Travelling to USA as a poker player / questions about immigration after arrival
Hi guys,
I have a question regarding entering the USA and especially regarding the immigration officers of the border control.
Every time you enter the USA, you are questioned by the immigration officers and often it will happen that they'll ask you about how you pay for the trip and what's your job / your source of income.
1. How would you handle the situation and how would you answer if you are playing poker for a living? Is there any smart way to answer here? Should I just be honest and right away say that I play poker professionally?
2. What kind of documents would you prepare for this?
3. Did you have experiences yourself? Good/Bad?
Thanks for answers in advance! I am very frightened about the situation as I already heard some annoying and stressfull things about the US immigration officers and the questioning.
2 Replies
I’ve traveled to the U.S. a couple of times for poker tournaments, and I can totally relate to your concerns. The immigration officers can sometimes seem intense, but I’ve always tried to be straightforward. I just say I play poker professionally, but I also mention that I have other sources of income to show I’m not solely relying on gambling.
The immigration officers can sometimes seem intense, but I’ve always tried to be straightforward. I just say I play poker professionally, but I also mention that I have other sources of income to show I’m not solely relying on gambling. As for documents, I’d definitely have some proof of earnings or tournament results on hand, and maybe a letter from your bank or sponsor to show you’re financially stable. It’s good to be prepared, and I’ve heard that getting things like a
