Stressed Out

So the more I think about it the more scared I become.

I never knew before coming to this site that they could turn around and send you back if you don't answer their questions really well. I've been kind of freaking out over it. I've thought of what I should say and how I should say it and all different types of things. When I first went there I said I was going to visit a friend which worked fine but I don't want to lie anymore...he is my best friend but he's more than that.  I also feel like when that time does come for us to get married that since i've said "visiting a friend" each time I went to visit that they might give ma  hard time. Do they keep this on file? I don't think they do but I'm becoming paranoid 

I want to say that I'm visiting my boyfriend but I don't want to be stopped and asked tons of questions about how we met and how long we've been together and whatever else they ask. Seeing as I'll be quitting my job in April I won't have one to come back too they might become suspicious? Shall I just say I still have my job? I'll be getting another when I come back or even attending school...I'm not quite sure which one yet.

I was asking Adam what he said when he came here and he said "girl friend i think" and I don't think he had any trouble.

His mom will be sending a letter in a few weeks like she did last time. It just stated that I'd be staying at their house and they'd be responsible for me and so on and so forth and it had the # and address on it and it was signed by her.  I don't know what else I should take, I didn't have anything else with me last time except for that letter. Mind you I was starting college when I came back so he was asking questions about that.

You'd think that since you've already had a stamp on your passport giving you clearence that they wouldn't want/need to question you anymore. Seeing as it shows you've passed the "Test" and all.

I'm really freaked out and concerned. I guess ignorance really is bliss in situations like this because I'll be worried up until I get cleared...
 
I just need some help in having my nerves calmed...this is really stressing me out! 

i've read a number of people on here as well being hassled....but i've never had a problem.  i think if you have a return ticket and are only staying for a reasonable amount of time (unless you have a visa) like a week or two...they shouldn't hassle you.  i think it's kinda part of their job to question certain people to see if they crack under pressure just in case they are lying. 

the first time i ever came here, i didn't even know i had to have an address of where i was staying.  all i wrote on the landing card was my name and a phone number.  i was questioned about it and i just told the guy i didn't know what the address was.  he let me slide by but said that i need to have it next time. 

i really wouldn't worry about it that much....especially if you are only staying for a little while. 

i've read a number of people on here as well being hassled....but i've never had a problem.  i think if you have a return ticket and are only staying for a reasonable amount of time (unless you have a visa) like a week or two...they shouldn't hassle you.  i think it's kinda part of their job to question certain people to see if they crack under pressure just in case they are lying. 

the first time i ever came here, i didn't even know i had to have an address of where i was staying.  all i wrote on the landing card was my name and a phone number.  i was questioned about it and i just told the guy i didn't know what the address was.  he let me slide by but said that i need to have it next time. 

i really wouldn't worry about it that much....especially if you are only staying for a little while. 

I wasn't harrassed but he asked alot of questions. I went for 2 weeks last time and now I'm going for 3. I really hope they don't harrass me...that would be horrible.

I'm really stressed about it...i'm becoming obsessed with it lol 

i've read a number of people on here as well being hassled....but i've never had a problem. i think if you have a return ticket and are only staying for a reasonable amount of time (unless you have a visa) like a week or two...they shouldn't hassle you. i think it's kinda part of their job to question certain people to see if they crack under pressure just in case they are lying.

I have never stayed over two weeks, and last time was questioned and made to sit aside and wait for even more questioning before being allowed in. It was nerve racking! This was in Birmingham. Honestly, maybe it's just me and my opinion but after that experience I will avoid flying into Birmingham. I flew into LGW twice before that without incident. My first trip I was asked quite a few questions but nothing like in Birmingham. I understand the IO's  have an important job to do but quite frankly the one I got that day had attitude with not only me. It seemed she was on a power trip and I was one of the lucky ones that got to deal with her bad day. That is what scares me most. My fate is in the hands of someone that can send me home just because they feel like it!

