Questioning at the US border: Primary and Secondary Inspection

The first direct interaction with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers takes place at the port of entry (POE), i.e. at the border checkpoint at the airport, port or national border - the so-called Primary Inspection.

Purpose and procedure of the Primary Inspection

Primary Inspection is the first inspection station for all arriving international travelers. The aim is to quickly check

• identity (passport),
• travel document (ESTA authorization or US visa),
• purpose of the USA trip and
• basic admissibility for entry into the United States.

At the counter, CBP officers will pick up your documents for identity verification and scan them. Alternatively, the scan can also be carried out at an automated terminal. Your biometric data will then be recorded: A digital photo is taken and fingerprints are captured. In addition, the customs officers will ask you a few questions about your planned stay in the US.

This process only takes a few minutes for most US travelers and is a standard procedure that should not cause any concern. The officers decide here whether you are allowed to enter the country directly or whether a more detailed check is necessary in Secondary Inspection.

What questions are asked during a Primary Inspection?

The questioning is brief and aims to quickly verify the purpose of the trip. Remain calm and friendly when the US officers ask you questions. Clear, precise and truthful answers are the key to success here. Please note that your answers should match the information in your ESTA application or US visa application. Typical questions during the Primary Inspection are:

1. What is the purpose of your visit?
   For example, answer "Pleasure" or "Tourism" for a vacation trip and "Business" for a business trip.
2. How long will you be staying in the United States?
   State the exact duration.
3. Where will you be staying?
   Name your hotel or the address of your accommodation.
4. What is your occupation?
5. Are you traveling alone or with someone?
6. Have you visited the US before?
7. How much currency are you carrying?
   Particularly relevant if it is over 10,000 US dollars.
8. Do you have anything to declare?

In general, it's about what you intend to do in the United States and how long you plan to stay. Be honest and don't try to hide information or make up stories. If you don't understand a question, politely ask for repetition or clarification.

What happens after the interview?

If all answers are conclusive and the documents are in order, i.e. if the border officers have no concerns about the person and the purpose of the journey, they will grant entry. An electronic note in the I-94 system records the traveler's entry status and permitted length of stay. This means that the traveler is approved for entry and can therefore leave the border checkpoint and officially enter the United States.

If a more detailed inspection is necessary, the traveler will be subject to a secondary inspection.

If there are concerns about your person, your intention to enter the country or your ESTA or US visa, the US officers have the option of carrying out a so-called Secondary Inspection. This second inspection is more intensive and detailed than the first interview and can take a few hours.

The thought of having to go through Secondary Inspection immediately triggers concerns in many travelers. However, it is important to understand that being referred to this area does not automatically mean that you will be denied entry or suspected of an offense. Remain calm and cooperative.

Purpose and procedure of the Secondary Inspection

Secondary Inspection is an area away from the main check-in counters where CBP officers can conduct a more thorough inspection of travelers and / or their baggage.

If you are sent to Secondary Inspection, you will usually be asked to take a seat in a separate waiting area. Waiting times can vary – from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the workload and the complexity of your case.

There are many reasons why someone may be sent for Secondary Inspection, and many of them are harmless or routine:

• Random sample: Some travelers are selected randomly.
• Need for clarification: The officers in Primary Inspection need more information than they can obtain there in the short time available (e.g. on travel route, finances, intention to return).
• Document problems: There are ambiguities with your documents (e.g. discrepancies in the visa, a necessary check in the system).
• Suspicion of unauthorized employment: This is the most critical point for business travelers. Example: A person who wishes to enter the country with an ESTA but is to carry out practical work at the employer's US branch.
• Hits in security databases: A name match with a wanted person or previous entry violations (e.g. excessive length of stay) triggers an alarm.
• Customs questions: There are questions about declared or undeclared goods.
• Specific warnings: Sometimes there are system-internal notes that require closer examination.
• Behavior of the traveler: The officers perceive excessive nervousness or there are unclear or contradictory statements in the Primary Inspection.

The procedure may include the following:

• Further questioning: CBP officers will ask you more detailed questions about your trip, your intentions, your financial situation, your contacts in the United States., etc.
• Document check: Your papers may be examined more closely or checked against databases.
• Baggage search: Your checked baggage and hand baggage may be searched.
• Checking electronic devices: In some cases, CBP officers may inspect electronic devices such as laptops and cell phones.

What questions are asked during a Secondary Inspection?

The questioning is extremely detailed and may include the inspection of personal belongings. In-depth questions are asked about the exact travel plans, the exact purpose of the trip and any dutiable goods (activities, conversation partners, financing of the trip, intention to return, etc.). CBP officers are authorized to search luggage, laptops, tablets and cell phones. Emails, chat histories and files can be viewed to verify the statements of the person traveling.

