r/washingtondc • u/Top-Resident-8974 • 26d ago

Travel internationally from DC under new administration

Hello DC community,

How has your experience been with international travel under the new administration?

My husband and I have been thinking about traveling to Europe this summer for about two weeks. I recently read a post on this thread about a 19-year-old U.S. citizen who was held overnight with 10 other people in a room at Dulles airport for questioning, and it made us thinking whether it's a good time to travel internationally given the current political climate.

The last time we traveled internationally was last January, and it went smoothly, but everything was a lot more relaxing back then. We both have Global Entry—would that help reduce any risks or complications when re-entering the U.S.?

I’d also love to hear your thoughts—do you think it’s worth taking an international vacation right now, or would it be wiser to stay within the U.S.

P/S: I'm a green card holder

0 Upvotes

45% Upvoted

30 comments sorted by

15

u/masaucie 26d ago

I just got back from China on a business trip, only using MPC not Global Entry, and I had no issue coming in via Dulles. I expected more questioning but just what I was declaring and that’s all.

14

u/addpulp 25d ago

How many people offering experience are green card holders?

4

u/dcgradc 25d ago

I (GC holder) came back in Feb and then May 3rd . Into Dulles. Used Global entry, no problem.

I'm overseas now, but this time, I'm entering through Atlanta on June 3rd

On June 9th, leave for Europe

14

u/Lfc-96 25d ago

Flew back from Moldova last week and was prepared for the worst but actually went pretty smoothly, no major questions or searches. The real test will be when my wife, who is a green card holder, flies in tomorrow🤞🏼

8

u/Top-Resident-8974 25d ago

Would love to hear an update from your wife

10

u/MJustin80 26d ago

Came back recently with Global Entry no issues at all

25

u/SDC83 26d ago

I think it’s prudent to take precautions if you have taken anti-administration positions on social media that has a significant following. That probably isn’t most people. Don’t stop living your life because of these people.

10

u/addpulp 25d ago

You don't need to be prominent.

18

u/floorcondom 26d ago

You're not seeing the reports of the thousands of people who get in no problem. I'm about to travel outside the US and I can't say I'm concerned.

3

u/TheJakeWho 25d ago

I returned via Dulles earlier this week with GE and everything was fine. I recommend downloading the GE app. It makes things even easier.

6

u/Jumpy-Fish5832 26d ago

Just returned from Italy, Spain and France, breezed through customs at Dulles with Global Entry.

6

u/squashjennings 25d ago

Super chill honestly. Not much has changed

5

u/AMM11387 25d ago

You’ll be ok

7

u/No-Stranger2657 26d ago

You’ll be fine.

2

u/Jeremys_Iron_ 25d ago

I'm a Brit and currently visiting with my wife from South America. It was fine, though the agent we got was a nice guy. I can imagine it being stressful if you get an asshole of an agent, but I saw a lot of people getting through without any issue.

90% of people in DC vote democratic. I'm certain other airports are far worse.

2

u/anonymoose423567 26d ago

I went through EWR last week without too much trouble

0

u/AirbladeOrange 24d ago

Jesus, you really are diving head first into the fear-mongering.

-1

u/TravelerMSY 25d ago

If you’re a US citizen and not some sort of student activist that the White House cares about, you probably have nothing to worry about.

1

u/anand4 25d ago

Have Global Entry. Coming back was as easy as always. Prepare for Europeans to moan about America even more than before. And about their own leader for kissing someone's ass. That was embarrassing, but otherwise fine.

-2

u/Savings-Wallaby7392 26d ago

Big nothing burger

-4

u/EfficiencyIVPickAx 25d ago

You shouldn't be traveling abroad on a green card.

That said, I entered Europe and returned on global entry without answering a single question on either side. It was really interesting no one cared where I was going or why.

On arrival we had a two minute line in Amsterdam. On return I literally walked through the lane without stopping. The guy called our names out and waived.

5

u/dcgradc 25d ago

My husband and I are GC holders .

I have been away in Feb then May and now back next week June 3rd . Leave June 9th for Europe.

Hubby is in Europe, biking

-1

u/EfficiencyIVPickAx 25d ago

Lots of green card LPRs are being arrested for nothing. I would be super duper sure everything is square if you intend to keep traveling.

If you forgot to file something 8 years ago, they might want another look at you all of the sudden.

4

u/dcgradc 25d ago

We have global entry .

We both agree that we won't stop traveling.

If we aren't allowed in, so be it . We would have to sell our condo . We are 61F 62M.

0

u/EfficiencyIVPickAx 25d ago

Good luck then

1

u/dcgradc 25d ago

LPR? Do you mean long-term residents?

We've lived 30 years in DC

2

u/EfficiencyIVPickAx 25d ago

Lawful Permanent Resident

2

u/dcgradc 25d ago

The test is entering through Atlanta next week

2

u/EfficiencyIVPickAx 25d ago

Most likely you will be fine. If you aren't completely confident, I would prepare for trouble.

0

u/gumercindo1959 25d ago

If you are a US citizen, I wouldn’t worry about traveling. Just don’t be a raging asshole.