What to say when travelling through customs?

Question

What to say when travelling through customs?

I am a Canadian with a boyfriend in Costa Rica. Travelling causes me to get anxious and nervous. Needless to say when passing through customs I am also very nervous. I think the customs officers can sense this. I hate passing through U.S. customs, u.s. customs is what scares even though I have done nothing wrong. I will flying to CR to visit. This will be my 3rd visit in 7 months. Is it better to say your visiting a friend or boyfriend? can anyone offer any suggestions to ease my aniexty when passing through U.S.?

3 minutes ago - 3 days left to answer.

Answer 1

Saying you're visiting your boyfriend in the US may raise a low level of suspicion that you might have an intention to remain in the US and marry your boyfriend unlawfully, but in this case I understand you are only transiting through the US on your way to Costa Rica.

Why you're going to Costa Rica is frankly none of their business, and when asked what the purpose of your visit to the US is, you can truthfully say you're just going through the US in order to travel to Costa Rica, which is your final destination. If they press you for more, then go ahead and say you're visiting your boyfriend in Costa Rica, and that should be the end of that. If you have an onward ticket from a US airport to San Jose or another Costa Rican airport, then you may show that as well as proof of your travel arrangements.

There is nothing whatsoever to be nervous about unless you have something to hide, which you don't. Honestly you have nothing to worry about. US Customs and Border Protection may be tough but they're not evil, and they're concerned with US security, which you are not a threat to in any way they could think of or construe.

Answer 2

Well , unless you're trying to smuggle something through or planning to hijack the plane..I don't see any reason to get anxious or nervous. It's understandable though..like when you're driving and you see a cop car in either direction..there's that same uncomfortable feeling..known as Guilt :)...If you know you haven't done anything illegal..then relax

Answer 3

Get a Canadian b/f and fly to CR on vacation.

Answer 4

Since you are NOT GUILTY of anything, enjoy the power of that.

Being clean, in a world filled with so many UNCLEAN people, brings great joy to MY heart when I am challenged by authority.

The  deputy dufus behind the counter is just doing their job. Feel your righteous power of being a perfect being, let the joy of that spread across your face with a big smile ...and just let em' know you are just passing on through (and know you are looking for love in ALL the right places).

Answer 5

Don't worry about it.  US Customs officials usually aren't too bad.  You should have nothing to hide, so you can simply say that you are going to visit your boyfriend in Costa Rica.  You are simply passing through the US, so they shouldn't give you any trouble.  Don't worry!!!  :)

Answer 6

Three visits in seven months, for that distance and expense.

That does draw up the "red" flag. But have no fear, if your

conscience is clear.