My Journey Through U.S. Customs: A Personal Experience

Traveling to the United States can be an exhilarating experience, especially when you’re welcomed by the unique customs process. Recently, I embarked on a trip with family, and I wanted to share my journey through U.S. customs and how I navigated it with a wheelchair service. 🚶‍♀️💼

Arrival and Efficient Processing

Upon arriving at the customs checkpoint, I was prepared for the usual questions. Because I had scheduled a wheelchair service, I bypassed the long queues, making the entire experience smoother. My family was allowed to accompany me, which was a huge relief. I tipped the airport staff member 50🔪 for helping expedite my transit through the “faster lane.” It’s worth noting that even without tipping, wheelchair visitors can still avail of the expedited entry.

The Officer Behind the Glass

As I settled into the customs area, I encountered the first officer: a friendly individual behind the glass window. Here’s how our conversation went:

1. What are you going to do in the States?
   – I explained that I planned to both give birth and travel.
2. How long will you stay?
   – I replied that my stay would be around 90 days.

After the initial inquiries, the staff member instructed me to proceed to an office while my family retrieved our luggage. I followed him into a small room, which I found amusingly described as a “little black room.” Let me clarify—this area was neither dark nor intimidating; you simply can’t use your phone, making it a tad boring.

Inside the Little Black Room

Once inside, I noticed a diverse group of travelers waiting. It took a while, but eventually, I was called to the window for further questioning. The second officer was more formal, akin to a bank teller sitting behind a counter. The questions became familiar:

1. What do you do in China?
   – I mentioned I work for a tech company and provided my title and company’s name.
2. Have you applied for an F1 visa? When did you become pregnant?
   – I shared my experience applying for an F1 visa, including previous rejections due to circumstances beyond my control.

Final Queries

The officer then asked:

1. Where do you live in the States?
   – I showed him my rental agreement, which I set up with a template based on my friend’s address.
2. How much cash did you bring?
   – I informed him that I had over 20,000 dollars; he allowed me to simply declare it.

Feeling a bit confident, I asked, “Am I good to go?” The officer then shot a final question my way:

1. Where did you get your Labubu? How much did you pay for it?
   – I had a light-hearted moment reassuring the officer who hadn’t been able to get one himself.

After wrapping up our conversation, I was on my way! 😅

Materials I Prepared for the Trip

Just so that my journey can help others, I made sure to prepare a comprehensive list of documents, whether I ended up using them or not:

• Rental Agreement ✅
• Marriage Certificate
• Bank Statement and Financial Records
• Obstetrician Appointment Confirmation
• Insurance Policies (Pregnancy and Travel Insurance)
• Employment Verification & Income Statement

Conclusion

My experience at U.S. customs was efficient and enlightening. Knowing the right documents and how to navigate the customs process can make a world of difference. For those planning their own journey, I hope sharing my story provides insight and preparedness. Safe travels to everyone embarking on a new adventure! 🌍✈️