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Traveling to the United States can feel daunting, not only due to its geographical distance but also because of the extensive preparations required. If your parents, who may not speak English, are embarking on a solo journey to the U.S., there are indeed many concerns. So, let’s organize and share essential preparations for your parents’ U.S. trip, including a template for immigration interviews when English may not be fluent.

✅ Passport and Visa

Ensure that the passport has a validity of at least 6 months beyond the intended stay, and the appropriate visa is obtained for the purpose of the trip. If it’s a short-term tourist visit of less than 3 months, some countries are eligible for the simplified ESTA application. It’s crucial to confirm that the passport remains valid for at least 6 months, especially if there are plans to travel to neighboring countries like Canada or Mexico, where re-entry to the U.S. may be required.

✅ Travel Insurance

To prepare for medical expenses and unforeseen accidents or losses during the trip, it’s advisable to sign up for travel insurance. Nowadays, obtaining traveler’s insurance is quite convenient through mobile apps. Before departure, select the countries to be visited during the travel period. If there are plans to move to other countries during the U.S. trip, consider checking and applying for coverage in those regions as well. Given the high medical costs in the U.S., it’s recommended to set the maximum limit for overseas medical expenses in the insurance policy.

✅ Ticket and Reservation Confirmations

Verify and print all travel itineraries, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and rental car bookings. Having physical printouts is essential, especially if immediate access to mobile apps is challenging upon arrival. Confirm transportation details such as rental cars, taxis, or pick-up locations upon arrival in the U.S.

✅ Extra Copies of Documents

Create separate copies or share duplicates of important documents such as passports, visas, credit cards, travel insurance, and reservation confirmations with family members. Make sure to have extra printed copies of passports and visas, as many places in the U.S. still require paper documentation.

✅ Currency Exchange and Credit Cards

Check the exchange rate for U.S. currency and bring sufficient cash along with credit cards. Credit card payments are prevalent in the U.S., so having multiple cards, especially those from major networks like Mastercard or Visa, is helpful. Mobile payment options like Samsung Pay and Apple Pay are also widely accepted.

✅ Medication and Medical Supplies

For your parents’ health, bring necessary medications and medical supplies. While a variety of medications are available in the U.S., bringing preferred medications from home is recommended. However, basic nutritional supplements can be easily purchased as souvenirs.

✅ Maps and Guidebooks

To make the long flight more enjoyable, consider bringing a guidebook about the U.S. to study during the journey. Smartphones can have Google Maps downloaded in advance for immediate use upon arrival, providing convenience during the trip.

✅ Mobile Phones and Chargers

Ensure your parents have their mobile phones and chargers to maintain communication upon arrival. Check and activate roaming services for immediate contact upon entering the U.S. Combining roaming and a U.S. SIM card can be a cost-effective option for seamless communication.

✅ Power Adapter

Since the U.S. has different voltage and plug types, it’s crucial to bring a power adapter to charge electronic devices promptly.

✅ Clothing and Weather-Appropriate Gear

Pack clothing and footwear suitable for the travel duration and purpose. Consider the diverse weather changes in the U.S. and bring both summer and winter attire. While T-shirts and shorts can be easily purchased, having a warm coat for high-altitude or chilly nights is recommended.

✅ Immigration Interview Preparation

For parents traveling alone to the U.S., immigration officers may ask additional questions if English proficiency is limited. To ease the process, prepare anticipated questions in advance and organize responses to show the immigration officer. Additionally, for individuals aged 70 and above, consider utilizing assistance services offered by airlines like Asiana/Korean Air for boarding and immigration procedures.

When preparing for immigration interviews, it may be beneficial to have a letter ready explaining any language barriers. We have attached a sample letter in PDF format to this post. Feel free to customize it based on your situation, and print it along with your arrival and departure tickets for a smoother immigration process.

Feel free to ask questions or share your experiences in the comments! Your feedback and engagement will be greatly appreciated. Safe travels!