Has anyone ever had a Customs issue with visiting a place too often? I went to London for the first time last December, for a week. Airfares are very cheap for spring so I am going back to London for another week at the beginning of April to see a BBC show taping, and to do a few more things that I didnt have time to do last time I was there. Does anyone have experience with Customs and whether or not they get suspicious of someone visits frequently? I have checked out the Customs website and do not see this as a FAQ. Is there a limit to how many times you can visit in a kind of short amount of time? I figure since you can technically stay for 6 months at a time, it shouldn't be an issue, but im still curious.... I know celebrities go back and forth all the time, but im not Madonna...
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32363 posts
Tami,
I don't imagine you'll have a problem with two visits within four months. There are undoubtedly a lot of business people that travel there a lot more often than that.
If they ask, just explain the circumstances and I doubt there would be a problem. They're more concerned with people that are planning to work there illegally. Anyone willing to spend money as a tourist will be welcomed, especially in this economy.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
Business travellers do that more often. Hubby went to Paris twice in 3 weeks and a collegue is off to London at least once a month ... and no, neither of them is Madonna or Paul McCartny
Posted by
Freedonia
16402 posts
I have made trips across the pond twice in one month. (I got sick the first trip and found a great deal for return). The immigration officer at LHR asked why I came back so soon, I told him and he said "Enjoy your stay."
With U.S. Customs, you are limited in how much you can bring back every 30 days. Since it's been over 30 days, you won't have a problem.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8121 posts
As long as you stay within the rules of the visitor visa, you should have no issues. Basically this allows you to stay up to six months as you mention, just not sure if that is a a total of six months within a time period (like the 90 days in 180 days for Schengen Countries) or if the Six months is reset every time you enter.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1609 posts
No problems at all. I have sometimes done weekly trips between the US and UK and haven't had any problem. Also done multiple entries within the same week (i.e. short business trips from the UK to the rest of Europe) and haven't had any issues.
Posted by
OP
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
Yea Frank,
I didnt bring much back the first time because I wasnt sure what foods I could bring. Now that I know I can bring cheese, chocolates, no sausages, but baked goods, I will bring stuff back. Im definately too broke to buy tons of jewelry and artwork..lol