How I prepared for entering US immigration for my thru hike as an international hiker

After many sleepless nights, reading lots of horror stories of people who got turned away, I was an absolute nervous wreck going through immigration. I am very, very happy to say, I am officially in the country and now the real excitement of starting a thru hike can begin!

What I took with me to show why I wanted to spend 6 months in the country and how I could support myself.

I had printed out the following, in preparation for them asking me for anything I could possibly need:

• Return plane ticket
• Copy of my bank statement showing enough funds to hike for 6 months
• Transport onwards to Lordsburg, New Mexico
• Hotel booking for Lordsburg
• CDTC southern terminus shuttle reservation
• Registration of my CDT thru hike attempt with the CDTC
• Information about what the CDT is and what the triple crown of thru hiking is
• Photocopied my certificates from the PCT and the AT
• Photos of me at all 4 terminuses on my previous hikes
• Print outs of payslips to provide evidence of what I do for work and why I wouldn’t need to work for 6 months to be able to hike. I even had a couple of contracts printed out to show what I do for work. (Private chef)
• A copy of my work visa for Australia where I’ll be heading after my hike.

I have always been this prepared for US immigration.

Before I hiked the PCT I entered the country with photos of me on other hikes, a paperback book about what the PCT is, I’ve always had evidence of onwards travel or proof that I don’t want to work in the US. This time I was extra prepared. I have been taken away for questioning twice before. I know how scary it can be. Once because someone had tried to enter the country on a passport I had had stolen and once because I said something they thought was suspicious.

On the plane

I nervously watched Wicked and ate my surprisingly tasty Kosher plane meal. The little tub of hummus was a wonderful touch. When I arrived at Denver (I had also chose an airport in the hiking community fly into specifically) I rushed off the plane and didn’t stop until I arrived at immigration. I was desperate to know my fate. The line was short and soon I was in front of an officer who in a world of burley men reminded me of Glinda from Wicked. I was able to answer the questions she asked me and also was able to provide evidence to support my answers from my pile of things I had printed. I was polite and showed excitement and enthusiasm for my hike ahead of me. I showed I was prepared not only for my hike, but for any questions that could prevent obstacles to allow me in. I was asked what I do for work, how much money I’m bringing in and how I survive on the trail. I showed my bank statement and a copy of my return ticket. That was all I needed, but had I not been prepared it could have been different.

I have written this to try to help anyone who may be nervous about entering the US as an international hiker and what you can do to prepare.

Now the real fun can begin! Follow me on instagram @juliette.outdoors for my gear reviews and journey as I start to attempt the CDT!

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