path2usa travel guide to usa

CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

Valid passport that does not expire in the next 6 months

Two copies of passport (one to keep in checked-in luggage, one to keep in carry-on)

Some loose dollar notes like $1, $5, and $10

Sufficient supply of medicines

Two pairs of eyeglasses (if you wear eyeglasses)

Contact number of children and relatives in USA

1.______________________________________________________

2.______________________________________________________

Address of stay in USA (immigration officer might ask at POE)

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Medical record (esp. for chronic diseases)

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Medical Insurance

Copyright© Path2usa.com 2010. All rights reserved. All content available in this document, including design, text, graphical illustrations, and arrangement thereof is copyrighted by Path2usa.com, Inc., under US and international copyright laws. No part of this document may be published, copied, or reproduced on any media without prior written permission from Path2usa.com, Inc.

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Useful Terms to KnowBaggage: Another word for luggageCarry-on luggage: Luggage that you will carry with you inside the airplane (also called cabin luggage)Check-in luggage: Luggage that you will give to the airline. You will receive this luggage on arrival in USA.Cabin crew: Air hostesses inside the airplane.

Before you travel

Make sure you have your passport,US currency and insurace.

Airline: baggage allowanceMeal: Reconfirm your meal preference with agent or airline to make sure you have the correct meal booked for yourself.Reaching airport: 3 hours ahead of departure time

Prohibited Items

Do not carry the following items in your carry-on luggage: razors, blades, sharp objects, flammable items, weapons.Do not carry the following items at all, not even in your carry-on luggage: fruits, seeds, razors, blades, sharp objects, flammable items, weapons.

At The Airport

Step 1: Enter the airport

At the entrance of the airport, show your ticket and passport to the security guard. On verification, the guard will let you in.

Enter to airport show your passport & tickets to security person on the gate.

Step 2: Scan your luggage

Scan your luggage in the X-ray machine close to your airlines check-in counter. Here the person in charge will put a safety-checked sticker on the luggage. (No need to X-ray the hand luggage here). Keep your passport, ticket, and a pen handy. Find the check-in counter for your airline and proceed to the counter. The airline check-in counter is close by.

Security X-Ray for baggage.


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Step 3: At Airline Check-In Counter

At the airline check-in counter, hand over your luggage. They will give you a boarding pass. Take the boarding pass, ask for your seat preference (e.g. window seats), ask for transit details (if you have any flight change in between), and take a receipt of your checked-in luggage.

Show passport,tickets to airline counter staff.

TIP: If you need a wheelchair, ask for it at the time you are checking in. You may not be able to request it afterwards.

TIP: Pick up a tag from the airline counter and put it on each of your carry-on bags. These are required after immigration, otherwise you may be asked to return to airline counter to collect these tags.

Put baggage tag on all your bags.

TIP: Make sure the destination airport stamped on your luggage receipt is correct for the checked-in luggage, otherwise you can lose your luggage.

Step 4: Departure Forms

Pick up an “embarkation form” from the airline check-in counter. You will also find these forms lying just outside the immigration counter. Fill it carefully in all capital letters. If you have any confusion, ask the airline staff. Now proceed to the immigration counter.

Step 5: Immigration Check

At the immigration counter, the immigration officer will ask for your passport, ticket, boarding pass and embarkation form. He might ask few questions about your journey, visa, purpose of travel, etc. Answer clearly. The immigration officer will take the embarkation form and will return all your other documents after stamping your passport. This stamp is proof of your departure from India. Now proceed to the customs counter. Make sure you check the date stamped on your passport.

Immigration counter India before security check.


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Step 6: Security check

At the security checkpoint, have your “check-in” luggage scanned. Then you have to pass through a metal detector, where a personal security check will be done. The officer in charge will put a "security checked" stamp on your boarding pass. Collect back all your stuff. Now you are all set to board the plane.

TIP: Sharp objects like knives, razors, scissors, and liquids like oil, gel, lotions are either not allowed or must be placed in clearly sealed transparent plastic bags while passing through the security check.

