You should be careful when packing if you are travelling to the U.S. with an American visa. In case you are in possession of this visa, you need to know you must follow some strict rules, mostly when it comes to packing your suitcase. The TSA has strengthened security checks of each airport and it warns about deciding to carry certain banned objects in your luggage, because it can have serious consequences.
Sometimes this happens because some people don’t know these things when packing, but this simple action can cost you the visa, get you fined or even prohibit you from getting into the country. So, this is why you should keep reading and know what objects are allowed and how to behave at check security points.
Careful with packing
Nowadays, it is crucial to be informed on every aspect when we travel. So, the best thing to do is packing your luggage according to what the authorities say, in this case the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) in the U.S. Why? Because the security airport checks your identification documents and what’s inside your luggage, so if they find something banned, you could face legal and migratory consequences. It doesn’t matter if it was a mistake you made out of ignorance, you will be in trouble anyway.
Objects banned
To avoid packing objects that will get you in trouble at the airport, we will tell you which one you should never be carrying. According to the TSA, these are the objects that are a security risk:
- Flammable objects.
- Cutting weapons.
- Firearms.
- Realistic replica of guns or explosives.
- Compressed air guns.
- Gunpowder or explosive materials over 10 ounces.
- Fireworks, firecrackers or sparklers.
- Self-defense spray.
- Weapons accessories like silencers or receivers.
What if you carry any of these objects?
If the TSA detects one of the previously mentioned banned objects in your luggage, there are many consequences you could face. For example, receiving a ‘’Notice of Violation’’, paying fines up to $17,062, canceling your American visa, possibly arresting and deporting you.
In some cases, you will have to request a hearing, pay the fine and do a corrective program before going back to the U.S. All of this for not packing well enough.
What they base on to punish you
Your intention is crucial for these situations. I mean, it is not the same to previously warn the authorities that you carry a banned object, as hiding it and being found at the security check. Another important factor is the nature of the object, for example if it’s a real weapon or a replica.
Reasons why your visa can be canceled
It doesn’t matter if your visa is valid, because authorities will cancel your visa if you do things like: lying on the DS-160 application document, exceeding the length of stay allowed, working without legal permission in the U.S., having criminal records, being arrested during your stay, or using fake identity documents.
These are some of the activities you shouldn’t do if you don’t want to lose your visa and continue with your life in the U.S. So, you’d better be informed and follow the law.
The TSA warns
The TSA advises checking everything when packing our luggage and declaring any object in case of doubt to avoid these problematic situations. These two things can make a difference to avoid delays or a problematic situation that could lead to serious legal consequences.
Basically, you should prepare in advance your trip, be honest and respect the rules because any mistake, no matter how big or small, can result in the worst trip of your life.
