Getting a non-English speak person through immigration

[Georgia16 2,858]

Might have her take the SAS from CPH-IDA if she has any questions about flight, airport or the customs form on the plane they speak scandinavian

That way she might feel more safe. that's what i'm going to do with my parents who doesn't speak english either.

[Adil & Jeanne 296]

In Morocco they offer an Arabic speaker to do the interview

check with embassy in sweden to see if they will interview her in native language

there is always help on the plane to fill out the form / i helped a couple who didn't speak English

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

In Morocco they offer an Arabic speaker to do the interview

check with embassy in sweden to see if they will interview her in native language

there is always help on the plane to fill out the form / i helped a couple who didn't speak English

That wouldn't be necessary because OP's mum would attend the interview at a consulate in her home country so of course, the COs there will have to understand the local language (or have on staff an interpreter) so no need to make prior arrangement at the embassy for the interview.

Op's concern is with immigration at the airport.

[mallafri76 1,012]

I've been in line for CBP a couple of times when CBP has come out asking if someone in line spoke French and Dutch and could help translate. If your mum can't speak to CBP, they will find someone that can translate and if your mum's flying from Copenhagen or Stockholm, they'll find someone else from the flight who can translate so it won't be an issue.

And if flying from Copenhagen (I guess Stockholm too), you can arrange for SAS to assist your mum from check-in to boarding. My parents haven't flown since 9/11, so I'm planning on doing the same when my parents come to visit.

And I was thinking the same as you, writing a letter to CBP answering the standard questions they ask and giving my number if any issue. I think that's gotta help too.

[Maria2012 16]

I did two things fom my parents:

1 . Wrote a letter they presented with the passport and I wrote there all the things I assumed they would be asked

2. I requested wheelchair assistance for mom.

They were the first ones to exit the plane and did not have to wait in line at immigration

[catlover31 8]

Definitely ask for special assistance. My 70 year old MIL got a tourist visa approved days before our wedding reception. She speaks zero English and has some health issues. We prepared a piece of paper with some phrases in English like her name, where she was going to, why she was coming to the US and her health needs etc that she carried with her. However her first plane was delayed and she missed her connection and got stranded overnight, which was super scary.

[RobertM54 36]

On my next trip through Dulles I plan to take pictures of the path from debarking the aircraft through passport control, luggage claim and customs.

I'll build a little word doc for my sweet heart and will let you know when it is ready.

I wonder if someone has already done this.

[Essiej 42]

Just for the people's information here, her mom does not need to attend an interview at the consulate, she has an ESTA.

I helped a old dutch lady, when I arrived at the POE. They let us in together trough immigration even tough we didn't knew echother and I had a different package. I helped her all the way trough the TSA and stuff, make sure she befriends someone.

[Mena28 35]

Just for the people's information here, her mom does not need to attend an interview at the consulate, she has an ESTA.

I helped a old dutch lady, when I arrived at the POE. They let us in together trough immigration even tough we didn't knew echother and I had a different package. I helped her all the way trough the TSA and stuff, make sure she befriends someone.

I have done the same - help people get to where they are going / take them with me. Either they looks helpless enough for me to approach them, or we sat next to each other on the plane, or once I had someone tag along from pre-security onwards. their daughter approached me in the check-in line (all on same flight) and asked could I make sure mom got to the right place when switching flights in FRA. I was happy to, I had time. So basically, there are helpful people around :-)

On her flight there should be someone who speaks Swedish (from the flight crew), dont they usually announce which flight attendant speaks which languages? I have had this happen on every transatlantic flight so far.

I have a friend whose mom doesnt speak English and she visits her in the US once a year - she has never had issues at immigration, the one time she missed a connection the airport personnel called my friend to talk to her about how to get them where she was going.

I hope your mom decides to do it! Good luck!

[heo luoi 206]

Agree follow others you can determine are going your way. The Airports are pretty decent about it. Check the airports, DTW Detroit has an airport ambassador program where volunteers will help ppl navigate their airport. Perhaps others have the same. My wife came here with ever having flown ever and feigned she knew less english than she does and she made it ok.

[mallafri76 1,012]

On my next trip through Dulles I plan to take pictures of the path from debarking the aircraft through passport control, luggage claim and customs.

I'll build a little word doc for my sweet heart and will let you know when it is ready.

I wonder if someon has already done this.

That would be a great idea except you're not allowed to use your phone until you're past customs and immigrations. You can draw a map though.

[Fr8dog 312]

Dulles is pretty easy. As with most US airports, all international flights end up in the same terminal and though the walk may be long, there is no way to take a wrong turn prior to Immigration/Customs Hall.

more info:

http://www.flydulles.com/iad/international-arrivals

[Unidentified 2,930]

Wow you guys are awesome with all these ideas!

Essiej is right, as she is from Sweden she will be able to come here on ESTA and won't have to go through an interview prior to coming here. She would hopefully fly the direct flight with SAS from Copenhagen to Dulles so she wouldn't have to deal with any connecting flights. Since they are flying from Denmark it is not guarantied that they will have someone speaking Swedish but hopefully one of the Danish or Norwegian speaking flight crew will be able to communicate with her. So I'm hoping they can help her out a lot. I will definitely make sure to specify in her booking that she will need assistance. I think the tricky part will be the customs form but I could probably just print a sample form of the internet and translate it for her so she can look at it while filling hers in.

All of you have so many awesome idea that I'm going to write down and present to my mother. Operation Convince Mom to Come Visit has officially started!

Thank you everyone!

[Unidentified 2,930]

Dulles is pretty easy. As with most US airports, all international flights end up in the same terminal and though the walk may be long, there is no way to take a wrong turn prior to Immigration/Customs Hall. more info: http://www.flydulles.com/iad/international-arrivals

I've been to Dulles multiple times both for flying and for different events they have. You get herding pretty much like sheep to the mobile lounge and then you are at customs and immigration. But it's the actual going through immigration part that worries me.

[Dashinka 24,494]

I've been in line for CBP a couple of times when CBP has come out asking if someone in line spoke French and Dutch and could help translate. If your mum can't speak to CBP, they will find someone that can translate and if your mum's flying from Copenhagen or Stockholm, they'll find someone else from the flight who can translate so it won't be an issue.

And if flying from Copenhagen (I guess Stockholm too), you can arrange for SAS to assist your mum from check-in to boarding. My parents haven't flown since 9/11, so I'm planning on doing the same when my parents come to visit.

And I was thinking the same as you, writing a letter to CBP answering the standard questions they ask and giving my number if any issue. I think that's gotta help too.

I was going to suggest the same thing. While waiting at Detroit for my fiancé to arrive, I saw several instances where CBP came out to the waiting hall and request someone to help a person through the process I assume with language. If you provide her with a note, make sure your contact information is on it, so they can find you if you are there waiting at Dulles.

Good Luck!

Edited January 31, 2016 by Bill & Katya