I actually can't believe I actually did this! I got a ticket to the U.S yesterday! I'm going to see him! :eek: ( in February )
I don't think I really understand it yet.. I wonder how this will go... I've only been outside Sweden once, and that was when I went to Greece for a vacation.. And then I wasn't alone..
This, I will do on my own...:(
But then I think about; this ain't the first time someone has gone abroad on their own...
And then , I'm thinking about; what if they (the U.S border) won't let me in? What if they send me back home.. I've heard about that happening to some...
Oohh... Some comfort will be highly appreciated.. :o

I'm soo nervous!

Big hug to you all!!
/ Hanna

Hannah, send me a ticket, and I'll come with you !!! :D

Actually, they will let you in. They are not the most friendly people at the US Customs and Immigration (they are not in France either) but there's no reason they won't let you in. I hope you have the new European passport with the optic reader or whatever this thing is called. Now, you NEED it to enter the US, otherwise you will need a visa.

You also should post in the state forum you're going to. I'm sure some of the wonderful PTO members in this forum would love to help you over there. :)

I've been many many times to the US, and believe me the people over there are very friendly and helpful. So don't worry. :)

Congrats on your upcoming visit, and please keep us updated.

Phil

I've always found the most intimidating thing about traveling to foreign countries to be the language barrier. Since you obviously speak English, you'll be fine!! Unless, of course, you are traveling deep into Louisiana or the outer reaches of Southern New Jersey- no one can understand them!:D

Oh WOW!!!! I wish so bad that I was going to be near your destination. I visited relatives in Norway a few years back and I had the same fears, but it was WONDERFUL!! They've come to visit me here in the US several times and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It'll all be OK, OK? Enjoy the time you have to anticipate your trip. That's half the fun. If you spend the whole time worrying about "what ifs", you'll miss out on the anticipation and planning - which actually extends the whole experience! You'll do just fine and I think, for the most part, people in the US are very helpful and friendly. (Geez, I hope "we" are anyway!!). That's so exciting!!!!

Hey... thats great news!!:thumbsup:

I have one bit of advice for you though... when you reach the U.S., DO NOT tell the immigration officers that you are going to visit your man, or that he is in prison!! Just say that you are there for a vacation/holiday!

How long are you going to be there for? How long do you get on visits? I'm sure that youre gonna have a gre\at time. Keep us posted once the visit happens and all your preparations for it!! :)

Tracey x

Good for you, great news

I have travelled back and forth from the US to Europe more times than I can remeber and what is said above is all too true. Do not tell them about your man and be sure to have credit cards, cash and an address with telephone number where you shall be staying, be calm and all will go well.
Good Luck

Yes, make sure you don't tell them why you are going. Also, make sure you have the address of the motel etc where you are staying. A PO Box no. isn't sufficient. You need the street address. Since 9/11 the Immigration officers are much more strict about these things. But you'll have a brilliant time, not just in the prison. Which State are you visiting?
Love
Helen.

Hi All!!

Oh thank you so much for all your advices!!
Well Phil! If I could I'd love to have you with me!!! That way it would all feel much better!!:D
I'm going over there on that Visa Waiver Program.. What are your experiences with that?
Yes, sickofprisons! That's one thing I'm actually very worried about.. The language. But I hope it'll turn out just fine...
But I guess I have a pretty good reason for talking english with an accent, haven't I? :D :D

Yeah, I've always had the impression that americans are a very friendly people.. So I don't worry about that so much though...
I'm going to stay with his mother, so that's great! She's also picking me up from the airport.. So meeting her is another thing I'm soo nervous about...:blush: Hihihi....
And, and.... I have another question.. :o All this airport thing is very new to me.... I was wondering, about my luggage......
I'm first landing in Chicago, to later go to Phoenix.. Do I have to pick out my luggage in Chicago and check it in once again to get it to Phoenix, or will it happen automatically after I've checked it in from Stockholm?

I'm planning on staying there about one month.. From Feb. 17th to March 17th.... So I'll get to see him about 12 times, 7 hours each... So I'll get to spend about 84 hours with him.. Hahahaha.... That's great! And it's Phoenix, Arizona I'm going to.. :)

You are all so sweet here!! Giving me all these advices! :) If you ever want to come to Sweden and get a tour, just let me know, Ok??:D
But I won't be available from Feb-March.. Hahaha..

Thank you!

