If you are planning to fly abroad, you might wonder what to expect when you arrive and speak to the immigration officers. In this guide, I'll help you understand the kind of questions you may be asked at the airport and the best way to answer them.

We’ll start with what you need in hand - your passport and arrival card - and move on to the simple phrases you can use to hand over your documents to the officer smoothly. Whether it's looking into a camera for a picture or placing your thumb on a fingerprint reader, I've got you covered with simple responses.

1. "Passport and Arrival Card, Please!"

When the immigration officer at the airport asks you for your passport and arrival card, they want to check your documents to ensure everything is in order for your entry into the country. This is a standard procedure at airports around the world.

You can use simple phrases such as:

• "Here you are."
• "Here you go."

These phrases are polite ways to hand over something to someone else. They show that you understand the request and are cooperative.

Tips:

• Always have your passport and arrival card ready before you reach the immigration counter. This shows that you are prepared and helps in making the process smoother.
• Smile and maintain a friendly demeanor. Even if you're nervous, showing politeness through your actions can make the interaction more pleasant.
• If you do not understand what the officer says, it's okay to ask for clarification. You can say, "Could you please repeat that?" or "I'm sorry, I didn't understand."

2. "Please look into the camera."

When the officer asks you to "Please look into the camera," they are requesting you to face a camera for a security photo. This is a common procedure at many international airports to verify your identity. Here's how you can respond:

• Stand straight and look directly at the camera without any sunglasses or hats.
• Keep a neutral expression.
• Important: Do not smile or make faces; a straightforward look is required.

Tip: Practice looking into a mirror with a neutral expression before your trip to feel more comfortable during this process.

3. "Please place your thumb on the fingerprint reader."

This request is about biometric verification. The immigration officer wants you to place your thumb on a device that reads your fingerprints. Here are the steps to follow:

• Listen carefully to which thumb they ask for; it could be right or left.
• Place your thumb gently but firmly on the reader.
• Important: Keep your hand steady until told otherwise.

Tip: Make sure your hands are clean and not covered with any lotion or substances that could interfere with the reader.

4. "What is the purpose of your visit?"

When you're asked, "What is the purpose of your visit?" it’s vital to be clear and concise about the reason behind your travel. Here are some straightforward ways to answer depending on your situation:

• Business: If your trip is for business reasons, simply state this. For example, you can say, "I'm here for a business meeting" or "I'm attending a conference."

• Tourism: If you’re visiting for leisure or sightseeing, mentioning "tourism" or "vacation" suffices. You might add, "I'm here to explore the city" or "I'm on vacation visiting the major sites."

• Visiting Friends or Relatives: Clearly state if you’re in the country to see friends or family. You could say, "I'm visiting my cousin" or "I'm staying with friends for a few weeks."

Tip:  Be honest about the purpose of your visit. Authorities appreciate straightforwardness and it can make the process smoother. Avoid giving unnecessary details unless asked for.

5. "What is Your Friend's Address in Chicago?"

When asked for a specific address in which you're staying or visiting, immigration officials are looking to confirm the details of your stay. It's essential to ensure both your safety and the security of the country you’re visiting. Here's how to handle this question:

• Preparation: Ideally, have the address written down or saved digitally. This shows preparedness and helps expedite the process.
• Digital Copy: If you have the address saved on your phone, you can politely offer to show it to the officer. Simply say, "I have the address here on my phone. May I show you?"
• Physical Copy: Keeping a piece of paper with the address is another effective method. You might say, "I have the address written here. Here you go."
• Forgetting the Address: It's common to forget or not have the exact address handy, especially after a long flight. In such cases, being honest is the best policy. Say, "I'm sorry, I forgot to write it down. But I'm staying with a friend or at a known hotel chain." Providing any bit of information you do remember can still be helpful.

Tip: Relax and be cooperative. Remember, the purpose of these questions is to ensure that you and others are safe during your stay. Showing that you understand this, by being prepared and cooperative, makes the process smoother for everyone involved. If you don't know the answer, it's okay to say so, but always provide as much information as you can.

6. "How Long Do You Plan to Stay?"

When asked, "How long do you plan to stay?", the customs or immigration officer is seeking to confirm the purpose and duration of your visit. It's crucial to be clear and precise when answering this query.