I am heading back across in just a few weeks now and have decided to take a copy of my mortgage, my bankstatement, and a letter from my employer confirming my date expected back at work. I also carry my itinerary and e ticket receipt, and have pictures of my son with me as usual. I am not leaving it to chance, I will be crushed if I were to be turned away so am taking anything and everything I can to show my return to the US is necessary.

I usually stress and worry about this, and after last time I am surprised I am not freaking out the closer it gets. But so far I am ok, and confident that I am not doing anything wrong and will be prepared. Worrying just makes it worse. I think the crabby IO I had last time probably sensed that I was freaked out by her! She seemed to enjoy making people squirm!  Best of luck to you.

Easier said then done, but honestly try your best to quit worrying. Instead prepare yourself. Take anything you can to show your ties to home and you should be just fine. And if you do get questioned, be honest and be polite. Even when the woman was rude to me I continued to be polite and just answered what she asked. Things turned out for me in the end! How many times have you visited? This will be my fourth trip in about a year and a half. It's definitely scary but I am so excited to see my man again I am not even thinking of that airport bit right now!

I have never stayed over two weeks, and last time was questioned and made to sit aside and wait for even more questioning before being allowed in. It was nerve racking! This was in Birmingham. Honestly, maybe it's just me and my opinion but after that experience I will avoid flying into Birmingham. I flew into LGW twice before that without incident. My first trip I was asked quite a few questions but nothing like in Birmingham. I understand the IO's  have an important job to do but quite frankly the one I got that day had attitude with not only me. It seemed she was on a power trip and I was one of the lucky ones that got to deal with her bad day. That is what scares me most. My fate is in the hands of someone that can send me home just because they feel like it!

I am heading back across in just a few weeks now and have decided to take a copy of my mortgage, my bankstatement, and a letter from my employer confirming my date expected back at work. I also carry my itinerary and e ticket receipt, and have pictures of my son with me as usual. I am not leaving it to chance, I will be crushed if I were to be turned away so am taking anything and everything I can to show my return to the US is necessary.

I usually stress and worry about this, and after last time I am surprised I am not freaking out the closer it gets. But so far I am ok, and confident that I am not doing anything wrong and will be prepared. Worrying just makes it worse. I think the crabby IO I had last time probably sensed that I was freaked out by her! She seemed to enjoy making people squirm!  Best of luck to you.

Easier said then done, but honestly try your best to quit worrying. Instead prepare yourself. Take anything you can to show your ties to home and you should be just fine. And if you do get questioned, be honest and be polite. Even when the woman was rude to me I continued to be polite and just answered what she asked. Things turned out for me in the end! How many times have you visited? This will be my fourth trip in about a year and a half. It's definitely scary but I am so excited to see my man again I am not even thinking of that airport bit right now!

This will be the first time staying over two weeks. I'll be flying into LHR (London Heathrow).

"My fate is in the hands of someone that can send me home just because they feel like it!"...doesn't that suck?!?! Gosh it really does because they KNOW how much power they hold. They can break your heart with one simple word.

0o0 your bankstatements are good...I dun usually keep money in there though lol I get paid in cash. If I still have a job I'll ask them for a letter confirming my date back...that's a great idea. If NOT I'm going to tell them I plan on getting another job or even start school in July. Lol I don't have kids but I have a cat! would that work? a picture of him haha...too funny.

This will be my second visit...I haven't seen him in a year and 7 months and counting...I'm so nervous. "This will be my fourth trip in about a year and a half" wow you are so lucky! I'd love to see him that many times. The first year he came here twice in one year...that was nice. I wish we could do it again...

ANYWAY thanks alot for the comment...glad to know im not the only one.

Hiya

Well I don't know specifics about your type of situation becuase I've never been in one myself. However, reading up on the board and from hearing stuff from my family and friends I know this area of Customs & Immigration is nerve racking

I honestly feel USA customs officials are amongst the most sour faced, uninteresting, boring, monotoned individuals you'll see upon first arriving in America. To me, they are the ones who you REALLY have to be scared of! I'm sure UK customs fall into the same sort of catagory.

