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





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6

















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.










share|improve this question
























  • 1





    What's your relationship to your companion? If you're married, this answer applies.

    – MJeffryes
    May 28 at 12:35











  • @MJeffryes we're not, but thanks for the link.

    – Federico
    May 28 at 12:42











  • I suppose it could be different in ATL, but even if you use the booths, you pass by a real human, unless you have global entry, which I assume you don't.

    – Azor Ahai
    May 28 at 18:19






  • 1





    @Clément on the other hand, in New York and Newark, I have been repeatedly and consistently told the contrary: that I and my non-US family should use the US citizens' line. So it seems that the only way to find out what to do in Atlanta is to ask an officer in Atlanta.

    – phoog
    May 29 at 2:05






  • 1





    Federico: actually, you are supposed to submit a joint customs declaration if you live in the same household and have any sort of relationship beyond being roommates. It's not limited to spouses. A joint customs declaration implies going to passport control together.

    – phoog
    May 29 at 2:14




















6

















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.










share|improve this question
























  • 1





    What's your relationship to your companion? If you're married, this answer applies.

    – MJeffryes
    May 28 at 12:35











  • @MJeffryes we're not, but thanks for the link.

    – Federico
    May 28 at 12:42











  • I suppose it could be different in ATL, but even if you use the booths, you pass by a real human, unless you have global entry, which I assume you don't.

    – Azor Ahai
    May 28 at 18:19






  • 1





    @Clément on the other hand, in New York and Newark, I have been repeatedly and consistently told the contrary: that I and my non-US family should use the US citizens' line. So it seems that the only way to find out what to do in Atlanta is to ask an officer in Atlanta.

    – phoog
    May 29 at 2:05






  • 1





    Federico: actually, you are supposed to submit a joint customs declaration if you live in the same household and have any sort of relationship beyond being roommates. It's not limited to spouses. A joint customs declaration implies going to passport control together.

    – phoog
    May 29 at 2:14
















6












6








6








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.










share|improve this question
















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.







usa customs-and-immigration atl






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question



share|improve this question








edited May 28 at 19:16









mkennedy

6,73228 silver badges43 bronze badges




6,73228 silver badges43 bronze badges










asked May 28 at 10:09









FedericoFederico

4392 silver badges15 bronze badges




4392 silver badges15 bronze badges











  • 1





    What's your relationship to your companion? If you're married, this answer applies.

    – MJeffryes
    May 28 at 12:35











  • @MJeffryes we're not, but thanks for the link.

    – Federico
    May 28 at 12:42











  • I suppose it could be different in ATL, but even if you use the booths, you pass by a real human, unless you have global entry, which I assume you don't.

    – Azor Ahai
    May 28 at 18:19






  • 1





    @Clément on the other hand, in New York and Newark, I have been repeatedly and consistently told the contrary: that I and my non-US family should use the US citizens' line. So it seems that the only way to find out what to do in Atlanta is to ask an officer in Atlanta.

    – phoog
    May 29 at 2:05






  • 1





    Federico: actually, you are supposed to submit a joint customs declaration if you live in the same household and have any sort of relationship beyond being roommates. It's not limited to spouses. A joint customs declaration implies going to passport control together.

    – phoog
    May 29 at 2:14
















  • 1





    What's your relationship to your companion? If you're married, this answer applies.

    – MJeffryes
    May 28 at 12:35











  • @MJeffryes we're not, but thanks for the link.

    – Federico
    May 28 at 12:42











  • I suppose it could be different in ATL, but even if you use the booths, you pass by a real human, unless you have global entry, which I assume you don't.

    – Azor Ahai
    May 28 at 18:19






  • 1





    @Clément on the other hand, in New York and Newark, I have been repeatedly and consistently told the contrary: that I and my non-US family should use the US citizens' line. So it seems that the only way to find out what to do in Atlanta is to ask an officer in Atlanta.

    – phoog
    May 29 at 2:05






  • 1





    Federico: actually, you are supposed to submit a joint customs declaration if you live in the same household and have any sort of relationship beyond being roommates. It's not limited to spouses. A joint customs declaration implies going to passport control together.