TIP: Take security checks very seriously. Obey the security officers and never crack jokes during a security check.

Security check.

Security check.

Step 7: Departure Gate

Check for the departure gate number written on your boarding pass and go to that gate. Wait here until the boarding is announced, usually about 30 minutes prior to departure.

Walk towards airline departure gate.

Waiting lounge.

Walk towards airplane when boarding is announced.


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Step 8: Inside the airplane

Once you are in the flight, look for the seat number mentioned on your boarding pass. If there's any problem, contact the cabin crew. They will also help you place the baggage in the overhead bins. Read the safety instruction booklet. In the plane you will be served food, snacks, drinks etc., from time to time. You will be given a blanket and a pillow.

Find your seat number inside the airplane.

Use the remote control in your seat to call air hostes.

TIP: In case of any problem during your flight, do not hesitate to ask the staff.

At Intermediate Airport

As soon as you reach the intermediate/transit airport, first thing you must do is to look for the Terminal and Gate number of your next flight.

All airports usually have good maps and directions. In case of any problems, ask the airport staff.

Once you find the gate, then depending on the time you have, you can relax or shop at the airport. BUT — be at your gate 40 minutes prior to the flight time as they require some time to check your tickets etc. You won't have to do any other formalities here, apart from passing through the metal detector and X-ray of your hand baggage.

TIP: In case you have to change the terminal, then first find out information about the connecting airport shuttle to the respective terminal. It is always advisable to find out such information beforehand while booking your ticket, as in some countries, you may need a Transit Visa to leave one airport to go to the other one.

Before you reach USA

Few hours before arrival, the flight attendants will give you two forms to fill. One will be the US custom form, and the other will be the immigration (I-94) form. Fill them very carefully. If you have questions while filling the form, do not hesitate to ask any co-passenger for help.


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When you reach USA

Step 1: Immigration

As soon as you get out of the airplane, you will go through immigration check. You may have to wait in line for a few minutes. When your turn comes, the inspector will check your passport, the I-94 form and the customs forms you filled in the airplane before reaching USA. He might ask a few questions about your visa status, purpose of visit, address of stay, duration of stay, etc. Answer them very carefully and politely. Do not give more information than you are asked. The officer will stamp your passport and attach a part of the I-94 form to your passport. They will take your fingerprints and a photograph as well.

Walk towards immigration counter.

Follow other passengers.

Follow the instruction of officer(Give your passport,I-94 and custom forms) .

Follow the instruction of officer(Finger print and picture will be taken) .

Move towards baggage collection.

TIP: The counter slip of I-94 is very important. DO NOT LOSE IT. Check for visa status and expiry date written by the officer on it. The date written on the I-94 is the date up to which you can legally stay in USA and not the date on the visa. The visa only allows you entry into the United States.


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It is the I-94 that determines how long you can stay in the country.

TIP: If you later realize that the information on the I-94 is not correct, contact your local Customs Office (CBP) or call 1- 877-CBP -5511 Monday-Friday, between 8:30 and 5:00 Eastern Time.

TIP: The immigration officer may ask questions related to length of stay. How will you convince the immigration officer at the port of entry why you should stay for 3-6 months? For parents visiting USA, this should not be a big problem, but they still need to satisfy the officer with a proper and genuine answer that justifies the longer stay. Possible reasons: Emphasis on meeting their children, grandchildren,relatives, and a plan to tour around in USA, which requires more time, etc.

TIP: The sponsor can write a simple formal letter stating the problem of communication in English language for those parents who can't communicate in English properly, requesting the officer to allow for a 6 months stay for their parents, while citing the above possible reasons.

TIP: The airport at which you land first in USA is called the “Port of Entry” (POE). Even if you have connecting flights within USA, your Port of Entry will be the first airport at which you land in USA.

Step 2: Baggage claim

Once you are done with immigration, proceed to the Baggage Claim area. The baggage claim area may be crowded.

