Getting a non-English speak person through immigration

[Unidentified 2,930]

Hi everyone,

I would like to try and convince my mother to come visit me here in the states for a few weeks (she's from Sweden). She is 67 and haven't been flying anywhere since she was in her 20's. Meaning a lot of things have changed since then... She barely speaks English, she understands more than she talks. She would like to come and visit but at the same time I believe she is scared of the whole process and that is making her anxious. The fact that she had a bad experience the first and only time she flew doesn't exactly make her excited about flying either...

I know that airlines are pretty good at helping people through the airport, finding the gates etc but how about getting them through immigration? Is this even an option or would I have to figure something else out? Write a letter she can give to the CBP officer stating she doesn't speak much English, that I invited her and that they can call me if they have any questions? I also know CBP is pretty good at getting officers who speak the visitor's language but Swedish is not exactly common...

Any ideas, thoughts, anything is appreciated! Thank you!

[Cheezees 1,514]

I can loan you my sister's husband. He's from Stockholm. Seriously though, I have no idea how to help.

[Darnell 8,478]

is easy to hire a flight-minder, have you looked into that ?

alternatively, a SamSung Note III with google translate loaded and the language downloaded (no internet access needed) is a great tool for anyone to use when getting through an airport.

FWIW, usually, from plane door to baggage claim, one follows the human in front of you. Just stay in the queue and keep going. There are restrooms along the walking route. Flow is one-way..

Edited January 27, 2016 by Darnell

[Unidentified 2,930]

is easy to hire a flight-minder, have you looked into that ?

First time I've heard of it. I'll go google it right now!

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

I don't think it is a bad idea to write a note for her to hand to immigration officer and another one for any flight friendly flight attendant when she gets on the plane.

The note to the flight attendant can simply just ask for someone who speaks her language. And she can even be moved to sit with the person.

But I would be more worried about her missing her flight is she is not coming by direct flight.

if it becomes too much of a hassle, go and bring her.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

Does your mother have smart phone / tablet?

Download a swedish - english translation app.

e.g.

http://appcrawlr.com/ios-apps/best-apps-swedish-dictionary

[Unidentified 2,930]

I don't think it is a bad idea to write a note for her to hand to immigration officer and another one for any flight friendly flight attendant when she gets on the plane.

The note to the flight attendant can simply just ask for someone who speaks her language. And she can even be moved to sit with the person.

But I would be more worried about her missing her flight is she is not coming by direct flight.

if it becomes too much of a hassle, go and bring her.

Yeah that sounds like a very good idea! The most hassle free would probably for her to go visit my brother in the south part of Sweden prior to going here, he could drive her to the airport in Copenhagen and she can take the direct flight here to Dulles. I wished my brother could travel with her because it would make it soooo much easier but me and my husband live in a 1 room apartment

Does your mother have smart phone / tablet?

Download a swedish - english translation app.

e.g.

http://appcrawlr.com/ios-apps/best-apps-swedish-dictionary

She is not that technical and she gave her smart phone to one of her grandchildren

[Merrytooth 5,748]

hmmm.. then you probably could write some flashcards (Swedish / English)

e.g.

"I am a ________ Citizen, I speak _______ languages."
"Will you point me towards the immigration/customs/baggage hall"
"Will you point me towards a bathroom?"
"Will you point me towards the exit?"

"I wish to sleep"
"Which way to the lavatory?"
"Is there any food available?"
"I am feeling nauseous"

Simple things but they can make traveling much easier.

Oh, you might want to prep your mother in advance on filling out the US Customs declaration form too.

[N-o-l-a 7,167]

I think if she can even manage a few words at immigration like "I don't speak English" and "I come to visit daughter", she'll be fine. My father in law doesn't speak any English and he has visited twice.

[Ksenia_O 696]

The same with my parents - they understand English more than they speak .They visited me in September, 2015. Traveling, they had 2 letters - one for immigration officer and another one for any flight (It takes three flights to get the place I live here, in the US ). The letters, BOTH, really helped. Parents got good assistance during flights and didn't have any troubles, entering the US. CBP officer looked at the letter and my parents weren't asked any questions. They got here "safe and sound"

It is really a great idea to write the letters. Before their trip I also filled out for parents the Form 6059B (U.S. Customs and Border Protection Declaration), scanned it and e-mailed to them. So, they didn't have to worry about this either. The link is here:

http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CBP%20Form%206059B%20English%20%28Fillable%29_0.pdf

Your mom will be fine Good luck!!!!

Edited January 27, 2016 by Ksenia_O

[Alaska2012 462]

Isn't Arlanda starting with customs/immigration procedure during 2016? That would help her enormously sin she'd have all that over and done with before even boarding.

[TBoneTX 45,288]

Mama-Mrs.-T-B. doesn't speak any English. She befriended someone on her flight who helped coach her and accompanied her through the arrival airport. (Of course, the CBP agents were all bilingual in Spanish.)

Get the nonstop Copenhagen-Dulles flight, encourage your mother to get acquainted with a couple of fellow passengers, follow the various other excellent suggestions above, and everything should turn out fine.

[Boiler 45,493]

Picked up my brother yesterday from DIA.

They have self service kiosks now where you do most of the processing, photo, fingerprints etc. Card pops out and then you see the man.

He was asked 2 questions, how long was he coming for, 2 weeks, who was he visiting, me.

That was it.

[Fr8dog 312]

Check the "passenger requires special assistance" box when booking the flight on line (or have the travel agent do it when you go that route).

All airports have a service for passengers requiring special needs, and these are not just for the wheelchairs.

They also include unaccompanied minors and elderly passengers, some of who may need some assistance because they are more likely to become anxious, confused or lost. No airport/airline wants to have people wander around aimlessly.

I like the idea of the note, but I would also included your phone number (or that of the person meeting her).

[menina 50]

When my husband came here, he spoke no English. I wrote him a list of phrases and words with Portuguese translation that he might need. I also wrote down step by step what the customs process would look like (ie: pick up your bags here, get in this line...) I had just come through customs on my way back from visiting, so I knew all the steps. I also provided him with my cell phone number so that the officer could call me if he had any questions. I did receive a phone call and was able to answer everything to their satisfaction. It was a fairly smooth process. The translation app is a great idea too. If she's coming on a direct flight, maybe one of the other passengers can assist as suggested above.