    – phoog
    May 29 at 2:14










1




1





What's your relationship to your companion? If you're married, this answer applies.

– MJeffryes
May 28 at 12:35





What's your relationship to your companion? If you're married, this answer applies.

– MJeffryes
May 28 at 12:35













@MJeffryes we're not, but thanks for the link.

– Federico
May 28 at 12:42





@MJeffryes we're not, but thanks for the link.

– Federico
May 28 at 12:42













I suppose it could be different in ATL, but even if you use the booths, you pass by a real human, unless you have global entry, which I assume you don't.

– Azor Ahai
May 28 at 18:19





I suppose it could be different in ATL, but even if you use the booths, you pass by a real human, unless you have global entry, which I assume you don't.

– Azor Ahai
May 28 at 18:19




1




1





@Clément on the other hand, in New York and Newark, I have been repeatedly and consistently told the contrary: that I and my non-US family should use the US citizens' line. So it seems that the only way to find out what to do in Atlanta is to ask an officer in Atlanta.

– phoog
May 29 at 2:05





@Clément on the other hand, in New York and Newark, I have been repeatedly and consistently told the contrary: that I and my non-US family should use the US citizens' line. So it seems that the only way to find out what to do in Atlanta is to ask an officer in Atlanta.

– phoog
May 29 at 2:05




1




1





Federico: actually, you are supposed to submit a joint customs declaration if you live in the same household and have any sort of relationship beyond being roommates. It's not limited to spouses. A joint customs declaration implies going to passport control together.

– phoog
May 29 at 2:14







Federico: actually, you are supposed to submit a joint customs declaration if you live in the same household and have any sort of relationship beyond being roommates. It's not limited to spouses. A joint customs declaration implies going to passport control together.

– phoog
May 29 at 2:14












2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes


















6


















In Atlanta it is a big hall for the Passport checks (not customs, that comes later after you collect your bags).



For first timers, they will take your fingerprints and photo at the booth where the officer checks the passport.



It is very swift and easy. I don't remember exactly if there were restrictions about who may use the line, but I don't think so.






share|improve this answer
























  • 1





    There are indeed different lines for citizens and non-citizens at immigration in Atlanta (and also separate lines for Global Entry, Mobile Passport, etc.)

    – reirab
    May 28 at 22:58





















2


















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.






share|improve this answer





























  • Yeah. It would be nicer to wait together in the queue than on the restaurant at arrival. Near the split of the two queue usually you will find an officer which tell people on what queue to go. You can ask and get confirmation (and maybe to the US queue).

    – Giacomo Catenazzi
    May 28 at 13:13











  • It also helps to be together if one of you needs help or information of the other. Like the address you will stay, or your relationship with your travel companion (being cross verified with the other.)

    – Willeke
    May 28 at 19:47











  • @GiacomoCatenazzi in my experience, the people telling you which line to go to are airport staff, not CBP officers, and they do not seem to have any training to deal with substantive questions. I have been told on more than one occasion to ignore them because they don't know what they're talking about. So take any information they give you with a grain of salt.

    – phoog
    May 29 at 2:11













  • @phoog: yes, but you have an argument to immigration officers if the quick one was the wrong one (so not bad faith). In any case usually (always) staff are nice, just that sometime they are extremely slow (and too much chatty).

    – Giacomo Catenazzi
    May 29 at 5:56













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2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes








2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes









active

oldest

votes






active

oldest

votes









6


















In Atlanta it is a big hall for the Passport checks (not customs, that comes later after you collect your bags).



For first timers, they will take your fingerprints and photo at the booth where the officer checks the passport.



It is very swift and easy. I don't remember exactly if there were restrictions about who may use the line, but I don't think so.






share|improve this answer
























  • 1





    There are indeed different lines for citizens and non-citizens at immigration in Atlanta (and also separate lines for Global Entry, Mobile Passport, etc.)

    – reirab
    May 28 at 22:58


















6


















In Atlanta it is a big hall for the Passport checks (not customs, that comes later after you collect your bags).



For first timers, they will take your fingerprints and photo at the booth where the officer checks the passport.



