance in filling in the ESTA form. Indeed, although the form concerns you directly, careless mistakes are not impossible, and could cost you your ESTA travel authorization. It can take from a few minutes to 72 hours to obtain an ESTA. Please apply for ESTA no later than 72 hours before departure. You can print out your ESTA to take through U.S. customs. Please note, however, that the customs officer will have access to your ESTA status from his or her computer, so printing the document is not mandatory.
• if your stay in the U.S. is longer than 90 days, or if you wish to work in the U.S., you need to apply for a U.S. tourist visa at the U.S. embassy in your country. You also need to do this if your ESTA application has been refused. If you wish to live in the United States, it is advisable to apply for a green card.
• Although it’s obvious, don’t forget your return ticket if you’re staying temporarily.

Your arrival on American soil to clear customs

You’ve finally arrived at your destination. When you arrive at customs, you’ll see several queues. Rest assured, airport agents will be there to guide you. Above all, don’t try to pass in front of other people, as this is frowned upon in the United States. Just make sure you stay calm and wait quietly for your turn with the customs officer.

When it’s your turn, the customs officer will ask for your passport. He will then take your fingerprints and a photo of your face. He’ll end up asking you a few questions, like: What’s the purpose of your trip? Have you ever been to the United States? When will you be back? And finally, do you carry any fruit, vegetables or other perishables with you? If the answer is yes, chances are the product will be confiscated. In the United States, there are health restrictions on certain agricultural products. Please consult the list of authorized and prohibited products on the U.S. embassy website before your departure.

Have you successfully cleared customs? Congratulations! You are now authorized to stay on American soil. Enjoy your trip to the USA!