Frequently asked questions and answers when going through customs in the United States

What you said is the question that border officials (immigration officials) want to ask. General questions: what is the purpose of coming to the United States, which cities to go to, which hotel to stay in and how long to stay. If it is a business visit, you may be asked to show an invitation letter. You can also ask to see your return ticket. After the inquiry, the immigration officer will stamp an entry stamp on your passport, indicating the date when you are allowed to stay.

American customs officials don't care what luggage or goods you have, how much money you have, and so on. Do you have anything to declare? Don't be nervous, just answer calmly.

When queuing for customs clearance, you may wish to choose the shortest line to queue up for inspection. Don't glance left and right, hesitate, and don't look at the rapid and temporary changes in the other line, resulting in doubts and careful investigation. Smile, be sincere, answer questions, but don't talk too much, lest you ask for trouble.

When you check your luggage, you should hand in your certificate. If the customs requires unpacking inspection, open it immediately, don't hesitate. Don't doubt that the customs officer motioned to pass, and immediately put forward the luggage to leave. According to American law, customs officers have no right to open your luggage without permission, but if they ask you to open it and you refuse, they have the right to open your luggage.

If any prohibited items are found in the luggage, they will be confiscated on the spot. The original packed luggage is in a mess, so it takes some effort to put things back in place. But sometimes if you are lucky, you can get through customs quickly. Take good care of your luggage, no more or less, and don't take any luggage through customs. Beware of others using you to smuggle drugs.