Washington D.C. is home to numerous fascinating tourist attractions, attracting visitors from around the world throughout the year. When traveling to Washington D.C. from abroad, you need to go through the process of entry and exit procedures.
In particular, the immigration process upon arrival is often the most nerve-wracking moment for travelers going abroad. Moreover, US immigration is known to be one of the strictest in the world, making it a significant hurdle, especially for first-time travelers or those who are not confident in their English skills, right at the beginning of their arrival.
Therefore, in this article, we will introduce the structure of US immigration and provide tips on how to smoothly navigate the process.
US immigration consists of three stages
Typically, when we mention immigration, you may imagine the interaction with immigration officers at the counters located at the arrival airport. However, if you are eligible for entry through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), the US immigration process begins even before departing from your home country.
Since 2009, all individuals traveling to the US who are not US citizens or permanent residents are required to complete an online travel authorization application called ESTA. The ESTA application requires detailed information about the applicant, including full name, Japanese address, employment details, and information about parents. In a sense, this serves as a preliminary immigration screening before the actual travel.
Once your travel is approved, and you can board a flight to the US, you will be asked about your travel purpose, duration of stay, and your accommodation details at the check-in counter. Furthermore, just before boarding the plane, you will be asked questions related to your luggage at the boarding gate. This can also be considered as a pre-immigration screening.
Finally, upon arrival at the local airport, the final immigration inspection takes place, which is the ultimate checkpoint for entry into the US. In essence, US immigration consists of these three stages, meticulously conducted throughout the process.
Understanding the on-site immigration inspection
When it comes to tips for the immigration process, many websites focus on what questions you may be asked and how to answer them, but there are very few resources that explain the underlying meaning behind those questions in detail.
First and foremost, the purpose of the immigration inspection is to determine whether you pose a threat to the US. This involves verifying that you are not involved with terrorists or criminal organizations, and that you are not entering illegally to take away job opportunities from US citizens.
Based on this premise, if you can prove that “you are not a threat to the US,” you will be allowed entry.
So, how should you answer the questions?
The key is to answer the questions asked by the immigration officer honestly and concisely.
“Being honest” goes without saying, but “being concise” means providing brief and precise answers instead of rambling on with excessive details.
For example, when asked about the duration of stay, simply respond with “a number and ‘days’,” and when asked about the purpose of your visit, reply with “sightseeing” using as few words as possible.
Avoid providing answers like “I’m staying for X days to visit the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and the United States Capitol,” or “I plan to take Instagram-worthy photos in Georgetown, go on a cruise on the Potomac River, and climb the Washington Monument on the last day.” Such answers do not directly address the purpose of the question, so refrain from providing them.
If asked “Where are you going?” or “What are you planning to do?” provide a clear answer. In such cases, if your purpose is sightseeing, provide details related to sightseeing. If it’s a short-term business visit, provide information related to your business purpose.
When asked about your accommodation, make sure to provide the name of your hotel. This is because staying at a hotel implies that you are a temporary visitor, and it is implicitly understood that you are not planning to overstay your visit. If possible, staying at a hotel with a higher rating (4-star or above) is desirable.
The question about how much money you have is also significant. Regarding finances, it’s not only about the local currency but also whether you possess a credit card. Having a stable occupation and address in your home country is a prerequisite for obtaining a credit card, and it serves as a valuable tool to demonstrate to the immigration officer that you have a stable job and residential status abroad.
High-status credit cards, in particular, can be considered proof of the person’s social credibility, acting as a form of identification. In fact, the moment you present such a credit card, it can completely turn around any doubts and help you pass through quickly.
Common phrases asked during US immigration and sample answers
“Show me your passport.”
“Here you are.”
“What is the purpose of your visit to the United States?”
“Sightseeing.”
“How long are you stay?”
“5 days.”
“Where are you stay?”
“Hamilton Hotel.”
“How much money do you have?”
“$300 cash and two credit cards.”
“How many times did you visit in the United States?”
“First time.”
“What is your occupation?”
“Office worker.”
“Are you visiting alone or with someone?”
“Alone.”
These are just examples of questions you might be asked, and the actual wording may vary depending on the immigration officer.
Immigration inspection is nothing to be afraid of; answer confidently and accurately to pass smoothly
US immigration is known to be one of the strictest in the world, and it’s true that you may be asked various questions. However, as long as you are not a person “considered a threat to the US,” there is no need to be afraid.
Moreover, simply by possessing a Japanese passport, you can be considered as a “customer from one of the most trusted countries in the world.” Furthermore, since you have already undergone two preliminary immigration screenings through ESTA and the pre-flight questions at the airport, if your information matches and aligns with what you provided during these previous stages, there is no reason for suspicion upon arrival.
When you arrive at the local airport, face the immigration inspection confidently and straightforwardly. Additionally, if you have previously entered the US using ESTA, you may have the option to go through the immigration inspection using self-service automated kiosks that support Japanese. This can further expedite your passage through immigration.
