Recent Experiences Returning to USA From Abroad.

[italian excursion]

I returned from Italy just 2 days ago and all was perfectly fine. No issues. I do have Global Entry but nonetheless I watched the lines without such and did not notice any issues. I did experience a longer than usual security process in Detroit than I've ever had. ALL carry on luggage for all of us was opened and I (an obvious elder woman with grey hair), was patted down, along with another woman my age. I thought that was a bit excessive but everyone was respectful and helpful. It did make me wonder if the fact that the government shutdown causing paused payroll had a part to play. Just a thought but I don't generally land in Detroit so maybe that's how it goes there.

 

[italian excursion]

Regarding the "rude" comment that was posted, I've not in all my 20+ years on Pauline's sites, seen such strange response. This site is meant to be helpful, kind and supportive.
Ciao-ciao
Cheryl
www.italianexcursion.com

 

[italian excursion]

And my wife's concern is similar as she also holds an Italian passport. Tim, many thanks for your information.

Oh my, times are strange and tender just now. I'm sorry hearing about denial of entry. That is so wrong!

 

[JMichael]

Mariner Tom--We just returned from 4 weeks that included the Czech Republic, Vienna, Venice and Istanbul. Absolutely no issues at any of the border control points or during re-entry to USA at San Francisco airport. The agent at SFO just asked if we had anything to declare. We told him some the things we bought. He was unimpressed. You and your wife should be fine. Enjoy your holiday.

 

[Lexma90]

It might help if you obtain Global Entry. That way, you and your spouse would be pre-vetted upon your return to the U.S. This suggestion is not based on any personal knowledge other than my having Global Entry and knowing that CBP already has reams of information about me (I was born in the U.S.).

I can understand having concerns. My spouse was born in the U.S., but his parents were not, and he looks foreign, as do our kids. We have plenty of friends who are naturalized citizens or green card holders. It's always good to be informed and prepared, regardless of the question or the situation.

 

[jpete]

Global Entry is the way to go.

 

[Fedina]

My husband and I returned from Sicily, last week, on October 29th, via Milan/Malpensa with a transfer in Paris/CDeGalle to Boston. We had no trouble at all with CBP. Hope this helps ease your wife's worries. I was patted down twice, going and coming back, but I do have a knee replacement that always sets the alarms off. I think the pat down is a matter of course given the alarm because it is always cursory with little concern.

Our only trouble was with delays by Air France, and subsequently, bags that did not transfer with us due to those delays. This has happened to us before also. Avoid Air France if at all possible.

 

[Fioridave]

It might help if you obtain Global Entry. That way, you and your spouse would be pre-vetted upon your return to the U.S. This suggestion is not based on any personal knowledge other than my having Global Entry and knowing that CBP already has reams of information about me (I was born in the U.S.).

I can understand having concerns. My spouse was born in the U.S., but his parents were not, and he looks foreign, as do our kids. We have plenty of friends who are naturalized citizens or green card holders. It's always good to be informed and prepared, regardless of the question or the situation.

My wife has Global entry, I was denied for a shady past from 1972. For the past 5 years new get through US entry almost at the same time, especially since more and more US airports have machines where you just scan your passport

 

[Georgia & Zig]

My husband and I returned from Sicily, last week, on October 29th, via Milan/Malpensa with a transfer in Paris/CDeGalle to Boston. We had no trouble at all with CBP. Hope this helps ease your wife's worries. I was patted down twice, going and coming back, but I do have a knee replacement that always sets the alarms off. I think the pat down is a matter of course given the alarm because it is always cursory with little concern.

Our only trouble was with delays by Air France, and subsequently, bags that did not transfer with us due to those delays. This has happened to us before also. Avoid Air France if at all possible.

All airlines are cancelling flights now too. It’s getting worse. I would not plan on flying for awhile.

 

[Georgia & Zig]

There’s nothing to talk about. Ridiculous post

Yes there is. ICE has detained at least 150 American Citizens so far this year. I’m pretty sure that all of them had darker skin than their detainers.

 

[vicogirl51]

I have dual citizenship Italy and USA but used US passport with global entry and was through in 5 min no problem in Charlotte! There’s a Global Entry app I filled out when we landed and it was the fastest entry!!

 

[NoSpin]

I can understand some trepidation entering the US under the current administration, but it should not be a problem if you are a US citizen and are honest with US Customs. Declare the value of any items you purchased, any alcohol or cigarettes over the permitted amount, any food, plants or agricultural items, and any possible restricted items such as antiquities, firearms or ammunition.

When we returned from Italy last May, I declared several thousand dollars in purchases (almost all was by my wife ). Amazingly, they didn’t even care and I paid no duty on it.