US Air Travel Security, Customs and Immigration for International Travellers

Air Travel Security

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens every passenger's baggage before it is placed on an aircraft. While technology allows them to electronically screen bags, there are times when they need to physically inspect a piece of luggage. TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks do not have to be cut. These locks are available at airports and travel stores nationwide, I've also seen them in Superdrug and Asda. The packaging on the locks indicates whether they can be opened by TSA and the padlocks themselves with a this red and white logo on them.

If you have 'ordinary' locks you may find on your arrival that they have been broken open or worse still, that you suitcase has been damaged.  This is because your bag has been selected for inspection and consequently the lock has been broken to gain entry.  Please don't think that this won't happen to you.  This year both our suitcases and my husband's golf clubs were searched.  We found a small round yellow/orange sticker on the luggage labels and inside there was a leaflet advising us that the bags had been searched by US customs.  Fortunately, we had TSA locks on all 3 bags so there was no damage done and the locks had been re-locked securely.

So you have 3 choices

1)  Leave you case unlocked (not recommended)

2) Use ordinary locks and run the risk that they may be cut off or your case damaged (not recommended)

3) Use TSA padlocks (recommended)

US Customs

This information is only a brief overview of US Customs requirements. If you want additional information, please:

Contact an American Embassy or Consulate before you leave.  Or check the U.S. Customs Web Site

As a resident of another country on a visit to the United States, your Customs status is that of a non-resident.

While aboard ship or on the aircraft, you will be given a Customs declaration form. Fill out the identification part, answer questions 1 to 11 and sign the reverse side. Present it to the Immigration and Customs Inspectors on arrival. Visitors arriving by land borders will identify themselves during their oral declaration.

All articles brought into the United States, including gifts for other persons, must be declared to US Customs at the time you enter. If all the articles you have to declare are entitled to free entry under the exemptions allowed, you need not fill in the reverse side of the declaration form. Instead, you orally declare articles brought with you to the Customs Inspector. (If an inspector deems it necessary, you may be required to make a written declaration and list articles brought with you).

There is no limitation as to the amount of money (US or foreign currency), all travellers cheques (checks), money orders, or negotiable instruments in bearer form that you may bring into or take out of the United States. A report, however, must be filed with US Customs at the time you arrive or depart with an amount which exceeds $10,000, or the equivalent in foreign currency. A form will be provided to you for this purpose.

US IMMIGRATION

Whilst on board the aircraft you will be given a green form.  This must be filled in accurately otherwise you won't be allowed through.  You will have to fill in another form from scratch.  There can be no alterations or crossings out.  The cabin crew will help you and there is usually a couple of pages in the in-flight magazine or a video to watch.

You will still have to fill in a green form even if you have registered with