Arriving from Mexico

Question

This summer, I'm considering a week long vacation in Mexico City before flying to LA and spending a few days there.

Has anyone experienced difficulties with US immigration after arriving in the US from Mexico and if so, what was the problem?

Is it normal for those travelling from Mexico to the US to encounter more questioning?

I'm asking due to the increasing press coverage surrounding US immigration authorities and concerns expressed by many tourists when travelling to the US in the current climate.

Answer

When traveling from Mexico to the United States, most tourists experience standard immigration procedures without issues. The process at US airports is generally the same regardless of the previous country visited, although individual experiences can vary depending on documentation, airline, and immigration officer discretion.

Here’s what to consider:

Passport and Visa/ESTA: Ensure your passport is valid and that you have an appropriate visa or ESTA approval for entry. Any discrepancies here are the most common source of delays.
Travel Purpose: Be clear and concise about your reason for visiting the US. Immigration officers may ask about your itinerary, length of stay, and where you plan to stay.
Proof of Ties Abroad: Officers sometimes ask for evidence that you plan to return to your home country, such as return flight tickets, accommodation bookings, or employment confirmation.
Customs Declarations: Be prepared to declare any goods or items you are bringing. This is routine and not specific to travelers from Mexico.

Regarding additional questioning for travelers coming from Mexico, it is not automatically more stringent. However, officers may ask more questions if your travel patterns appear unusual, documentation is incomplete, or if they need clarification about your travel purpose. Many tourists report no significant difference in treatment based solely on coming from Mexico.

Practical tips:

Arrive at the airport with ample time to accommodate standard immigration and customs processing.
Have all documents easily accessible (passport, ESTA/visa, hotel reservations, return tickets).
Answer all questions politely and truthfully.
Understand that inspection times can vary due to overall airport volume, staffing, or random secondary checks.

In summary, while there is always a possibility of extra questioning, most travelers from Mexico enter the US without incident. Being prepared, organized, and clear about your travel plans will minimize any potential delays.

Arriving from Mexico

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