FAQ: US Border Crossing Questions
Documentation & Entry Requirements
Q: What documents do I need to cross the US border?
For U.S. Citizens:
- Air travel: Valid U.S. passport book required
- Land/Sea travel: Passport book, passport card, Enhanced Driver’s License (from certain states), or Trusted Traveler card (SENTRI, NEXUS, Global Entry)
- Children under 16: May use birth certificate for land/sea entries from Canada/Mexico
For Non-U.S. Citizens:
- Valid passport from your country
- U.S. visa (if required) OR approved ESTA for Visa Waiver Program countries
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (for land crossings)
Q: Do I need a visa to enter the US?
It depends on your nationality:
- Visa Waiver Program countries: Need ESTA approval for air/sea entry (ESTA does not apply to land crossings)
- Other countries: Usually need a visa in your passport
- Note: Having a visa or ESTA does not guarantee entry – final decision rests with CBP officers
Q: What is the difference between an ESTA and a visa?
- ESTA: Electronic travel authorization for VWP citizens, allows tourism/business for up to 90 days, faster and easier to obtain
- Visa: Document issued by U.S. embassy/consulate granting permission to seek entry, required for longer stays or non-VWP citizens
Q: How long does my passport need to be valid?
Your passport should have at least 6 months validity remaining, though this varies by country of citizenship.
Q: What is an I-94 form and do I need one?
Many non-U.S. citizens entering by land need an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. You can apply online in advance to save time. As of mid-2025, there’s a $24 fee for I-94 upon U.S. entry.
Questions CBP Officers Will Ask You
Q: What questions will CBP officers ask me?
Primary questions for almost everyone:
- “What is the purpose of your visit?” (tourism, business, visiting family)
- “How long will you be staying?” (provide exact dates)
- “Where will you be staying?” (specific accommodation name and address)
- “Have you been to the United States before?”
- “How much money are you bringing?” / “How are you funding your trip?”
Additional questions may include:
- “What is your occupation in your home country?”
- “Who are you visiting?” (include relationship details)
- “Do you have a return ticket?”
- “How often do you come to the United States?”
Tips for answering:
- Be direct and honest
- Don’t elaborate unless asked
- Have supporting documentation ready
- Stay consistent with any written declarations
Customs & Declaration Requirements
Q: How much cash can I bring across the border?
You can bring any amount of cash, but amounts over $10,000 (USD or foreign equivalent) must be declared using FinCEN Form 105. Failure to declare can result in penalties and seizure.
Q: Can I bring food or agricultural products?
- Allowed: Most prepared, packaged foods
- Restricted/Prohibited: Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, homemade goods
- Rule: Always declare all food, plants, and seeds
- Penalty: $300 fine for first-time offenders, $500 for second violation
Q: Can I bring alcohol or cigarettes?
Yes, within duty-free limits (often 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes for U.S. residents). Limits vary by residency and time spent abroad. Always declare.
Q: Can I bring marijuana if it’s legal in my state?
No. Marijuana and THC products remain illegal under federal law, even if legal in the state you’re entering. Possessing, transporting, or admitting past use can result in denial of entry.
Q: Can I bring prescription medications?
Yes, but:
- Keep medications in original containers with doctor’s instructions
- Bring no more than a 90-day supply for personal use
- Have a doctor’s note written in English
- Controlled substances may require additional documentation
Inspection Process
Q: How long does the border crossing process take?
Processing times vary based on traveler volume, time of day, and type of entry. Approximately one million people enter daily, with nearly all processed without complications. Waits are often longest during mornings, evenings, holidays, and Mondays.
Q: What is secondary inspection and why might I be sent there?
Secondary inspection allows officers to conduct more detailed questioning and document review without delaying other travelers. You may be sent for:
- Random selection
- Incomplete documentation
- Need for further verification
- Officer concerns about admissibility
What to expect:
- Additional questioning about travel plans and background
- Baggage checks
- Possible electronic device inspection
- Extended processing time
Q: What should I expect at the border crossing?
- Document checks and verification
- Questions about your travel purpose and plans
- Biometric scans (facial recognition at airports)
- Possible searches of luggage or devices if deemed necessary
- Professional but thorough screening process
Electronic Device Searches
Q: Can CBP search my phone or laptop?
Yes. CBP has legal authority to conduct “basic” searches without suspicion and “advanced” (forensic) searches with reasonable suspicion. Less than 0.01% of travelers have devices searched.
Q: Can I refuse a device search?
- U.S. citizens: Cannot be denied reentry for refusing, but devices may be seized
- Non-citizens: Refusal may result in denial of entry
- All travelers: Refusing can cause significant delays and complications
Q: What should I do to protect sensitive information on my devices?
- Back up important data to secure cloud storage
- Remove non-essential sensitive files
- Consider traveling without company devices unless necessary
- Log out of personal accounts
- Clear browser history and temporary files
Traveling with Family & Pets
Q: What documents do children need?
- Air travel: Passports required
- Land/Sea travel: U.S. citizen children under 16 can use birth certificate
- Without both parents: Notarized consent letter strongly recommended
Q: Can I bring pets across the border?
