Entering the United States - Advice on entry requirements

For safety reasons, you are only allowed to take small amounts of liquids with you on the plane.
Liquids in your carry-on baggage should be transported in single 100 milliliter containers, which then should be packed into one 1 liter resealable plastic bag. Storing liquids elsewhere, for example in cosmetic bags, is not allowed. Each passenger can carry one 1 liter plastic bag of liquids.

Medication

In general, travelers are allowed to bring their medication with them to the USA, but we have listed a few important rules to keep in mind.

1. Prescription medication

• a. Prescription medication should be kept in its original packaging.
• b. You should not pack more medication than you need for the length of your stay in the country. As a rule of thumb, do not take more medication than you would need for 90 days.
• c. For every prescription medication, you should carry an English document from your physician, which confirms the duration and dosage of the prescription. The medication should be explicitly named in the document and match the name on the packaging of the medication.
• d. If you need to carry syringes or an oxygen tank, you'll also need an English confirmation document from your physician.

Liquid drugs can be taken on board, and they can exceed the limit of 100 milliliter if needed for the length of the flight. Again, a confirmation from a physician is necessary. Travelers with liquid medication should inform the security officer at check-in, as this liquid will be checked separately. The officer may ask you to open the container.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating the import of drugs into the United States. Not all drugs can be taken to the USA. The import of narcotic drugs and other illegal substances is obviously prohibited. Visit the official FDA website for further information, including a list of allowed and prohibited medication.

2. Nonprescription medication

The amount of nonprescription medication, for example vitamins and other supplements, should be appropriate for the length of your stay. The FDA website also offers further information about nonprescription medication.

When you first touch ground on American soil, no matter if it's your final destination or just a layover, you'll have to pass the border control of the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The most important rule is to be patient.

Entry Check/Interview

After leaving the plane, a U.S. Immigration Officer is going to ask you a few questions, which you should answer politely. The officer will also take prints of all 10 fingers and a picture of you. Please keep your phone in your pocket during this process. Making calls or taking pictures is not allowed in this area.

baggage pickup

After the entry check you may proceed to the baggage carousel. Usually all passengers have pick up their baggage, even if you will take a connecting flight. After you have picked up your baggage, you will pass the customs check. If you have booked a connecting flight, you can hand in your bags at a collection point, which will then transfer your baggage to your next flight.

customs

Before you pass customs control, make sure you have filled out the blue customs declaration form. Flight attendants usually hand you the form two or three hours before landing. Make sure you have a pen in your carry-on bag, so you can conveniently fill out the form in the plane. Give the customs officer the form and proceed to the exit or the gate of your connecting flight.

At the passport control point, you have to wait until you are being called to the next free border official. If you travel with other family members, you may approach the officer as a group.

The border official will ask you a few questions about the purpose and the length of your stay in the U.S. You should also be able to provide the exact address of the place where you will be staying.

Typical questions include:

What is the purpose of our visit?

The officer wants to know why you are entering the country. If you are a citizen of a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you can stay in US without a visa for 90 days. With the visa free entry, you can enjoy your vacation, but also engage in limited business activities like meetings and conferences.

Is this your first time visiting?

The officer may ask when your last visit to United States was.

How long will you be staying?

Have your return flight ticket ready to prove how long you will be staying in the U.S. If you want to stay for more than 90 days, you have to apply for an appropriate visa before you enter the country.

Are you visiting famil or friends?

If you should indeed visit family or friends, be ready to provide their address.

Are you traveling alone?

Please inform the officer if you are traveling as a group or with other relatives. If you travel alone, officers will sometimes ask more detailed questions about the purpose of your stay.

What is your occupation?

In some cases the officer wants to know your occupation to make sure you have binding ties to your home country for which you will have to return. Briefly tell the officer the title of your job and the field you are working in. If you are retired and no longer working, you can also shortly explain that.