Take a trolley (which may cost a few dollars, so keep some change handy).

The baggage claim area has many conveyor belts. The conveyor belt where your luggage will be coming will be marked with the flight number AI001.Wait for your bags to come out of the conveyor belt, and get all your bags. If all passengers’ bags have come out and your bag is missing,find the baggage loss counter for your airline and report your baggage loss there. They will give you a claim number and some documents.

Locate the right baggage area for your flight.

Step 3: Customs

Take your luggage and proceed through the Customs area. Hand over your customs form to the customs officer. If you have declared any plants, meats, or other merchandise on the customs form (points 11, 12, 13, 14), the officer will ask you to get your luggage checked. Once you are done, you can proceed towards the "Exit" gate.

If you are expecting somebody to receive you, you might find them here in this lobby. If not, you may go to the information counter desk, and enquire about the transport information.


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Hand over your custom form.

TIP: If you are questioned by the airport officers, answer them properly without any fear. But be careful, there should not be any discrepancy in the information stated in your documents and what you answer. It has happened in few cases, that due to the unsatisfactory answers about the stay, status, etc, people have been deported immediately. For instance, if you hold H4, L2, B1 or visitor visa, don't ever say you will work in US.

Go towards exit gate.

Making a phone call from any airport

Option 1: You can make a phone call to anywhere in the world from most of the airport public booths using a credit card. You will find dialing instructions on the phone.

Option 2: Buy calling cards from the shops inside the terminal. It's always better to carry some $5 or $10 bills. Dialing instructions will be on the card.

Option 3: Those who can purchase an international calling card can carry the calling card that can be used internationally. Usually along with the card you get the dial-in instruction of various countries. Simply follow the instructions.

American English

Here are some useful differences between Indian and American English. You may find this useful during your flight or at the airport, especially if your destination is USA and you are travelling in an American airline.

Indian English American English

Air Hostess Flight Attendant

Dollar Note Dollar Bill

Bathroom Restroom

What if?

What if at the last moment, they ask you to give your cabin bag as check-in luggage?

Sometimes, it happens that at the last minute you may be asked to check in your cabin bag. You may have some important documents and jewelry in it. Don't panic. Just insist that you want to keep them with you. Remember you are doing a favor to them by traveling by their airline and not vice versa, so politely try to talk to them about your problem.


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What if you lose your luggage?

Normally, this doesn't happen. In case you do not find your check-in luggage, inform the airlines authorities. If it is misplaced during transit or in the airlines, then it will be delivered to your address in a few days. If it is delayed for more than 2 days or so, you may ask for the compensation to buy daily necessary stuff till you get your luggage back. If your luggage is missing forever, they will compensate according to their nominal rules.

What if your flight is delayed or canceled?

In case your flight is delayed because of bad weather, or any other reason, airlines might offer you food, and make arrangements for your stay. Or ask to make stay arrangement or another travel plan.

What if you miss your flight?

Talk to the airlines staff or authorities at the airport, they should be able to send you on the next available flight, or make alternative arrangements.

What if you lose your passport during travel?

If you lose your passport, and you have a photocopy of your passport with you:

If you are at US airport, inform an immigration officer or security officer.If you are at the transit airport, inform the airline staff immediately.

What if you lose your wallet during travel?

If you are at airport, inform airport security.If you are in airplane, inform airline staff.

What if nobody comes to receive you at the airport?

Find out information from the Information Counter, about the taxi stand or the airport shuttle schedules. It's always better to have a complete address of your stay. Try to get driving directions from the web sites like yahoo etc. These directions can be useful for the driver to take you to the right place.

What if you fall sick during travel?

If you are at an airport, there is usually primary medical care available. Simply inform airline staff and they should take care of your situation.If you fall sick in the airplane, inform the air hostesses. They should be able to arrange medical care for you.

What if immigration officer stops you for additional checks?

Keep phone number of children handy. Request officer to call your children immediately.

How much money do you need, and what are the limits?