Dogs (as of August 2025):
- Must be at least 6 months old
- Microchipped and healthy
- CDC Dog Import Form required
- From high-risk rabies countries: Stricter rules apply, entry only via approved airports
Other pets:
- Cats: Subject to inspection, may be denied if showing infectious disease
- Rabbits/guinea pigs: Usually fewer restrictions
- Some animals like turtles have limitations
Rights & Legal Information
Q: What are my rights during border inspection?
U.S. Citizens:
- Cannot be denied entry or put into immigration detention
- Can have items confiscated and face questioning/secondary inspection
- Cannot be denied reentry but devices may be seized if access refused
Visa/Green Card Holders:
- Must establish admissibility to CBP officer satisfaction
- May face additional questioning about status conditions
- Refusal to comply with searches may result in entry denial
Q: What is the 100-mile border zone?
CBP can board buses or trains without a warrant anywhere within 100 air miles of borders and coastline (includes cities like Houston and Los Angeles). Authority applies only to immigration violations and federal crimes.
Q: Are there interior checkpoints inside the U.S.?
Yes. U.S. Border Patrol operates checkpoints up to ~100 miles from the border (especially in AZ, NM, TX, CA). Agents ask about citizenship and may inspect vehicles.
Special Circumstances
Q: I’m a green card holder who’s been outside the US for a long time. What should I expect?
Be prepared to:
- Explain extended absence
- Demonstrate you haven’t abandoned U.S. residence
- Provide documentation showing ties to the U.S.
- Answer questions about maintaining permanent residence
Q: What if I’m traveling for business?
Have ready:
- Documentation for business purposes
- Professional conference information
- Explanation of business relationships and activities
- Company letter if appropriate
Q: I’m a student. What additional documents do I need?
- Form I-20 (for F-1 students)
- Proof of enrollment
- Information about your academic program
- Documents to verify you’ve maintained F or J status
Trusted Traveler Programs
Q: What are Trusted Traveler Programs, and how do they help?
Programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI provide:
- Expedited border crossings for pre-approved, low-risk travelers
- Dedicated lanes and automated kiosks
- Reduced wait times
- Streamlined inspection process
Global Entry: Best for frequent international air travelers, includes TSA PreCheck
Current Enforcement Environment (2025)
Q: How has border enforcement changed in 2025?
- Border crossings at historic lows
- ICE arrests have doubled
- New technologies including facial recognition apps
- Enhanced enforcement with increased resources
Q: Should I be worried about enhanced enforcement?
Nearly all travelers are processed without complications, but:
- Be prepared for increased scrutiny
- Allow extra processing time
- Have comprehensive documentation ready
- Consider legal consultation for complex situations
What to Do If Things Go Wrong
Q: What if I’m denied entry?
- You may be returned to your point of origin
- Contact your embassy or consulate for assistance
- Review the reasons for denial to address them in future travel
- Document the incident for potential legal consultation
Q: What if I’m detained or arrested?
Immediately say:
- “I want to speak to a lawyer”
- “I choose to remain silent”
- Ask to contact your embassy/consulate (if non-U.S. citizen)
- Don’t sign anything you don’t understand
Q: Who should I contact in an emergency?
- Your embassy or consulate
- An immigration attorney
- Civil rights organizations (ACLU, etc.)
- Family members or emergency contacts
Q: What if I lose my passport or visa before crossing?
- Report the loss to local police immediately
- Contact your embassy for replacement documents
- Keep a copy of the police report
- Follow embassy instructions for emergency travel documents
Q: How can I ensure my family knows if something goes wrong?
Use services like Safely Arrived (safelyarrived.com) to automatically notify emergency contacts if you don’t check in after clearing customs/immigration. This creates an early warning system if you’re detained or experience complications.
Q: What if I’m repeatedly delayed or mistaken for someone else?
You can file a redress request through DHS TRIP (Traveler Redress Inquiry Program) to resolve ongoing travel difficulties.
Practical Tips
Q: How can I avoid long wait times at the border?
- Use Trusted Traveler Programs (SENTRI, NEXUS, Global Entry)
- Use Ready Lanes with RFID cards (passport cards, enhanced licenses)
- Avoid peak times (mornings, evenings, holidays, Mondays)
- Check live wait times via CBP Border Wait Times app
- Have all documents ready and organized
Q: What should I know about new travel restrictions in 2025?
Certain countries face travel bans or visa suspensions under current rules. Visitors from affected countries should consult U.S. consular guidance before travel and be prepared for enhanced scrutiny.
Q: How do I obtain or check my I-94 arrival/departure record?
Electronic I-94 records are created at entry and can be accessed and printed online at the official I-94 website for documentation purposes.
Key Reminders
- Be honest: CBP officers are trained to detect inconsistencies
- Stay calm: Professional, respectful interaction facilitates smooth processing
- Be prepared: Have all required documents organized and accessible
- Allow time: Border processing can take longer than expected
- Know your rights: But exercise them appropriately for your situation
Most border crossings are routine and professional. Proper preparation and understanding of the process will help ensure your entry goes smoothly.
