Going through Customs in the airport to enter the United States is one of the biggest concerns of anyone going to Orlando, Miami, or any other destination in the USA. That’s why we have all the tips and rules about how to behave, so you know what to expect when the time comes.
After reading this article, check out our tips on saving a lot of money on your trip to Orlando and getting great deals on your trip to Miami. They are the two most popular articles on our blog and will help you greatly with all your trip planning. You’ll find many great tips that will save you A LOT of cash and get you great deals besides ways to easily set up your entire trip to Orlando or Miami.
When do you go through Customs?
The first question for anyone traveling to the United States is: do I really have to go through the Customs process? The answer is yes. All people entering the United States, whether it’s their final destination or just a connection, must go through the U.S. immigration process. When you get off the plane, stick to the only possible route, and you’ll reach the Customs queue. You can rest assured that at all airports, several signs also inform the route, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally missing it.
What to do when you reach Customs at the airport
Once you reach the Customs area, you will see queues and a few options for lines to enter. You should choose the one that indicates where your passport was issued. With that, you will start your way to go through Customs. Using your phone while waiting for your turn is forbidden, and so is making loud noises, so the ideal behavior is just waiting patiently till an agent calls you.
What to say during Passport control and Customs
To get through Customs when traveling to the U.S., you will have to provide some information to the agent in Passport Control. It’s usually a quick conversation, something around three to five minutes. They will ask you questions regarding your trip to the U.S., such as: what’s the purpose of your travel to the United States, where are you staying, and how long you’re staying for.
To get through Customs quickly, we recommend bringing documentation that certifies your trip, such as your hotel reservation, ticket receipts, car rental booking, and even proof of your departure flight. Once you’ve answered all the questions correctly, the officer will ask you to register your fingerprints. When all this is done, you can claim your luggage if you checked any.
Can you be denied entry into the U.S.?
It’s rare, but if you can’t get into the U.S. after this quick Customs interview process, don’t worry. Perhaps your officer didn’t get enough clarity about the purpose of your trip. In this case, you will probably be taken to a small room where you will have a more detailed conversation with American officers. They will try to understand the reason for your trip better, and if they comprehend that everything is ok, you will be released.
What documents do I need for Customs clearance?
The only documents you will need to hand over at Customs will be your valid passport with a valid U.S. visa (if required based on your nationality).
We also recommend having documents that prove the length and reason for your trip, such as plane tickets, hotel reservations, and others.
Don’t forget about the Travel Insurance!
A crucial tip is to have International Travel Insurance before traveling to Florida. No one should travel without it so that you can avoid significant problems abroad! It ends up being cheaper than people think. In our article on International Travel Insurance for the United States, you can check everything you need to know about it: the best insurance companies, tips for hiring excellent coverage for a lower price, and ways to save a lot.
Tips to make the most of your trip to Florida
Now that you’ve seen everything about how to go through Customs when traveling to the U.S., we highly recommend renting a car on your trip. Florida’s main attractions, parks, beaches, and malls, are very far apart. This state is best explored by car, which is why almost all tourists rent one. With a vehicle, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip, even more, visiting all the hotspots calmly. You can even drive to nearby cities like Orlando or the Key West Islands.
Check our article about how to find cheap car rentals in the U.S. We give you all the information you need about this subject, with tips about finding special prices using comparators. It’s much more affordable than people think, and it is worth it because Florida is a state to explore by car.
Using your phone in Florida
Being able to use your cell phone on your trip is something vital. With a functioning SIM card, you can search for all the spots and attractions, access discount coupons and parking apps, check the weather, book restaurants, and even use map apps in Florida. And, of course, stay online on all your social media accounts!
We selected the best tips for using your phone in the U.S., where we indicate the cheapest way to use it all day and anywhere in the country. With mobile internet and a SIM card, you can search for everything during your trip, use map apps, and more!!
You can’t miss these articles from Florida:
- Best things to do in Orlando: learn all about the best attractions in Orlando.
- Where to stay in Orlando: best areas to stay in Orlando.
- Orlando’s Best Parks: your go-to guide for all the parks in Orlando.
- Best things to do in Miami: learn all hotspots and best attractions in Miami.
- Where to stay in Miami: best areas to stay in Miami.
