I am planning a trip to California for just under 90 days between January and april. I am flying into New york and then taking either greyhound or train across the country. My question is what will I need to get through customs with no problems. I am going to carry travellers cheques, a note from my employer saying I have a job to return to and a note from family saying they will send money if needed. I will have reservations for a hostel in huntington beach and I don't know anyone in the states. Will this be sufficiant.

Any help would be much appreciated.

(PS this will be my first trip abroad, will this mahe a difference?)

Hi Boojoo,

When you arrive in the States, the immigration officer is likely to ask (a) What is the purpose of your visit?, and (b) How long do you intend to stay in the US? If he (or she) isn't satisfied with your answers, he will probe further.

You seem to have done your homework so you shouldn't have any problems - but make sure you've got a return (or onward) air ticket, as this is one of the conditions of their visa waiver programme.

I read somewhere that, from September, the US authorities will require visitors to have an accommodation reservation for their first night's stay. I would suggest you book accommodation anyway, because when you arrive in New York after your transatlantic flight you will be tired and disorientated and in no fit state to jump straight onto a train or Greyhound bus.

You will have heard "war stories" about how unfriendly US immigration officers can be. But don't worry - if you give straight answers to their questions and are generally polite you should have no difficulties. That's my experience anyway. (And, incidentally, the immigration officer will not care that it's your first trip abroad!)

If you've any ideas about working illegally whilst your in the US, make sure there's no evidence of this (eg books on employment, letters from potential employers, newspaper job ads, even incriminating evidence in your diary) in your belongings, as you immigration officer will find these if he decides to search your stuff.

By the way, if you intend to make Greyhound or Amtrak your main form of transport in the States, have a look at their websites. They sometimes have season tickets or special deals for foreign visitors.

Have a good trip!

Pete

I just got back from the states - I flew to New York, Washington DC and Chicago.

On the flight you'll be given 2 forms. A green one and a white one.

The green one will ask your name, your uk address, the hotel you'll be staying in on the first night, and your purpose for going there i.e. vacation or business.

The white form will ask what you're taking to the states with you. How much (in money) have you brought with you to sell on business and if so what have you brought to sell (its illegal to sell cotton to the states from the uk) and how much (in money) have you brought as gifts.

You hand both of these forms in at customs. Since my trip was a vacation the only thing the lady asked us was what we did for a living, but that was a converational thing whilst she checked the forms.

They stamp your passport and staple part of the green form to your passport which they remove on the way home.

Other than that you should have no problems at all.