Hugs!! :grouphug:

Hanna, what happened to me when I travelled to Seattle via Cincinnatti, I checked in to immigration (long queu, I had to answer extra questions on my passport being from another country than I live in), then got my luggage from a depot (nearby, no sweat), and checked it in again also nearby. It was no worry at all!! On the way back it was labelled through, so no picking up of luggage.
(I flew with Delta). It is great that you can stay with his mum! Have a great visit and relax, it really is not so much nerves as you expect, they all are humans too.
:)
Abelle

Abelle is right, you have to clear Customs and Immigration at the first airport you land in the US. Then flying from Chicago to Phoenix will be like flying from Jonkoping to Stockholm. :) On your way back, you'll check in your luggage in Phoenix, and won't have to worry about them until you land in Stockholm.

Be ready to answer all kinds of crazy questions !! When I flew over there last March, the American Airlines security staff in Paris almost fainted because I had stamps from Cuba and Morocco on my passport. :rolleyes: They also asked me when did I buy my suitcase, if I packed it by myself, when did I buy my cellphone, if I ever sent it for repair etc etc.... Also be prepared to take off your shoes like 4 or 5 times between the moment you check in and the moment you board the plane !!!

One month ????? 12 visits ???? 84 hours ????? WOW :yay: :yay: That's great !!! :) Beside it's nice to stay at his mom's :)

What is the Visa Waiver Program ???? :confused:

Phil

CONGRATULATIONS Hanna! :) I'm so happy for you. DOn't worry, things will work out fine. They'll see that pretty smile of yours at customs and you'll get by with a breeze :D We Americans are pretty nice ;) Hope you have a good time.

Stacy

Have a wonderful trip, Hanna! Most of those things you're worrying about aren't worth worrying over - listen to all that Phil has said and you will be just fine :)

Have a great time!!!! :yes:

Phil... the Visa Waiver Program is basically the I94 visa. Meaning we have an agreement about travel within certain countries. Thats why we dont have to apply for our visa to the U.S. before we go. We apply at the port of entry.

:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

I really don't know what you're speaking of !! :hmm: Normally European citizens don't need a visa to enter the US, unless they don't have the new passport with this optical reader. I really don't understand what you're speaking of. What is the I94 visa ????

Phil :confused:

I had a wonderful time visiting with Abelle!!

You will have a wonderful trip, and there is no need to worry!! Other than climate change between Chicago and Arizona in February!!!

JJT

Have a great trip! Don't worry you will be fine :) You will be in good hands with his Mom!

I would think that was good advice...but have one of the wonderful and knowledgeable folks here on PTO confirm it for you.
And have wonderful time and visit. Although I could write reams on what is wrong with my country....its still a wonderful place...and I live here by choice, since I have lived in other countries too. By the way, I love Stockholm, although I have only been there as a short time visitor.

Big Hug

Phil, that thing they give you in the airplane to fill out to hand to custom officers upon arrival is the visa waiver.
I have been to the US several times on it and never no problem. Being from Amsterdam always seems a reason for some remarks and looks but it never has gone any further than some questioning; mainly to make sure I was not intending to stay. Over here in Europe we can be quite informal with officials but just stay very polite and formal with them.
And most of all: enjoy!!!!!!! Hope you'll have a great time.

Hanna,

Have a great trip and wonderful visits!

This is a little different, but I want to tell the story. I first came to the US when I was eleven. It was a one way trip for we were coming here from Germany to live in San Francisco, California.

My parents had both been here before and they told us wonderful stories of the people here and how beautiful the United States is. But, my sisters and I were still terrified.

When we got here, we fell absolutely in love with the American people, they were and still are for the most part wonderful people!

I have gone back to Germany many times and love it there, but this is home now and I love the people here!

It will be a great trip! Arizona is so, so beautiful, make sure you see some of the state.

But, most of all just have a great time and enjoy your visits!

Patti

Hanna- I know you will have a wonderful trip - most people you will meet will be very friendly and only too happy to help- looking forward to hearing all about it when you return :)

Hanny,

How WONDERFUL this must be for you! You'll be fine when you come over! It sounds like everything is pretty much in order.

Like Phil said, be prepared to take off your soes several times :D Just relax and ENJOY your trip!

