My husband is US Army, and we're flying home to the U.S. from Germany for leave. I asked a question awhile ago in a different category, and haven't gotten any answers, so I figured I'd try my luck here.
Anyway, my question is, what can we expect, in going through customs? Will it take a long time? Or will they just glance at my husband's leave papers and military ID, and my passport, and wave us through? Will we get asked a hundred questions? How will this work?
This is our first visit home since we've been here, obviously. A little nervous about it.
Any information would be helpful.
2007-12-15 13:25:48 · 8 answers · asked by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
That's weird, I've never heard of a military person on orders needing a passport, and we were told he wouldn't need one. He certainly didn't need one when we flew over here. I did, though.
2007-12-15 13:33:03 · update #1
No, no bombs, lol. Just wine for my family, and presents for my nieces and nephews.
2007-12-15 13:36:42 · update #2
We flew back from Germany with hubby at least once -- if you are flying home on leave you just need a copy his leave form and your passports (you and children - wouldn't hurt to bring along a copy of his orders to Europe just in case). There isn't necessarily a special line (depends on the airport) but when we came home it was Veteran's day - they told us thanks for serving and welcome back to the States. Then you pick up your bags and they can choose to search them if they wish just like anyone else. That's about it. If you are changing planes then you will drop your bags back off -- sometimes you won't even see them until the end it just depends. Just follow the instructions and you'll be fine. He does NOT need a passport to come back to the States -- if you are flying between other countries they are starting to require them.
2007-12-15 13:41:06 · answer #1 · answered by ArmyWifey 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
if you are flying commercial he absolutely needs a Tourist Passport. No longer can you enter CONUS with just orders and an ID. In fact, Orders only are used for official travel, NOT leisure travel. His military status does not matter.. this is the new regulations that have been put in place within the last two years
What level of questioning ICE puts you through is random. you could get waved through, you could get taken aside for a more thorough screening. Also depends on the line. It could be extremely short for US citizens, it could be ginormously long.
2007-12-16 01:40:09 · answer #2 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is no "special" line for militaty or dependents!!!!
You will go through customs like everyone else. Sometimes you have to wait long and sometimes you don't.
The good thing is that when you get to the US There's a line for US Citizens. You can bypass everyone coming into the US who reside elsewhere. This can be a curse too if most of the plane is US folks returning for the holidays or from vacations! I have EX*FRIGIN*STENSIVE experience in this matter. If you have any specific questions please feel free to email me.
2007-12-15 14:10:38 · answer #3 · answered by matt m 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A commercial airport wont need to see your orders. They don't care if you are on orders or not. They want to see your passport. I'm not sure you'll be able to get into the country without one.
I've gone down to South America many times for the military and have never seen a military line when entering back into the US.
2007-12-15 13:29:41 · answer #4 · answered by Max B 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your local SATO office should be able to answer your questions. SATO means scheduled airline ticket office. You also could contact and read about Homeland security authorizations via the Internet. Your military travel unit should also have some answers for you. One rule to remember about carrying fluids in carry-ons in commerical planes.
3-1-1 means no more than 3 ozs of fluids, 1 quart bag, and 1 bag per person. I believe that nursing milk, and liquid medications are the only exceptions. Check with www.tsa.gov. Welcome Home
2007-12-15 13:40:38 · answer #5 · answered by MRTIGER 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In bound US customs has a special line for military. It's much quicker than for civilians
2007-12-15 13:28:49 · answer #6 · answered by DrRocco 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
military id should suffice for hubby,everyone else needs a passport.you shouldn't have any problems .direct questions to the first sargent it's his job to know everything.that way if they ask too many questions you can say "because my first sargent told me to"which is always an outstanding answer.
2007-12-15 17:21:45 · answer #7 · answered by joe c 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im a British Marine but from my experience they usually make it go smoother than it would if he wasn't in the army. It's not like he has a bomb on him.....right?
2007-12-15 13:29:30 · answer #8 · answered by BrigadierBacon 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