Entry Requirements for the United States

Hi there,

I’m not sure what’s being said on the various European diplomatic sites, but on the Belgian one, they mention that an ESTA and/or visa aren’t a guarantee of entry. Immigration services have the final say—they could even ask to see your electronic devices like phones, tablets, or cameras. And there might be extra hassles for LGBTQIA+ travelers.

Hello,

I don’t know what’s being said on the various European diplomatic sites, but on the Belgian site, they state that an ESTA and/or visa are not a guarantee of entry. Immigration services have the final say and could also ask to inspect electronic devices like phones, tablets, cameras, not to mention the potential issues for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Yes, the same goes for people of color, those who wear a head covering and come from the Middle East, for example! Or those who don’t dress like everyone else, non-Catholics, samba dancers... They also don’t like people in saris! Oh, come on!!! Stop overthinking and spreading nonsense. Yes, an ESTA isn’t a guarantee of entry into the U.S. That’s all there is to it. This post is ridiculous!

on the Belgian site, they state that an ESTA and/or visa are not a guarantee of entry, as immigration services have the final say,

Hello,

Nothing new here. An ESTA is a travel authorization. It doesn’t guarantee—and never has guaranteed—entry into the United States.

Before filling out the ESTA application, you must "acknowledge having read and understood the information" (Page 1 - Waiver) before reaching Page 2:

If your Electronic System for Travel Authorization application is approved, this means that you are authorized to travel but does not confirm that you are admissible to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Upon your arrival in the United States, you will be inspected at a port of entry by an officer from U.S. Customs and Border Protection who may determine that you are not admissible under the Visa Waiver Program or for any other reason in accordance with U.S. law.

Please indicate that you have read and understood the information above: - Yes, I have read and understood the information and accept the conditions. - No, I need further clarification or I refuse to provide confirmation. QUIT - NEXT

The same applies to visas.

My bad.

No worries... it’s been like this forever. I always bring my travel itinerary with me to show the immigration officer. It usually clears up any doubts 😉 After all, with the number of trips I’ve taken to the U.S., they know I always leave! I love the U.S. for vacations, but I’d much rather live in France.

Apparently, the only people who have issues entering are those whose ID documents don’t specify a gender: Mr. or Ms. There have been cases where non-gendered individuals had their IDs rejected.

Hi there.

Usafan, you said: they know I always leave... meaning they know all about your trips and if you’re legit. 14th trip to the USA in 2022, arrived in San Francisco... immigration done in 30 seconds. Presented both passports, no questions, no fingerprints, no photo... just "Good trip." I must have a loyalty card or something.

Have a great day. Jacques.

Yep, same for me! I think this is my 17th time. Once, the immigration officer looked at his computer and told me, "Welcome home," with a sly smile. So yeah, they definitely have the full history.

Yeah, exactly! Same for me. I think this is my 17th time... Once, the immigration officer looked at his computer and told me, "Welcome home" with a smile. So yeah, they definitely have the full history.

And the U.S. isn’t the only country that keeps track of tourists’ travel history. At least it’s reassuring. I think it also affects the ESTA application process.

Best regards.

The only ones I’ve seen have issues were a couple of retirees from Toulouse who’d brought along some Toulouse sausages, driving the customs dogs crazy! I had to step in as interpreter to smooth things over...

Normal..... it was just to make some hot dogs.🌭🌭🌭

Normal..... it was for making hot dogs.🌭🌭🌭

Hot dogs with Toulouse sausage? Sacrilege!!! 😎

They’re really strict about food! ... I can just picture the scene 😂

Hi there! I think our European media really overhypes the US. 1. I just arrived, and the entry formalities—especially at SLC—were super chill, especially with the MPC (Mobile Passport Control). There was just one couple ahead of us, while the other line was packed. 2. While I was in Yellowstone, I got a call warning me about an imminent explosion that was scaring off tourists. Haven’t heard a thing about it here. 3. I rented a Jeep Wrangler from Rugged Rental—amazing car with a really elevated view, perfect for Yellowstone and the Tetons.

On the other hand, it’s *packed* here!

Hello, I think our European media is overdoing it about the USA. 1. I just arrived, and the entry formalities, especially at SLC, are really chill—especially with the MPC line, where there was just one couple ahead of us, while the other line was packed. 2. While I was in Yellowstone, I got a call warning me about an imminent explosion that was scaring tourists away. I haven’t heard anything about it here. 3. I rented a Jeep Wrangler from Rugged Rental: amazing car with a really high view, perfect for Yellowstone and the Tetons.

On the other hand, it’s super crowded.

Yeah, that’s exactly it—our media blows things out of proportion to scare us, but the reality is totally different!! The propaganda works mostly on people who’ve never set foot in the USA (or even had any intention of going ), while the rest of us know better and can’t wait to go back 😎.

Have a great trip—Yellowstone is one of my best memories!