Common Questions asked by Customs Border Patrol at U.S. Borders
Below is a consolidated list of the most common questions asked by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. Duplicates have been merged but slight variations are kept when answers might differ depending on context. This is formatted for easy copy/paste into WordPress.
Basic Travel Information
- What is the purpose of your trip to the United States?
Be clear and consistent: “Tourism,” “Business,” “Visiting family,” etc. - How long do you plan to stay in the U.S.?
State exact dates or duration: “10 days” or “From Aug 25 to Sept 4.” - Where will you be staying during your visit?
Provide the name and address of your hotel, rental, or host. - Where are you coming from today?
Land: city/town across the border.
Air: departure airport or country. - Where are you going / what is your U.S. address?
Have a specific address ready (hotel, friend/family home, or business). - What is your citizenship / nationality?
Almost always the first question.
Travel History & Background
- Have you visited the United States before?
If yes, when and for how long? Officers may check for overstays. - How often do you come to the United States?
Frequent crossings may prompt questions about purpose and ties back home. - Do you have any criminal history or prior immigration violations?
Answer truthfully.
Companions & Contacts
- Are you traveling alone or with family/friends?
Officers confirm the identities and consistency of companions. - Who are you traveling with?
Especially important if children are present. - How do you know the person you’re visiting?
If staying with someone, explain the relationship (e.g., “She’s my sister.”).
Employment & Financial Questions
- What is your occupation or job? / Where do you work?
Shows ties to your home country and intention to return. - How much money are you bringing? / How are you funding your trip?
State approximate amounts; include cash, cards, traveler’s checks. - Are you carrying more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments?
If yes, declare it. - Do you have proof of return or onward travel?
Show return ticket or itinerary.
Customs & Declarations
- Do you have anything to declare?
Includes food, alcohol, tobacco, gifts, or large sums of cash. - Are you bringing any fruits, vegetables, plants, meats, animals, or other restricted items with you?
Declare all agriculture/animal items. - Do you have any firearms, ammunition, or weapons?
Must be declared. - What is in your luggage?
Briefly describe: “Clothes, personal items, gifts.”
Possible Follow-Up Questions
- For repeat travelers: “What do you do for work?” / “How often do you cross?”
- For students/workers: “Do you study or work in the U.S.? Where?”
- For visitors: “Do you have proof of funds or ties back home?”
- For drivers: “Is this your vehicle? Do you have registration/insurance?”
- For pet owners: “Do you have vaccination and health documents for your pet?”
- For electronics: “Please unlock your phone/laptop for inspection.”
Tips for Answering CBP Questions
- Be honest and straightforward.
- Keep answers short, specific, and consistent with your documents.
- Have all documents organized and ready.
- Stay calm and polite, even if questions are repeated.
