The Risks of International Travel for Folks from other Countries

[Neto]

I have not followed this topic, but the worst that ever happened to us entering Brazil was the first time, when we entered with a 1 year visa. We had complete documentation for everything we brought with us, with all of the embossed approvals, etc. (We had done all of this in person through the Brazilian Embassy in Washington DC.) The entry point (Belem) took everything away from us except one suitcase of clothing. They held the rest for (as I recall) around 6 weeks. Our impression was that the in-country officials resented those who work in the US. But they DID eventually give it all back, although some things were damaged because they did not repack things as we had them. We never had any more issues in all of the times we went through the federal check-in procedures. It was usually very time consuming, but the workers were always friendly and pleasant. Another possible reason is that Brazil had only very recently gone from military control to elected government, and so there were very likely many changes in procedures.

Do you recall the year?
o.gosh. when our son decided to go to Brazil to visit a friend, i was shocked at how unprepared he was.
in his early 20’s, no guilty conscience, he just didn’t know. o.gosh.

thankfully, he let us know weeks ahead, there was time for him to read+prepare. a lot to learn.
after he returned, he admitted he was astonished at how different everything was. his friend+family took care of him.
he said it was the best food he’d ever had! (what?!!) ok. i can deal with it.

“hope for the best, prepare for the worst.”

June of 1986.

[Ken]

What do immigrants have to do with anything?

Immigrants, by definition, involve international travel. Get back on subject.

I was on the subject. The quote of mine that you took out of context was me restating JohnH's question.

Bigotry towards immigrants is WHY the risks of travel have increased for folks from other countries.

[JohnH]

What do immigrants have to do with anything?

Immigrants, by definition, involve international travel. Get back on subject.

I was on the subject. The quote of mine that you took out of context was me restating JohnH's question.

Bigotry towards immigrants is WHY the risks of travel have increased for folks from other countries.

Are they actually risks? Or is it just that immigration and border laws are being enforced now?

[ohio jones]

What do immigrants have to do with anything?

Immigrants, by definition, involve international travel. Get back on subject.

I was on the subject. The quote of mine that you took out of context was me restating JohnH's question.

"But he did it first."

My admonition was not directed exclusively to you.

[barnhart]

The only friction I have ever experienced a border was entering the US. The Canadians have been unfailingly polite a helpful.

The only friction I have ever experienced at a border was entering Canada. The US CBP officers, as well as those in several dozen other countries, have been unfailingly polite and helpful.
YMMV, obviously.

Evidently I have a look that is suspicious to US officers and you have a look that is suspicious to Canadians.

[Neto]

I have not followed this topic, but the worst that ever happened to us entering Brazil was the first time, when we entered with a 1 year visa. We had complete documentation for everything we brought with us, with all of the embossed approvals, etc. .... The entry point (Belem) took everything away from us except one suitcase of clothing. They held the rest for (as I recall) around 6 weeks. ....

Do you recall the year?
....

June of 1986.

If it matters at all, I was off one year. It was June of 1985. I went to the Banawa village for the first time in 1986 (November).