My suggestion to you, following from experiences I've had with USA customs is to be as confident, clear, positive and forthcoming to their questions as you possibly can. I know you'll be nervous inside, but try claming yourself down, breathing deeply and setting up your frame of mind accordingly 'in case' they ask you stuff. I remember visiting NYC again but for the first time since sept 11th. There was allsorts of scare stories about the already infamous US customs people giving more people an even harder time than usual. I was 'concerned' at the most ( remember I have brown skin and possibly easily mistaken for someone coming from the middle east!!!) I remember approaching the official and getting the usual smatterings of questions, and then the 'look' up and down, working me out, looking at my carry on luggage - he let me go with a monotone 'hava naace dayy' and have never ever since had any further problems. I'm sure them hearing a loudmouth semi cockney accent showed I was from London and not Lebanon or someplace! I walked through smiled and had a couple shots of JD whilst I waited for my cousins! - so I'm sure once you get through you'll feel like a weight's been lifted!

I can't advise what you should say and I'm sure other posters who know or have been in your situation can advise much better in terms of you having a boyfriend here and the implications of what you say in the long run for it - just keep your cool when you're speaking to them

Good luck!

Dennis! West London & Slough UK!! (oh and Heathrow is probably my 2nd home i'm there so dam often!)

Hey Reeeka,

Glad to be of any help I can. Of course I  can't say for sure, but I don't think you should have any trouble since you don't visit often and it's been so long since you were last in the UK. If you are calm and confident, I wouldn't think you'd raise any red flags. That said, I would still suggest bringing anything you can to show your return to the US, not sure the picture of your kitty qualifies lol but who knows. They are bound to ask you questions, that's their job, so try not to let that freak you out.

I don't know how Heathrow is set up, but at Gatwick there are several immigration lines for non-European Nationals to go through. I was so nervous my second trip, I kept getting out of line and wandering off scoping out the other lines, so took forever to get through. I don't recommend this as anyone watching me would have wondered what my problem was for sure! In my case, I seem to have better odds with male Immigration Officers. I have no idea if that is because they were male, or just because of the day etc... but so far it has been women IOs that hassle me. In Birmingham there were only two lines where I had to go through immigration so I had no choice but to be in the crabby lady's line along with everyone else! Another reason I opted for Gatwick again this trip. Birmingham was much more convenient, but I am not sure I will ever fly through there again after that experience.

Again, I wish you the best. Try to keep your focus on the trip itself and not the brief time in the airport so you don't stress too much. That's what I am trying to do!! 

I have been through US and UK Customs as an immigrant and visitor.  The best advice I was ever given, was "be polite and respectful, answer all questions with 'yes sir/m'am, no sir/m'am' and DO NOT OFFER ANY INFORMATION.  Have all of your information at the ready, too much information is never too much and only pull it out if they ask.  I have never had any problems.  Also, saying you are just visiting a friend is not lying.  That is indeed what you are doing.  Another answer to "what is the purpose of your visit" is "personal travel".  If they want you to elaborate, you can say "visiting friends/I'm meeting or staying with friends".  and you have a return ticket.  There shouldn't be any problems.  You are really no different than any other American travelling as a tourist in the UK.   Now if you were planning to get married whilst here, then that is a whole other can of worms..

Dennis! Famous Dennis!,
Yes Customs is NERVE RACKING...it's horrible. The lines are long and it's hot and you're already hot because you're nervous lol. Sorry I don't have very much too say.



SillySnip,
I didn't think i'd cause too much concern seeing as it's been well over a year since I was there for my last visit. I'm not quite sure what i'd bring to show I'm returning, i'll be quitting my job most likely because I doubt they'll want to keep me.

