When I get to the U.S.
What Happens When I arrive in the U.S.?
When you arrive in the U.S., you usually arrive at one of our many international airports. After your leave your flight, you will first be directed to a passport and visa inspection area. Immigration Officers will review your passport, visa, and I-94 arrival and departure card to verify you can be admitted to the U.S. The Immigration Officer will capture your photo and your fingerprints just like the visa interview process. If you are approved, you will be told to go to the baggage and customs inspection areas. For detailed information on arriving in the U.S., please visit the following websites:
- See you in the U.S.A.
- Admission into the United States
- Filling out Form I-94
- US-VISIT Program
- Airport Wait Times
The Immigration Officer may also direct you to the secondary inspection area for further questions or if you must undergo special registration procedures part of the National Security Entry/Exit Registration System (NSEERS). During secondary inspection, a second Immigration Officer will review your case, ask you several questions about your travel and background similar to your visa interview, and may request that you provide your fingerprints a second time. Please remain calm during the interview, which will speed this process and avoid any additional delays. For more information on the special registration program, please visit:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Hundreds of millions of visitors enter the U.S. every year without delay or problems. However, if for some reason you are not allowed to enter the U.S., please contact the consular section immediately at ConsularDoha@state.gov. Please provide the details of your arrival experience, and we will assist you as best we can. Alternatively, you now file a complaint directly with the Department of Homeland Security, through the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) website:
After you collect your baggage and are cleared through passport and visa inspection, you must clear any goods that you brought with you through the customs inspection area. For information on what goods you can and cannot bring into the country and the fees you may have to pay, please visit:
When you are ready to depart the U.S., you should plan additional time into your departure for airline check-in and security screening. For up-to-date information on prohibited items, personal preparation for screening and the screening process, please visit:
For any additional questions about arriving or departing the U.S., please email us at ConsularDoha@state.gov.