The aim is to shed more light on certain circumstances and travel intentions and, ideally, to clarify them so that entry can be granted.

Possible consequences

The Secondary Inspection can have various outputs:

• Entry permit: In most cases, entry is permitted after all questions have been clarified.
• Confiscation of items: Unauthorized or undeclared items may be confiscated and fines may be imposed.
• Denial of entry: If CBP officers conclude that you do not meet the requirements for entry (e.g., suspected employment without a work visa, insufficient funds, security concerns, prior immigration violations), you may be denied entry.
  
  1 "Withdrawal of Application for Admission": You may be given the opportunity to voluntarily withdraw your application for entry and return on the next available flight. This usually has less serious long-term consequences than a formal deportation.
  
  2. "Expedited removal": In more serious cases or if false information is provided, formal deportation can take place, which is often associated with a ban on entering the USA for several years.
  
  Example: If a person states that he or she wants to travel to friends without a visa via ESTA authorization, but is carrying a signed US employment contract in their luggage, i.e. he or she obviously intends to work in the United States, this is a violation of US entry regulations.
  If the US border officers come to the conclusion that a person does not qualify for entry, they have the option of denying them entry. In the example above, the traveler would be informed that he or she will be denied entry with ESTA and must enter the US with a (work) visa in the future. As a rule, a "Record of Sworn Statement" is drawn up, a copy of which is given to the traveler.
• Cancellation of US visa or ESTA: Existing US visas or ESTA authorizations can be cancelled.

Since US President Trump took office in January 2025, there have been an increasing number of media reports from US travelers about problems and increased scrutiny when entering the United States. Although the legal entry requirements and visa procedures have not yet changed, they are being implemented more consistently.

Particularly affected by stricter border controls and security measures are travelers whose purpose of stay is unclear or who are in a legal grey area – a zero-tolerance policy applies here. Searches of luggage and electronic devices are common practice, especially in cases of suspicion. Social media activities are also subject to increased scrutiny, especially for students and participants in exchange programs; critical comments can lead to visas being rejected or revoked.

For most travelers, however, US entry remains unproblematic as long as all information is correct and the documents are complete. Careful preparation, honest and consistent information and compliance with US laws are important. Those who adhere to the regulations and are well prepared can usually enter the United States without any major difficulties.

Despite the best intentions, mistakes can happen that lead to inconveniences or problems at US border control. To ensure a smooth process when traveling to the USA, you should observe the following points or train your employees accordingly:

1. Perfect preparation
   One of the most common reasons for problems is the presentation of incomplete or incorrect documents (expired passport, documents not carried, etc.). Make sure that you have all the necessary documents (valid passport, US visa / ESTA printout, invitation letter and hotel and return flight bookings) to hand.
2. Answer precisely and truthfully
   Although CBP officers have experience with international travelers, language barriers can lead to misunderstandings. Only answer the questions asked. Avoid long monologues that could lead to misunderstandings. The answers should be clear and exactly match the purpose of the US visa or ESTA. If you do not understand a question, politely ask for repetition or simpler wording.
3. Stay calm and polite
   Maintain a respectful demeanor and friendliness even in stressful situations, such as during a Secondary Inspection. Arrogance or impatience can worsen the situation.
4. Practicing "digital hygiene"
   Travelers should be aware of what data is stored on their devices. Sensitive company data that is not required for the trip should be backed up in the cloud and not stored locally. Private social media posts announcing a business trip are taboo in this context. Visa applicants in categories F, J and M should check their social media profiles carefully and remove any posts or comments that could be interpreted critically or misleadingly.
5. Never lie
   Even the slightest false statement can be seen as an attempt to defraud and have serious consequences. False statements or the concealment of information, such as criminal convictions or previous entry problems, can lead to immediate denial of entry and long-term entry bans. CBP officers are trained to recognize discrepancies and have access to extensive databases.

Entering the United States does not have to be reason for concern. As explained in this guide, thorough preparation and a good understanding of the procedures are the key to a smooth entry into the US.

Primary Inspection is a standard procedure for international travelers, and even a referral to Secondary Inspection is often unproblematic if you maintain calm, cooperation and honesty.

Remember that CBP officers fulfill an important security role. Your honest communication contributes significantly to a positive process. Make sure you have all the necessary documents to hand, apply for ESTA or the appropriate US visa in good time and find out about the current entry and customs regulations.

Proactive action is crucial, especially for companies and their employees: Make sure that travelers understand the difference between permitted business activities and unauthorized work under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). For complex projects or longer assignments, it is advisable to seek advice from specialized US experts at an early stage in order to avoid potential entry problems.