Traveling to the United States can be both exciting and challenging, especially when faced with unfamiliar terminology during the trip planning process and while passing through customs. To help you better understand essential phrases you may encounter if you’re an international visitor to the U.S., we’ve compiled the list of key terms below. We encourage you to print or save this list for quick reference as you’re preparing for your trip.

U.S. Border Crossing Terms Every Traveler Should Understand

When arriving in the U.S., you will likely encounter specific terminology used at ports of entry and during the immigration process. Below is a list of common U.S. border crossing terms and immigration vocabulary, along with brief definitions and context.

• What is port of entry when visiting the U.S.? Port of entry is the location where you officially enter the U.S. and go through immigration and customs.
• What is purpose of visit when entering the U.S.? Purpose of visit is a question asked to understand why you’re entering the U.S., such as for tourism, business, etc.
• What is length of stay when visiting the U.S.? Length of stay refers to how long you plan to be in the U.S., either specific dates or a duration of time.

Travel Document Terms for Passports, Visas, and Entry Permits

As you prepare for your trip to the U.S., you will want to ensure you understand various travel document terms and identify which travel documents you specifically need to enter the country. This section provides a list of common travel documents, including some of the most common types of U.S. visas, to help you smoothly navigate the entry process.

• A passport is an official government-issued document verifying your identity and nationality.
• A B-1 Visa is for business visitors.
• A B-2 Visa is for tourists.
• An F-1 Visa is for full-time students enrolled in academic programs in the U.S.
• H Visas are for temporary workers and come in several different types.
• A J Visa is for individuals participating in exchange programs, such as scholars or au pairs.
• An I-94 Form is an electronic or paper record documenting the legal entry of a non-U.S. citizen and how long they are legally permitted to stay in the country.

How to Understand Customers Vocabulary on Declaration Forms

When passing through customs, you may have to provide a customs declaration, meaning a form or verbal statement disclosing items you’re bringing into the country, such as food or goods. You may hear some of the customs vocabulary words below throughout this process.

• What does “duty-free” mean at customs? Duty free refers to items purchased in international travel settings, such as in airports or on ships, where specific national and local taxes are not included in the price
• What are prohibited items at customs? Prohibited items are those that are forbidden by law to enter the U.S. This includes items such as illegal drugs, certain weapons, etc.
• What is a currency declaration at customs? A currency declaration is a report that must be submitted to customs authorities when carrying more than $10,000 into the country.

Common Airport Security Screening Vocabulary Travelers Should Understand

Before boarding a flight to the U.S., you must go through airport security screening. Understanding some of the specific procedures and terminology involved in this process can help reduce stress and ensure a smoother experience at the airport.

• “Laptops out” is a phrase you will hear TSA security say meaning laptops must be removed from your carry-on bag and placed in their own separate bin for X-ray screening.
• “Empty pockets” is another phrase you may hear during the security screening process to ensure there is nothing in your pockets before passing through a body scanner machine.
• A pat-down is a physical inspection of your body by a TSA officer to check for concealed prohibited items, sometimes done at random or if a scanner detects an anomaly.

Important Government Agency Acronyms Travelers Should Know

When traveling to the U.S., you may encounter a variety of government agencies that are commonly referred to by acronyms, which can be especially confusing if you’re not familiar with them. Below are a few of the agencies and their associated acronyms that you’re likely to come across while traveling.

• What is CBP? CBP stands for Customs and Border Protection, the agency responsible for border security and immigration enforcement at ports of entry.
• What is TSA? TSA stands for Transportation Security Administration, the agency responsible for the security of transportation systems within and connecting to the U.S.
• What is ICE? ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency responsible for enforcing federal immigration and customs laws and investigating related criminal activities.

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