"I don't know how Heathrow is set up, but at Gatwick there are several immigration lines for non-European Nationals to go through." Same thing in Heathrow if I remember correctly (it's been sooooooo long so I might be wrong) but the lines were so LONG. Yeah I won't be getting out of line but finding a male is such a good idea! Woman are just bitchy lol if you catch them at the wrong time of the month.


MrsPink,
"Have all of your information at the ready, too much information is never too much and only pull it out if they ask."
How is there too much info? omg lol now I don't want to be overly prepared! Last time I offered the letter from adams mum when I felt like he was getting "weird".

Ohhh im not planning on getting married. I wouldn't do it like that anyway but...yeah no lol.

MrsPink,
"Have all of your information at the ready, too much information is never too much and only pull it out if they ask."
How is there too much info? omg lol now I don't want to be overly prepared! Last time I offered the letter from adams mum when I felt like he was getting "weird".

Ohhh im not planning on getting married. I wouldn't do it like that anyway but...yeah no lol.

Don't offer ANYTHING unless they ask...  but have the letter and your ticket ready if they ask.  You are still just a tourist. This shouldn't be complicated.   just be relaxed and polite and respectful.

Don't offer ANYTHING unless they ask...  but have the letter and your ticket ready if they ask.  You are still just a tourist. This shouldn't be complicated.   just be relaxed and polite and respectful.

Will it make them become suspicious if I offer?...what's the reason for not offering anything up? 

I wouldn't be anything but polite and respectful...relaxed on the other hand is another story lol

Mrs P - I think if anyone said "personal travel" as a reason for visiting this would flag that the traveller was hiding something.


Victoria

I found this which may help on

http://www.ukimmigrate.co.uk/sample.htm

"When its your turn at the counter of an Immigration Control official you will need to only initially present your passport.  Depending on your visa and accompanying story, you may be asked for further information such as proof of funds, return ticket, accommodation details, work arrangements, all of which will be related to your visa stipulations.  For the vast majority of people this encounter is a mere formality.

INSIDER INFO: Present your passport to the Immigration official with the cover closed. Having it open to your relevant visa annoys them. They have to do this job all day long and have a procedure that starts with looking at the cover to ascertain your nationality. Do not start the encounter badly. "

Wait until they ask you for anymore information.  Do not offer anything. if you are too quick to offer information, it may only annoy them and may make you look  suspicious.

I have said "personal travel" many times - on the customs form, it will ask  either business or personal.  I have had customs officers who have asked me to elaborate, what I will be doing, where I will be going etc..  but I always wait until they ask.  In my humble opinion (for what it's worth..) visiting friends would be the most appropriate answer in your case.

Mrs P - I think if anyone said "personal travel" as a reason for visiting this would flag that the traveller was hiding something.


Victoria

That's what I thought...

I found this which may help on

http://www.ukimmigrate.co.uk/sample.htm

"When its your turn at the counter of an Immigration Control official you will need to only initially present your passport.  Depending on your visa and accompanying story, you may be asked for further information such as proof of funds, return ticket, accommodation details, work arrangements, all of which will be related to your visa stipulations.  For the vast majority of people this encounter is a mere formality.

INSIDER INFO: Present your passport to the Immigration official with the cover closed. Having it open to your relevant visa annoys them. They have to do this job all day long and have a procedure that starts with looking at the cover to ascertain your nationality. Do not start the encounter badly. "

Wait until they ask you for anymore information.  Do not offer anything. if you are too quick to offer information, it may only annoy them and may make you look  suspicious.

I have said "personal travel" many times - on the customs form, it will ask  either business or personal.  I have had customs officers who have asked me to elaborate, what I will be doing, where I will be going etc..  but I always wait until they ask.  In my humble opinion (for what it's worth..) visiting friends would be the most appropriate answer in your case.

Oh okie thanks for that. I'm going to go read it after I comment.

I think saying visiting a friend would be my best option so I'm not questioned anymore than I'm going to be. Thanks alot for your comments they've helped.