US entry in Atlanta airport (ATL) together with a US citizen

US entry in Atlanta airport (ATL) together with a US citizen - From below of crop person holding national flag of United States of America waving in wind on street against city river

I will soon travel to the US for the first time.

I am not a US citizen, but I will travel together with one.

We will land in ATL and then proceed to a connecting flight. I know I will have to clear customs in ATL.

My ESTA application has been approved, but I read that since I never have travelled to the US before, I will have to clear immigration through a old-fashioned booth with a immigration officer, and I won't be able to use the electronic kiosks.

As my travel companion is a citizen, they'll not be subject to this restriction.

What is the best course of action? Should they queue with me, or should we proceed our separate ways?

I'd like to proceed together, but I don't know if it is allowed.



Best Answer

You can both go to the same passport check booth, but if you are asked to go to additional screening, whomever is with you will likely not be allowed to accompany you, even if it is your spouse. That person will then have to wait for you outside the immigration area.




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Do I need to go through customs for a connecting flight in Atlanta?

Flight Connections at ATL Regardless of where you are traveling to or from, all passengers must pass through Passport Control upon arrival at ATL, and this will be processed within the concourse that you arrive at. All passengers also have to proceed to the baggage claim area to pass through customs.

Can US Customs deny entry to a US citizen?

At the United States border, US immigration officers alone decide whether to allow or deny entry to travelers. Sometimes denial is clear-cut, such as a prior criminal conviction or the submission of incorrect documents. Very often, however, no specific reasons are given and denied US travelers just have to guess.

Is global entry available at Atlanta airport?

Directions: The Global Entry office is located in the International Terminal in Concourse F. From downtown Atlanta take Interstate 75/85 south.

What does immigration check at the airport?

The officer at primary inspection will verify your identity and check your name against various computer databases. The officers are on the lookout for people who might be a security risk or who are using a tourist or other nonimmigrant visa to gain entry to the United States for illegal purposes or a permanent stay.



ATL – International Traveler Arriving at gate in Concourse E and Walking to Main Customs (long walk)




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Ketut Subiyanto, Budgeron Bach, Budgeron Bach, William Fortunato