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#256954 by DragonLady
17 Nov 2008, 09:17
Not me being troublesome to US immigration this time, but Mr DLs green waiver form (the bit retained by the passenger until departure)wasn't taken when we left MIA last week (I made sure mine was taken).
Does he need to do anything (presumeably US immigration this he's still in the US)? I don't fancy a repeat of the scenario I endured on arrival the next time we visit.
Thanks.
DL
#460186 by Bazz
17 Nov 2008, 09:55
I had the same thing happen to me a couple of years back, I kept the portion but removed it from my passport, nothing was mentioned on entry or exit during my next trip so I kept mum and later discarded it. I wouldn't worry.
#460187 by McMaddog
17 Nov 2008, 10:23
I had a friend who had this happen in 1999. She went back to the US in 2000 and nothing was said, last year she went back again and went through a grueling interview process and they nearly refused her entry for not returning her form in 1999. I don't know if this is standard for all or random - she's Asian with a British passport.
#460188 by HighFlyer
17 Nov 2008, 10:29
I've had this happen before too. There are a few threads on V-Flyer so I guess its a pretty common occurence.

You are supposed to mail it back to them (instructions here) but it doesnt seem to make much of a difference whether you do or not. Last time it happened to me I mailed it back just to be on the safe side.

Thanks,
Sarah
#460201 by 2Tinks
17 Nov 2008, 11:40
We mailed ours back with our boarding cards and have been okay each time we've entered the USA since.
#460204 by mitchja
17 Nov 2008, 12:07
I would also suggest mailing it back ASAP.

Regards
#460212 by Bazz
17 Nov 2008, 13:42
Having read the page Highflyer linked to DL I would most certainly send it back with the requested proof of departure.

I can't remember which flight mine related to so I guess I will just have to keep my fingers crossed whenever I enter the US in future!
#460214 by FamilyMan
17 Nov 2008, 14:01
This happened to me last year. Luckily I returned still within the 3 month period and handed it over at immigration.

I was told in fairly direct terms that it was my responsibility to ensure it was collected on departure and left in no doubt that I would have been in trouble had I been returning after the 3 month period.

I always check the card has been collected now.

FM
#460240 by HighFlyer
17 Nov 2008, 20:23
I have had the waiver left in my passport a couple of times and have mailed the slips back but havent had any issues on subsequent trips to the US. Hopefully you will have the same luck.

Thanks,
Sarah
#460245 by aft1981
17 Nov 2008, 21:40
This happened to me last weekend - I flew from EWR to LHR for a weekend break in the UK, I didn't realise until I checked back in at LHR and it was pointed out to me that they hadn't taken the departure slip out of my passport. The lady at the check in desk recommended that I leave it in there (I travel on a visa so use the white card) and just explain to the immigration guy at Newark that it was accidentally left in. I did that and all was fine.

However, I guess I got lucky and had an immigration guy who was in a pleasant mood (unusual at Newark). The LHR check in desk lady seemed genuinely worried about me and hoped that I got someone nice at EWR!

I was actually going to post something about this, as when I thought about it, I knew exactly why it had been left in. I used the new self check in machine at EWR on my way out, didn't check a bag in and so went straight to the clubhouse and then through security. At no point did anyone look at my passport with the intention of removing the card that gets stapled in there. At security they don't check the departure record, just to make sure you and your passport picture match up. If it really is such a big deal to have this card removed upon departure, they should probably make sure they have someone there checking that.
#460252 by DragonLady
17 Nov 2008, 22:47
Thank you all for the replies (and the link Sarah).Up until a couple of weeks ago I'd have been laissez faire about the whole thing, but after my entry into MIA I'm now a bit twitchy. Mr DL will be returning the wretched card (with suitable proof that he is now back in Blighty)to the appropriate authorities.Hopefully ESTA (when operational) will relegate the card retention lottery to the consigns of history.
DL
Virgin Atlantic

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