What reasons would customs deny you entry into their country?

Question

I flew from the United States to Germany...mind you this was my first time ever leaving the country, therefore, my passport was new and everything.

When I got up to the passport control booth, the customs officer looked hard at my passport, scanned it, stared at the screen for several minutes, then gave me a harsh look--causing me to become nervous. He asked why I was here, who I'd be staying with, how long, etc. I answered the questions honestly, but he kept looking at me like I was Al Capone, and examining the passport information. Finally after what seemed like forever, he stamped the passport and let me through.

Considering the fact that I spend $1200 for the ticket over here, I would have been fuming if he said I couldn't pass. Can customs refuse someone entry for no reason simply cause they have a "bad feeling"? Aside from having violated immigration laws, why are people denied? I just want to avoid having to waste money by going to a country and being turned away for no reason

Answer 1

No, there has to be a reason otherwise yeah they can detain you but up to a certain time frame than they will have to let you go if you are clean.

Answer 2

Yeah- it's a little nerve wracking going through immigration/customs even when you know you're not doing anything wrong! I once had a guy who looked like he thought me and my 11 yr old were the most suspicious looking potential terrorists in the whole airport!  I just shrug it off- some people get off on their 'authority' and use it to try and intimidate people; they can't get to you if you let them.