Nearly 1 million people enter the U.S. each day, according to U.S. Customs and Border Control.
Very few travelers are turned away, but recent reports of cellphone searches at airports and tourists and visa holders being detained, deported or denied entry have some concerned.
Last week, the French Education Ministry said a French scientist was purportedly denied entry to the U.S. after expressing a personal opinion on the Trump administration’s research policy. And on Facebook, Alvin Gibbs, bassist for British punk band U.K. Subs, said he and two bandmates were denied entry to the U.S. for not having the right visa and an undisclosed issue, which he presumed to be past criticism of the president.
When asked about the French scientist, U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson Hilton Beckham told Reuters, “Claims that such decisions are politically motivated are completely unfounded.”
Here’s what travelers should know about entering the U.S.
All U.S. citizens must present a U.S. passport before boarding international flights leaving from or heading to the U.S., according to a Customs and Border Protection FAQ. That includes babies and children. CBP says a NEXUS Card is also acceptable for U.S. citizens departing from designated Canadian airports.