During the trip, you will need money for only meals and small purchases. You will only need money for emergencies. Keep approximately $500 (US Dollars) cash in various denominations. There is no use of keeping currency in Rupees. You cannot carry more than $10,000 in cash or cash value (e.g. travellers cheques, money order) across the border while travelling from and to the United States.


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Medical Issues

Ask your doctor about travelling precautions. Make a list of all the medicines and their salt compositions (you won't find the same brand name here) needed for your recent or recurring ailments, allergies, etc.

Carry enough pills, dosages, and emergency medicines. Remember, you might need a prescription to buy them in the USA. Without recognized prescription you can't get medicine except basic medicines for cough, cold, fever, headache, etc.

If you wear spectacles, note the specification of your lenses. It is advisable to carry a backup pair with you. Even if you wear contact lenses, carry a pair of glasses. Keep all the needed eye drops and ointments.

If you need to take medications that contain narcotic drugs or are addictive, get a doctor's certificate for it. To ensure you do not violate the laws of the country you are visiting in any way, consult the embassy or consulate of those countries beforehand.

It is also advisable to get a thorough check up done before travelling.

People with some restrictive food diet: diabetic, gastric patients, etc must carry some food items like fruits. However, food and perishable items are not always allowed during flight travel. You might have to buy them from the airport itself, after your security check.

During take-off and landing, the cabin pressure changes which may cause ear blocking and ear pain. This may be relieved by chewing gum, or by opening your mouth widely as if you were yawning. Carry candies to chew and some cotton balls to stuff your ears, as it is not provided in most of the international flights.

If you are traveling with a severe cold, then this pain will get worse. In such case carry some nasal drops, or medicine for cold. Consult a doctor in case you have a problem.

Some people have problems like vomiting sensation, nausea, dizziness, pain in ears etc. Ask your doctor about the required medicines prior to traveling.


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Letter for Immigration Officer while Entering USA

The Immigration Officer,

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, , residing at the above address, am writing on behalf of my parents,since they cannot communicate well in English. The purpose of their visit is to spend time with us, and also tour the country. I will be accompanying them during their tours.

Since I work full-time on week days, I can only show them around and take them to various places on weekends and long weekends. A 6-month stay will allow them to not only to tour USA properly, but also allow them to spend some quality time with my family. They already have a return ticket for ___________ and I have obtained the health insurance for them currently for a period of 4 months. I will extend their return travel date to the end of their 6 months stay in USA and will also extend their insurances to match the new return date. Therefore, I request you to grant them a longer stay in the USA and let them to stay for 6 months in USA.

Please contact me if you have any questions. Thanks in advance.

Name: Address: Phone :


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D

09 34548901

DEPARTURE CARD FOR PASSENGERSPlease write in CAPITALS only. One Character in one box as shown below.Do not write across the lines. Leave one box blank for space.

1. Name (as in passport) Leave one box blank after every part of the name/initial.

2. Sex (tick appropriate box) 3. Nationality

Male Female

4. Country of Residence 5. Date of Birth (DD/MM/YY)

6. NRI/PIO/OCI Status (tick appropriate box) 7. PIO/OCI Card No., if any

NRI PIO OCI None

8. Passport Number 9. Date of Issue (DD/MM/YY)

10. Date of Boarding (DD/MM/YY) 11. Flight Number

12. Port of final destination

13. Occupation

14. Address in India

15. Telephone number

To be filled by Indians only

16. Does your Passport carry an ECR stamp? (tick appropriate box)

Yes No 17. Purpose (tick appropriate box)

Business Transit Official Employment Education Conference

Visit Friends / Relatives

Medical / Health Religion / Pilgrimage

Leisure / Holiday Sport Others

Signature of Passenger Immigration Stamp

Copyright© Path2usa.com 2011. All rights reserved. The above form is a sample for your reference only and should not be treated as the original. Do not submit this form. You must fill out and submit the appropriate original form provided by the government.

