Travelling to USA from Australia: Why I won’t let scare stories put me off visiting the US

OPINION: I love America so much I married an American – in Las Vegas.

Since I first visited NYC aged 17, the country has been one of my favourite destinations. I’ve been back to the city about ten times, as well as to multiple other states.

And I have loved every visit.

But I’ve been dismayed to read the increasing number of stories lately about issues travellers from around the world are having on arrival to the states.

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The most recent was an Aussie ex-cop who was sent home while trying to visit her American husband.

Nicole Saroukos says she was grilled and told she had “too many clothes” for her three week trip, among other things.

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She also claims other passengers on her flight were not allowed to enter because of “apps on their phones” – though none of them have come forward to detail this.

Another Aussie man said he was denied entry as he’d flown via Asia, rather than the usual way across the Pacific.

Admittedly, it’s worrying. And it has plenty of people turning away from travelling to the US as a result. Of those who do still go, many are filled with anxiety.

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It seems apparent from the stories that immigration officers are being driven by Trump’s America-first policies – now more than ever.

Indeed an official White House document calls for officers to “vet and screen to the maximum degree possible,” foreigners at the border.

USA immigration issues are nothing new

But in my experience, US Customs and Border Protection officers always have been notoriously fierce.

This is nothing new.

I have nervously answered their questions, from the reason for my visit to what my job is, on every single visit over the years.

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A couple of years ago (pre-Trump) for example, I was waiting at LAX behind a guy who was being quizzed.

The young bloke said he didn’t know where he was staying, which is a big red flag.

From what I could hear, he had a vague plan to hang out with friends. This was not satisfactory for the officer, and he was made to book a hotel, there and then.

I have also heard stories of people with American partners raising suspicions over visiting them too much.

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How many travellers are actually being turned away from the US?

Of course, no figures exist to show if Aussies or other visitors are being refused entry more now than before Trump returned to power.

The actual number of people having issues overall is likely very low.

Last year, for example, 39 million – an average of more than 100,000 people a day – entered the USA. That includes 710,000 Australians.

And while the number of travellers knocked back isn’t known, it’s hard to believe it would be more than a tiny fraction of those.

In comparison, back in 2003 a massive half a million people overstayed their visas in America.

My worries came to nothing on recent USA holiday

Only recently I was lucky enough to holiday in America again, and like most Aussies, enter using an ESTA (the visa waiver program).

Like many others, I’ll admit, I was slightly worried about entering.

I left my laptop at home, and prepared how I’d explain why I wasn’t with my American husband (he’d gone a week before me).

But on arrival at Dallas, after a short wait I was merely asked if I was there for “business or pleasure” and waved through.

If anything it was a shorter interaction than many I’d had with officers, who generally ask where you’re staying, why, and for how long.

So, while I have sympathy for those who have gone through what must be a frightening ordeal, I certainly won’t let it put me off visiting the US again.

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What do I need to travel to the USA from Australia?

The Visa Waiver Program allows tourists from countries including Australia to go to the US on holiday or for business without obtaining a visa.

The document is called an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). You should only apply on the official ESTA site as there are scams around.

Most Australians will qualify though there are exceptions, such as if you’ve been to Cuba. You can stay for 90 days or less.

However, entry is not guaranteed.

Smarttraveller says in updated advice from May: “Entry requirements are strict. US authorities have broad powers to decide if you’re eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law.”

You’ll also need a return ticket and may be asked for proof of where you’re staying as well as what you’re doing there.

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