Written by jeff khoury
My wife and I are traveling to Europe. I’m tier three in Virginia, off probation, have the stamp on my passport, am a lifetime registrant, got a place to stay, tickets purchased, 21 day notice submitted. Here are my questions: what is customs like when returning through JFK? How long should my wife and I plan on being detained? Should I bring my phone with me to Europe? Should I send it home before I come home? The main objective is to be able to get through customs as quickly as possible. This is my first time traveling abroad since my crime occurred 18 + years ago. Thank You in advance!
I have never traveled back to the US so I can only speak to stories I have heard.
Don’t mail a phone.
Some people have had to have their stuff searched, others are just questioned. Some people have had an easy time while others haven’t. But you will be taken over for extra screening. There is an app though that you can use to let them know you are on the plane and I’ve been told that can speed things up upon arrival – i forget the name of it though. Something to do with pre-screening.
Update: returned to USA Tuesday!
Ok so here is the update! Tier 3 lifetime registration in Virginia. I have the stamp in my passport.
Pre trip.
Gave the us marshalls and homeland security my 21 day notice. The hardest part about this step was locating the form online. Once located, I completed the form, filled out as much of the information as I could. Primarily our flight arrangements, and dates. The locations where I was staying we didn’t know at that time.
Departing the USA.
No problems at all!
Arriving in Venice Italy.
Going through customs upon rendering my passport to the agent, he look on his computer, looked a little confused, chatted for about 30 secs with his colleague, his colleague waved it off like it was nothing, and we were let into the country!
Arriving in the USA JFK NEw York.
Upon going through customs, we were asked if we had anything to declare we told him. After rendering my passport, he told me that we had to finish my interview in another office. He typed something in the computer, printed off some papers, walked me to an office, had me sit, while he put the file in a file folder desk for another agent. The second agent picked up the file, read it, looked on the computer, typed something, called me up and said I’m good to go! Gave me a blue passed ticket and sent me on my way! I sat for less than 5 minutes! No other devices checked, no baggage checked nothing! Easy peasy!
Hope this helps someone out there considering international travel!