It is very swift and easy. I don't remember exactly if there were restrictions about who may use the line, but I don't think so.






share|improve this answer
























  • 1





    There are indeed different lines for citizens and non-citizens at immigration in Atlanta (and also separate lines for Global Entry, Mobile Passport, etc.)

    – reirab
    May 28 at 22:58
















6














6










6









In Atlanta it is a big hall for the Passport checks (not customs, that comes later after you collect your bags).



For first timers, they will take your fingerprints and photo at the booth where the officer checks the passport.



It is very swift and easy. I don't remember exactly if there were restrictions about who may use the line, but I don't think so.






share|improve this answer
















In Atlanta it is a big hall for the Passport checks (not customs, that comes later after you collect your bags).



For first timers, they will take your fingerprints and photo at the booth where the officer checks the passport.



It is very swift and easy. I don't remember exactly if there were restrictions about who may use the line, but I don't think so.







share|improve this answer















share|improve this answer




share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited May 28 at 11:24

























answered May 28 at 11:17









Mark JohnsonMark Johnson

3,0656 silver badges19 bronze badges




3,0656 silver badges19 bronze badges











  • 1





    There are indeed different lines for citizens and non-citizens at immigration in Atlanta (and also separate lines for Global Entry, Mobile Passport, etc.)

    – reirab
    May 28 at 22:58
















  • 1





    There are indeed different lines for citizens and non-citizens at immigration in Atlanta (and also separate lines for Global Entry, Mobile Passport, etc.)

    – reirab
    May 28 at 22:58










1




1





There are indeed different lines for citizens and non-citizens at immigration in Atlanta (and also separate lines for Global Entry, Mobile Passport, etc.)

– reirab
May 28 at 22:58







There are indeed different lines for citizens and non-citizens at immigration in Atlanta (and also separate lines for Global Entry, Mobile Passport, etc.)

– reirab
May 28 at 22:58















2


















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.






share|improve this answer





























  • Yeah. It would be nicer to wait together in the queue than on the restaurant at arrival. Near the split of the two queue usually you will find an officer which tell people on what queue to go. You can ask and get confirmation (and maybe to the US queue).

    – Giacomo Catenazzi
    May 28 at 13:13











  • It also helps to be together if one of you needs help or information of the other. Like the address you will stay, or your relationship with your travel companion (being cross verified with the other.)

    – Willeke
    May 28 at 19:47











  • @GiacomoCatenazzi in my experience, the people telling you which line to go to are airport staff, not CBP officers, and they do not seem to have any training to deal with substantive questions. I have been told on more than one occasion to ignore them because they don't know what they're talking about. So take any information they give you with a grain of salt.

    – phoog
    May 29 at 2:11













  • @phoog: yes, but you have an argument to immigration officers if the quick one was the wrong one (so not bad faith). In any case usually (always) staff are nice, just that sometime they are extremely slow (and too much chatty).

    – Giacomo Catenazzi
    May 29 at 5:56
















2


















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.






share|improve this answer





























  • Yeah. It would be nicer to wait together in the queue than on the restaurant at arrival. Near the split of the two queue usually you will find an officer which tell people on what queue to go. You can ask and get confirmation (and maybe to the US queue).

    – Giacomo Catenazzi
    May 28 at 13:13











  • It also helps to be together if one of you needs help or information of the other. Like the address you will stay, or your relationship with your travel companion (being cross verified with the other.)

    – Willeke
    May 28 at 19:47











  • @GiacomoCatenazzi in my experience, the people telling you which line to go to are airport staff, not CBP officers, and they do not seem to have any training to deal with substantive questions. I have been told on more than one occasion to ignore them because they don't know what they're talking about. So take any information they give you with a grain of salt.

    – phoog
    May 29 at 2:11













  • @phoog: yes, but you have an argument to immigration officers if the quick one was the wrong one (so not bad faith). In any case usually (always) staff are nice, just that sometime they are extremely slow (and too much chatty).

