Two German backpackers went from dreaming of Hawaiian beaches to sitting in a deportation cell—all because they didn’t plan their trip meticulously enough for U.S. border officials.
Charlotte and Maria, aged 18 and 19, learned that the “go with the flow” backpacker mentality doesn’t fly when entering America. With only their first two nights booked and a mention of freelance work (for European clients), CBP officers accused them of planning to work illegally.
“We were honest about everything,” Maria said. “But they treated us like we were smuggling drugs, not carrying backpacks.”
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After a night in detention, the girls were deported, their ESTA privileges canceled. Their story serves as a stark warning: when visiting the U.S., have a detailed itinerary and avoid any mention of remote income—no matter how irrelevant.
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“Research the rules,” Charlotte urged. “What’s normal elsewhere can get you jailed in America.”
