Sailing Through US Customs

ESTA, Global Entry and Trusted Traveler Programs explained

The US doesn’t make it easy for overseas visitors, especially if you happen to have a passport from Venezuela, Syria, Iran, Yemen, Libya, North Korea or Somalia, in which case you are effectively banned from entering the US (although some Iranian students are permitted in to study). But even those of us who are fortunate enough to have a favoured passport, the experience of US customs and immigration can create a memorably unfavourable impression. New York’s JFK airport in particular does not have a good reputation for sta politeness, and the queues at many US airports can make an already long journey seem even longer. However, there are various things that can smooth your entry, and being prepared can make your trip much easier.

ESTA