    – Giacomo Catenazzi
    May 29 at 5:56














2














2










2









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.






share|improve this 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.







share|improve this answer















share|improve this answer




share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited May 28 at 12:53

























answered May 28 at 10:32









Juan JimenezJuan Jimenez

3262 silver badges7 bronze badges




3262 silver badges7 bronze badges
















  • Yeah. It would be nicer to wait together in the queue than on the restaurant at arrival. Near the split of the two queue usually you will find an officer which tell people on what queue to go. You can ask and get confirmation (and maybe to the US queue).

    – Giacomo Catenazzi
    May 28 at 13:13











  • It also helps to be together if one of you needs help or information of the other. Like the address you will stay, or your relationship with your travel companion (being cross verified with the other.)

    – Willeke
    May 28 at 19:47











  • @GiacomoCatenazzi in my experience, the people telling you which line to go to are airport staff, not CBP officers, and they do not seem to have any training to deal with substantive questions. I have been told on more than one occasion to ignore them because they don't know what they're talking about. So take any information they give you with a grain of salt.

    – phoog
    May 29 at 2:11













  • @phoog: yes, but you have an argument to immigration officers if the quick one was the wrong one (so not bad faith). In any case usually (always) staff are nice, just that sometime they are extremely slow (and too much chatty).

    – Giacomo Catenazzi
    May 29 at 5:56



















  • Yeah. It would be nicer to wait together in the queue than on the restaurant at arrival. Near the split of the two queue usually you will find an officer which tell people on what queue to go. You can ask and get confirmation (and maybe to the US queue).

    – Giacomo Catenazzi
    May 28 at 13:13











  • It also helps to be together if one of you needs help or information of the other. Like the address you will stay, or your relationship with your travel companion (being cross verified with the other.)

    – Willeke
    May 28 at 19:47











  • @GiacomoCatenazzi in my experience, the people telling you which line to go to are airport staff, not CBP officers, and they do not seem to have any training to deal with substantive questions. I have been told on more than one occasion to ignore them because they don't know what they're talking about. So take any information they give you with a grain of salt.

    – phoog
    May 29 at 2:11













  • @phoog: yes, but you have an argument to immigration officers if the quick one was the wrong one (so not bad faith). In any case usually (always) staff are nice, just that sometime they are extremely slow (and too much chatty).

    – Giacomo Catenazzi
    May 29 at 5:56

















Yeah. It would be nicer to wait together in the queue than on the restaurant at arrival. Near the split of the two queue usually you will find an officer which tell people on what queue to go. You can ask and get confirmation (and maybe to the US queue).

– Giacomo Catenazzi
May 28 at 13:13





Yeah. It would be nicer to wait together in the queue than on the restaurant at arrival. Near the split of the two queue usually you will find an officer which tell people on what queue to go. You can ask and get confirmation (and maybe to the US queue).

– Giacomo Catenazzi
May 28 at 13:13













It also helps to be together if one of you needs help or information of the other. Like the address you will stay, or your relationship with your travel companion (being cross verified with the other.)

– Willeke
May 28 at 19:47





It also helps to be together if one of you needs help or information of the other. Like the address you will stay, or your relationship with your travel companion (being cross verified with the other.)

– Willeke
May 28 at 19:47













@GiacomoCatenazzi in my experience, the people telling you which line to go to are airport staff, not CBP officers, and they do not seem to have any training to deal with substantive questions. I have been told on more than one occasion to ignore them because they don't know what they're talking about. So take any information they give you with a grain of salt.

– phoog
May 29 at 2:11







@GiacomoCatenazzi in my experience, the people telling you which line to go to are airport staff, not CBP officers, and they do not seem to have any training to deal with substantive questions. I have been told on more than one occasion to ignore them because they don't know what they're talking about. So take any information they give you with a grain of salt.

– phoog
May 29 at 2:11















@phoog: yes, but you have an argument to immigration officers if the quick one was the wrong one (so not bad faith). In any case usually (always) staff are nice, just that sometime they are extremely slow (and too much chatty).

– Giacomo Catenazzi
May 29 at 5:56





@phoog: yes, but you have an argument to immigration officers if the quick one was the wrong one (so not bad faith). In any case usually (always) staff are nice, just that sometime they are extremely slow (and too much chatty).

– Giacomo Catenazzi
May 29 at 5:56



















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