• Be Specific: Always mention the exact number of days, weeks, or months you plan to stay. For instance, say "I will be staying for two weeks." 
• Mention Departure Dates: If you have a return ticket, you can specify the date of departure by stating, "I am leaving on the 10th of October." This shows that you have a planned itinerary.
• Return Ticket Confirmation: Having proof of your return ticket is pivotal. Say, "I have a return ticket booked for the 10th of October." Showing the ticket or itinerary helps validate your stated travel plans.
• Plan for Further Questions: Be prepared to answer follow-up questions such as whether you've booked a ticket to another country after your stay. In such cases, respond with "Yes, I have my next flight booked to Paris on the 11th of October."

Tip: Always carry a printed or digital copy of your itinerary, including any return or onward tickets. This can quickly clear up any doubts about the length of your stay and your travel plans. Being organized and having these documents easily accessible can significantly smooth your entry process.

7. "What is Your Profession?"

When an immigration officer asks, "What is your profession?" they want to know about your current employment status or main activity if you're not working. This question helps them understand the purpose of your visit and whether it aligns with your stated travel reasons. Here's how to effectively answer this question:

• Be Direct and Honest: Simply state your current job title or main activity. For example, "I am a software developer," or if you're not currently employed, "I am currently looking for employment," but only if it's relevant to your travel purpose.
• Students Should Specify Their Status: If you are a student, mention it by saying, "I am a student studying biology at the University of XYZ." This provides clarity about your purpose and length of stay.
• Mention the Purpose if Related to Profession: If your visit is related to your profession, briefly mention this. E.g., "I am attending a medical conference."
• Keep It Short: There's no need to go into excessive detail unless asked for more information. Stick to your job title and the sector you work in, if necessary.

Tip: Practice your answer to ensure it sounds confident and straightforward. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate that your travel purpose aligns with your professional background or student status, without causing confusion or doubt.

8. "Do you have any other Acquaintances in the United States?"

This question, "Do you have any other acquaintances in the United States?", is usually asked to understand your social connections in the country you are planning to visit. Here's how you can approach answering it:

• If you don't know anyone in the United States, simply respond with "No," "Nope," or "I don't." This is straightforward and requires no further explanation.
• In case you do have acquaintances or friends in the United States, be honest and mention them briefly. For instance, "Yes, I have a friend in Florida." However, be ready to clarify whether you will be visiting them or not, as this can be a follow-up question.
• If asked whether you will visit them, answer directly with "Yes, I am," or "No, I'm not." If your visit to your friend or acquaintance is not part of your travel plan, make sure to clearly state that.

Tip: Being transparent about your connections in the United States can help clarify your travel intentions. However, ensure your answer is consistent with the purpose of your visit as disclosed earlier in the visa interview process. Transparency and consistency are key to a smooth interview.

9. "Do you Plan to Work During your Stay?"

Understanding how to respond to the question regarding work during your visit is crucial. Here’s a simple guide on how to tackle this:

• If you’re visiting on a tourist visa and don’t have any work plans, straightforwardly answer with "No, I do not plan to work." Keeping your answer clear and concise leaves no room for misunderstanding.

• For those on a business trip, your response will slightly vary. You might say, "My visit includes attending meetings and a conference," to specify the nature of your business-related activities without implying employment in the U.S.
• Aim for clarity in your answers. If your visit has business elements, detail them accurately but make it clear that these do not constitute employment.

Tip: Clear communication is key. Ensure your explanations about any work-related activities are in line with the type of visa you're applying for. This avoids any confusion and supports your visit's purpose.

Thoughts

Navigating international travel and visa requirements can sometimes lead to unexpected adventures and stories, much like the one shared above. It’s crucial to plan ahead and ensure you are well informed about the visa processes and payment methods of the country you are visiting. While my experience was unique and showcased the flexibility sometimes found within immigration systems, it’s a reminder of the importance of preparing for different scenarios.

Always double-check the visa requirements and carry the necessary currency for payments related to visas or other fees. Engaging with the local embassy or consulate prior to your travel can provide you with the most accurate and updated information. Remember, a smooth travel experience begins with thorough preparation and understanding of the laws and regulations of your destination country. Keep your documents organized, be respectful of the immigration officers, and maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with unexpected situations. Happy travels!