Good to know before you´re entering the US...
Auf den nachflogenden Unterseiten und im linken Menü finden Sie einige Hinweise und Tipps für Ihre Reise in die USA, um Ihren Aufthalt und die Rückkehr so angenehm wie möglich zu gestalten.
Entering/ Leaving the USA and customs...
The job of the US customs is to generate as much as possible revenue, especially re-entering the USA. In case of doubt, you must prove that the goods have already been in your possession before you left the country. Who keeps all the purchase receipts ?? In order to prevent this unnecessary annoyance, US customs have forms of " goods" already in your possession in which you register your "valuable" items and show them to customs (at the airport) just before departure and get a receipt for that. This is espcecially useful for wedding attire, jewlery and cameras.
There is the possibilty for the visa-free entry into the USA. For this purpose, an electronic entry permit "Electronic System for Travel Authorization" also called "ESTA". This should be requested in advance, but no later than 72 hours before departure and is valid for 2 years. The "ESTA" fee would be $ 14 ( as of Feb.2015) and the approval will be issued within 1-2 hours. Without the "ESTA", the airline will refuse to let you board the airplane. It is recommended to apply approx. 6-8 weeks in advance for "ESTA"
You can apply for ESTA in almost any language under the following link : https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
More detailed information about entry requirement of "ESTA" can be found on the homepage of the US Embassy for that specific country
In the Aircraft, the flight attendants will hand out custom declaration forms for your Entry into the US which you have to fill out completely. Should you make and error, don't worry. The airline staff has a lot of these forms and will bring you a new one. Please be honest filling out the custom declaration form otherwise you might be denied entering the US in case of a violation. These forms are only available in English.