Proof of funds to enter the USA

An american friend has told me that his English girl friend has been refused entry to the US if she does not bring £1000 cash with her, she is only going for a month! I find this hard to believe as prior to me having my US visa, I was never asked such a thing.

Is this something new or could it be her giving an excuse not to travel?!

If she doesn't have a return ticket, proof of funds is not an unusual request.

But except in that situation, unless you really irritate the cop at the desk or can't answer his questions as to your itinerary accurately, she'll be fine.

[Neil]

Is she travelling under the VWP or does she have a specific visa that has certain rules attached to it?

You can be asked to prove you have adequate funds to cover your trip, and therefore won't be trying to seek employment while in the USA.

i thought you had to have a return ticket even if it was changeable ?
if you didn't that would raise a huge red flag with immigration
its rare to ask, sometimes they will question if you are bringing in over $10000 but again not often
I was asked once and laughed and said 'nowhere near' silly me, cos then he said 'well how much HAVE you got' and I had to admit to less than $50 BUT pointed out I had a bank account here so would take out what I needed -along with credit cards. he was fine with that

I have never had any problems before or been asked if I had at least $1000 on me when transiting into the US - quite frankly I rarely get asked any questions outside the business or pleasure basics.. It does depend on the CBP officer or, as Phoenix says, how lippy you get with them

I am aware of a Canadian tourist visa that allows you to border hop into Canada as many times as you want in a 12 month period that requires proof of at least $1000 in your bank account to fund the trip.. could she be getting confused with that I wonder?

Ah memories of backpacking around the world back in the 70's --- the trick at the time, was to buy £500 worth of travellers cheques, report them as stolen and have them cancelled and a new set reissued ---- obviously the first set were then useless and unspendable ---- but great for showing to any border guard who questioned your finances/means etc
All innocent at the time, if now viewed a little underhand
Life was simple, fun and a whole world to see

Who told them that this is a requirement?

I recently landed at Denver with no US currency as I hadn't had time to get any. Question of funds, return ticket never asked. Straight through to nearest ATM.

I travel to the US a fair bit and it is not unusual to be asked about this.

I do not believe there is a lower limit! I think they are just interested in whether you have enough to cover your trip, because if not they will worry about you seeking work.

We go twice a year and have never been asked about this. Always have to do fingerprints and photo, OH never does, reckon I must resemble a known criminal.

I've been asked how much money I've got on me 9 times out of 10. I tell them x amount of cash, plus cards and they have always seemed happy enough.

I get asked on most of my trips to the US, how much money am I carrying, where am I staying, how long for, where do I work, how much do I earn, how much do I spend on travelling etc. I just expect it now.
And also the fingerprints and eyescan/photo

I believe it does depend on the type of visa or waiver you have, that said I've often arrived in the US with but a few dollars in my wallet and have never been asked.

I don't think you're friend needs to worry, unless they're planning on say a six month stay.

I have a feeling that somewhere there is an official line about how you will be supported when overseas - but it's rarely enforced and I have never been asked.

But it does depend on visa and other circumstances: has she has a visa before, did she stay longer than 90 days anytime etc.

I think the suspicion is that she is planning to stay...

Last time I arrived in JFK I got asked if I was carrying more than $5000, I got a bit confused (drunk from the flight) and couldn't remember how much I had on me. I said to him I have to think about that...he was not impressed, I quickly sobered up and remembered I didn't have that much and he let me thro!

The only time I have ever been asked how much money I am carrying was when landing at LAS (ironic) and when picked out for a secondary inspection. :0

We were asked the question last time we passed through MCO. Will probably be asked it again when we go next time as well.

Been to the States probably 50+ times (business and pleasure) and I don't recall ever being asked about how much money I had and definitely not how much I earn etc.

Most people have multiple credit cards now as well so carrying cash is a bit of a drag - I thought everyone was trying to cut down on cash re Money Laundering etc so it goes against the grain slightly to insist on a minimum amount of cash.

I believe it does depend on the type of visa or waiver you have, that said I've often arrived in the US with but a few dollars in my wallet and have never been asked.

I don't think you're friend needs to worry, unless they're planning on say a six month stay.

Indeed, I have never been asked either about how much money I am carrying. Indeed yesterday arriving into JFK, I was asked no questions at all.....which is a first.

I'm sure much depends on who you are.

Well heeled traveller in business class = welcome to America. Have a nice day.

Impoverished student type in economy = bound to be looking for illegal work. Give them the third degree.

Needless to say there'll be exceptions to the rule, and of course a lot of it's down to the individual officer and their mood.

Like most immigration questions, it's not the answer that matters.. it's HOW you answer.. your attitude, behaviour and yes, your appearance too.

Travelling with 4 others last week to the US. I used Global Entry but the others were all asked to prove they had a return ticket. Luckily they had a printout of their itinerary.

I was surprised since I thought the airline provided that information in advance.