Wow that's a great question although I have no answer. I am planning on traveling to Italy next summer so I'll be paying attention to see if anyone else knows! Sorry I'm no help!

It's become more of a norm now to ask for these documents.

Interesting.

I was really surprised when I was asked. I had been told everywhere before that all I needed was a passport. I guess technically all they require IS a passport for US citizens (and proof of plans to leave the country at the end of your stay, of course), but if they ask for other documents and you don't have them... it just seems to make things very complicated.


I'm bringing a letter from my employer stating when I'm expected back to work, etc.., a copy of a recent tax return slip that shows I do truly work at this place, a print out of my registration for the fall term at college, and a print out of my bank account statement (though this particular account only contains money for trips/fun things, as I keep a separate one for bills). Hopefully all of that will be sufficient.

That's what I thought, and that's why I'm so shocked that it's expected.

I panicked every time I had to put my bags down the last time, and I just had my debit card and cash in my bag. But.. I don't want to risk being sent home, so I'm trying to have everything I can to show I'm really just visiting.

I'm on my way to see my boyfriend, which in itself seems to send up red flags to immigration.. :/ It would be absolutely devastating if I were turned away for trying to visit him.

Were you asked for any sort of documents, other than your passport and travel plans?

Care to elaborate, please? What documents do you consider to be necessary for international trips? Everyone seems to have a different idea on that.

I'm trying to figure out what I should have on me.

On my way back into the US, I was simply asked why I was in the UK, and what I did for employment here in the US. I answered with brief answers each time: "I was on Holiday.", and "I work in childcare". The woman here simply smiled and said "welcome home, have a great day." No hassles.

In the UK, it seems that they wanted documents to prove that I could support myself while there, and that I had ties in the U.S. I think that they were worried that I would be overstaying. I did manage to convince them that I did, in fact, have ties to the U.S., even without the documents... it just took several hours to do so.

My understanding is that the documents aren't required, they're just "highly suggested". The UK border agency's website basically states that they could send you right back home if you can't prove that you've reason to leave the country at the end of your trip. Evidently a ticket home is just not enough these days.