Is it okay to conceal the fact that I will play poker from a border officer?
I am preparing my trip to Vegas and found a 2021 travel guide published by WSOP. https://www.wsop.com/2021/WSOP-Travel-FA... On the last page of the document, it suggests that I should tell the officer that I am in Vegas "to participate in a live eSports tournament". I understand that there is no reason to give away unasked details, but technically this is not a true statement. Wouldn't this give them grounds to deny entry into the US should they become suspicious and scrutinize further? Any updates to the guide mentioned above?
I don't know a whole lot about the criteria to gain entry to the US as a non-citizen, but I do know they can deny entry if they find out you are not telling the truth about the purpose of your visit.
The WSOP guidance seems strange to me. I don't know why you wouldn't just say you were here to play in the WSOP.
I would suggest calling customs and immigration, and saying you just have a general question. Don't tell them your name (maybe even use a friend's phone if you're paranoid about getting flagged somehow if the WSOP is not considered a legitimate reason to enter). But just tell them you're planning to go to Las Vegas to play in the WSOP, and ask what you need to do to enter legally.
You're not trying to break any laws or gain entry illegally, so they should be helpful. Their information will be more trustworthy than anything from someone on the Internet.
There are literally thousands of people heading to Las Vegas from overseas and domestically every day just to play poker, especially during WSOP time. Border control / customs officials have seen it all and just want the truth and I can think of no reason not to tell the truth. I’ve never once had an issue at McCarron / Harry Reid and have always been honest in any dealings with them. The only thing I do differently for Las Vegas as opposed to travelling anywhere else in the world is to pre-print and complete my Fin CEN 105 money declaration form.
You could say you're seeking asylum. It's worked for millions of people.
FWIW, the purpose of your trip doesn't really matter as long as it's considered a tourist activity. What you shouldn't say is that you play poker professionally.
The length of your stay is important for the CBP officer to determine if they need to see additional stuff. If you're in your 20's and have a return flight 3 months later they will ask for documentation to proof you have the financial means to support yourself for that period of time.
Usually not an issue, those fancy breads are pretty cheap in Europe compared to the US.
Why shouldn’t they say that?
Pretty sure the US Tax Code considers Poker as Gambling. "I'm on my way to Vegas to gamble." Should fully suffice most queries. As long as you've declared any cash amounts that total over $10K US you should be good to go. GL
And NO .. not a good idea to bring $9995.50 with you!
FWIW, the purpose of your trip doesn't really matter as long as it's considered a tourist activity. What you shouldn't say is that you play poker professionally.
Good point. If you're a pro, and you say you're coming in to earn your living, they might require you to get a work visa. Much more difficult than a tourist visa.
I fly in from Europe regularly, and every single time it is the same thing. They ask if I am here for fun or for work. I say for fun and I play poker. They either say good luck or some weird remark about the house always winning to which I laugh awkwardly and they say good bye.
I fly in from Europe regularly, and every single time it is the same thing. They ask if I am here for fun or for work. I say for fun and I play poker. They either say good luck or some weird remark about the house always winning to which I laugh awkwardly and they say good bye.
For stays of 8+ weeks?
I've never had any issues either when I was younger but they always asked for extra stuff like hotel/house reservations.
That 2021 document faq was for covid restrictions mostly.
I am preparing my trip to Vegas and found a 2021 travel guide published by WSOP. https://www.wsop.com/2021/WSOP-Travel-FA... On the last page of the document, it suggests that I should tell the officer that I am in Vegas "to participate in a live eSports tournament". I understand that there is no reason to give away unasked details, but technically this is not a true statement. Wouldn't this give them grounds to deny entry into the US should they become suspicious and scrutinize further? Any u
That advice seems "wtf odd".
Basically WSOP apparently was advising you to break the law, possibly commit a felony, and be barred from future entry to the US.
You do NOT and should NOT lie to immigration (CBP). You can simply be truthful, tell them you are going to Las Vegas to gamble.
Border official: "What brings you to Vegas?"
You: "It's Vegas baby"
Job done :p
I fly in from Europe regularly, and every single time it is the same thing. They ask if I am here for fun or for work. I say for fun and I play poker. They either say good luck or some weird remark about the house always winning to which I laugh awkwardly and they say good bye.
So you’re lying on a federal document to gain entry to the USA
Do you think that’s an ok thing to do?
I have no answer to OP question.
But gone into USA many times from here in Canada... Flying is painless regarding cusoms/immigration..driving they can ask alot of questions
I find the airport customs often has a good laugh over money carried.. You tell them $600. I find they are apt to say "you sure that's enough"... $9500 and from Europe or Asia might be different
One of the tell tale signs of a 'perp' is not being able to answer simple questions about their trip even though you really aren't required to answer in most cases. If 'the lie' isn't well rehearsed then a person will pause before answering and/or not be able to keep the misinformation in line with what they have already said.
Obv any time you aren't a willing participant with authorities they automatically become suspicious and will probably try to dig deeper or make you a 'random' search in order to keep you in front of them longer.
I've seen a few YouTube drug busts and more than 3 have a perp getting a car in LA and then telling police they are coming from NM/AZ or some other place that doesn't make sense .. DUDE, it's right on the rental agreement that you started in LA! GL
You have to be able to prove that you can financially support yourself for however long because you're not allowed to work.
There are people who don't have enough savings to pay for 90 days of Vegas hotels.
One of the tell tale signs of a 'perp' is not being able to answer simple questions about their trip even though you really aren't required to answer in most cases.
In this case you have to.
FWIW, as previously mentioned I've spent a couple hours in a deportation area in a US airport. Pretty depressing in there.