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY OMB No. 1651-0111

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Welcome to the United StatesI 94 Arrival / Departure Record

This form must be completed by all persons except U.S. Citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and Canadian Citizens visiting or in transit. Type or print legibly with pen in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Use English. Do not write on the back of this form. This form is in two parts. Please complete both the Arrival Record (Items 1 through 17) and the Departure Record (Items 18 through 21). When all items are completed, present this form to the CBP Officer. Item-9 If you are entering the United States by land, enter LAND in this space. If you are entering the United States by ship, enter SEA in this space.

5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(3) Privacy Act Notice: Information collected on this form is required by Title 8 of the U.S. Code, including the INA (8 U.S.C. 1103,1187), and 8CFR 235.1, 264, and 1235.1. The purposes for this collection are to give the terms of admission and document arrival and departure of nonimmigrant aliens to the U.S. The Information solicited on this form may be made available to other government agencies for law enforcement purposes or to assist DHS in determining your admissibility. All nonimmigrant aliens seeking admission to the U.S., unless otherwise exempted, must provide this information. Failure to provide this information may deny you entry to the United States and result in your removal. CBP Form I-94 (05/08)

Arrival Record OMB No. 1651-0111

Admission Number

691349570 21

1. Family Name

2. First (Given Name) 3. Birth Date (DD/MM/YY)

4. Country of Citizenship 5. Sex (Male or Female)

6. Passport Issue Date (DD/MM/YY) 7. Passport Expiration Date (DD/MM/YY)

8. Passport Number 9. Airline and Flight Number

10. Country Where You Live 11. Country Where You Boarded


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12. City Where Visa Was Issued 13. Date Issued (DD/MM/YY)

14. Address While in the United States (Number and Street)

15. City and State

16. Telephone Number in the U.S. Where You Can be Reached

17. Email Address

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY OMB No. 1651-0111


Departure RecordAdmission Number

691349570 21

1. Family Name

2. First (Given Name) 3. Birth Date (DD/MM/YY)

4. Country of Citizenship


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Customs Declaration FORM APPROVED

19 CFR 122 27, 148.12, 148.13, 148.110, 148.111, 1498;31 CFR 5316 OMB NO. 1651-0009Each arriving traveler or responsible family member must provide the following information (only ONE written declaration per family is required):

1. Family Name

First (Given) Middle

2. Birth Date Day Month Year 3. Number of family members traveling with you

4 (a) U.S. Street Address (hotel name / destination)

(b) City

(c) State

5. Passport issued by (country)

6. Passport number

7. Country of Residence

8. Countries visited on this trip prior to U.S. arrival

9. Airline / Flight No. or Vessel Name

10. The primary purpose of this trip is business Yes No 11. I am (We are) bringing

(a) fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, food, insects: Yes No (b) meats, animals, animal/wildlife products: Yes No (c) disease agents, cell cultures, snails Yes No (d) soil or have been on a farm / ranch / pasture: Yes No 12. I have (We have) been in close proximity of (such as touching or handling ) livestock: Yes No 13. I am (We are) carrying currency or monetary instruments over $10,000 U.S. or foreign

equivalent: (see definition of monetary instruments on reverse):Yes No

14. I have (We have ) commercial merchandise: (articles for sale, samples, used for soliciting orders, or goods that are not considered personal effects)

Yes No

15. Residents – the total value of all goods, including commercial merchandise I/we have purchased or acquired abroad, (including gifts for someone else, but not items mailed to the U.S.) and am/are bringing to the U.S. is:

$

Visitors – the total value of all articles that will remain in the U.S., including commercial merchandise is:

$

Read the instructions on the back of this form. Space is provided to list all the items you must declare.I HAVE READ THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS FORM AND HAVE MADE A TRUTHFUL DECLARATION.

(Signature) Date (day/month/year)For Official Use Only CBP Form 6059B (01/04)


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path2usa travel guide to usa

Documents

prior written permission

international copyright laws

baggage claim area

original form provided

cabin crew

arrangement thereof

including design

telephone number