My wife and I landed at Newark, N.J. International Airport after arriving from Bogotá, Colombia. Here’s how my exchange with the customs and immigration officer went:
Me: Good afternoon.
Officer: Passports, please.
(Pauses) Where are you arriving from?
Me: Bogotá.
Officer: How long were you there?
Me: Sixty days.
Officer: Sixty days? That’s quite a long trip.
Me: We’re retired.
Officer: What were you doing in Bogotá?
Me: Visiting friends and family—and vacationing.
Officer: That’s a long time to spend with friends and family. I don't know many people who would want to spend so much time living with friends or family.
Me: You’re absolutely right. That’s why we opt for comfortable hotels.
Officer: I hear that. Anything to declare?
Me: Negative.
Officer: Have a nice day.
We didn't see any other passengers having any difficulties and the line was moving steadily. However, this was the most questioning we've encountered compared to countless other trips from Colombia and Europe. Just FYI... :-)
Me: Good afternoon.
Officer: Passports, please.
(Pauses) Where are you arriving from?
Me: Bogotá.
Officer: How long were you there?
Me: Sixty days.
Officer: Sixty days? That’s quite a long trip.
Me: We’re retired.
Officer: What were you doing in Bogotá?
Me: Visiting friends and family—and vacationing.
Officer: That’s a long time to spend with friends and family. I don't know many people who would want to spend so much time living with friends or family.
Me: You’re absolutely right. That’s why we opt for comfortable hotels.
Officer: I hear that. Anything to declare?
Me: Negative.
Officer: Have a nice day.
We didn't see any other passengers having any difficulties and the line was moving steadily. However, this was the most questioning we've encountered compared to countless other trips from Colombia and Europe. Just FYI... :-)