Hanna everything will be fine:yes: The weather is real nice in Phoenix right now the airport is big but a lot of nice people will be glad to help you ! have a great visit

Truly Patty

Hihihi..
I'm just sitting here laughing! You are all so nice and friendly!!
So Phil! You used the visa waiver program without even knowing about it... :D Hahaha...
So I should prepare to take of my shoes alot? Oh my! I should remember to wear new socks then, huh! Haha :p ...
So going from Chicago to Phoenix will be just like going from Jonkoping to Stockholm? I can't believe you remember that I lived in Jonkoping, Phil!:D

Soo JJT.. Tell me about the climate-change between Arizona and Chicago!! Is it cold in Chicago?
FriscoLady! Thank you for telling me about your story! So you fell in love with the people there?
My mom actually wanted to move to the U.S one time too when I was a kid.. But I talked her out of it.. Hahaha.. **whyy?**:)

Titantoo, so you like Stockholm? Hmm... Even though it's my capital-city, I can't say I'm really fond of that city.. I've been there like 7 times and I got lost every single time! :D
I wonder how I will manage in a big city like Phoenix if I can't handle Stockholm.. Haha.. No, it will be fine..I won't be alone, that's for sure.
But Titantoo, if you liked Stockholm, I bet you'll like my town; Jonkoping!
I have a nice picture of it...

Thank you all again! This website is really full of wonderful people!
;)

HUGS!!

I am so excited for you! I am sure that you will have a great time. That is so awesome, that you get to stay for a month :) I want to think that you will only meet nice people, I have to give my fellow americans a chance LOL

Have lots of fun, and make sure to take plenty of pictures :)

Hanna -

You will have a great time! Enjoy yourself :)

Have a great trip Hanna. I'm sure everything will work out just fine. Anticipation can be a wonderful thing. Take care.

Jenny
:D

Hanna, relax and enjoy yourself and your visit!

The immigration officials in the U.S. can come across as hard and cold, but they are like that with EVERYBODY, even U.S. citizens, so don't take it personally!

Jess :)

Hanna

hope you have a great time - and you realise we want to hear all about it ?:) .

all the best

Francesca

p.s
if you're flying out during the day try to get a window seat 'cause the views - especially flying over Greenland are amazing ( I've NEVER seen snow that white) but also you can see the whales :)

So Phil! You used the visa waiver program without even knowing about it... :D Hahaha...


LOL :D I didn't know this paper had a name !!! :D

Thanks for the pic, it's beautiful !! You better take pics in the US and share with us. :)

Phil

Hanna,have a wonderful time and don't worry about a thing.
Just remember to say you are on holiday and don't mention the prison visiting etc.I made that mistake once,4 years ago,never again though.
Sometimes you need to pick up your luggage and recheck it between flights,depending on which airline you choose,but just ask the cabin crew and they will tell you.

Phil,the visa waiver scheme is just the little green card we fill in before arriving in the U.S and they staple part of it into your passport and take it out when you leave the country.

I went through immigration in Philadelphia 10 day's ago and they took a photo of me,scanned my iris and took electronic fingerprints.It only took approx 1 minute longer than usual and since I had a machine readable passport,I could still use the visa waiver scheme.

Hanna

hope you have a great time - and you realise we want to hear all about it ?:) .

all the best

Francesca

p.s
if you're flying out during the day try to get a window seat 'cause the views - especially flying over Greenland are amazing ( I've NEVER seen snow that white) but also you can see the whales :)
Oh, so the plane goes over Greenland? Can you actually see the whales? Oh my!
That's something I'm looking forward to see!

Hihihi.. You are all so nice! It feels nice to have a place to come and "let it all out".. I haven't even told my friends I'm going yet... I know they'll think I'm nuts... But I guess I shouldn't care about what anyone else thinks...
I bet this will be a wonderful experience! :)

Hugs!!

Phil!
I promise I'll take lot's of pictures and show them here! :D

So Richie'sGirl, they took a photo of you and scanned your iris and took your electronic fingerprints?
That's regular routine, right? It probably is...

Hugs!!:D

Hanna,
From what the immigration officer told me,as of September this year all the iris scan's etc are standard security checks for any non us citizens wanting to enter the country.It's all in preparation for the new biometric passports coming into force by October 2005.

For the first time ever when I got home this weekend,I found a nice little leaflet in the bottom of my case,apologising for messing up my belongings,but my luggage was chosen as part of a random security check.I am all for as many security checks as they want to put me through,but it was nice of them to notify me they had done it.

Before you go,they have notices up everywhere now asking you to take keys,camera's and film out of your checked luggage and put them in your hand luggage because the x-ray machines are so powerful they could damage your belongings.