How to pass through US customs without speaking English?

What You Need to Know About US Immigration

Worried about passing through immigration at New York’s airport if you don’t speak English? Don’t be. Keep these two things in mind:

• US immigration is not a language test. You don’t need to speak English to visit New York—just to confirm you’re here on vacation. In fact, not speaking English is proof that you’re a tourist, not trying to immigrate illegally.
• Thousands of passengers arrive at New York’s three airports every day, and they all make it to their hotels. No tourist gets sent back on the next flight because they don’t speak English.

Here are two ways to get through US immigration smoothly without speaking a word of English.

1/ The “Sorry” Approach

This is the most common method for non-English speakers. Step up to the immigration officer and, when they ask their first question, look apologetic and show you don’t understand. If you know a couple of words, you can say “sorry, I don’t speak English” with your best accent. If you speak no English at all, simply say in your own language that you don’t speak English. Just look sorry about it—show you regret it, not that you’re being disrespectful. This is completely acceptable, and you have nothing to worry about.
If you speak no English at all, one of two things will happen:

• The officer will communicate using gestures.
• The officer will ask another passenger to translate. This happens all the time, so don’t panic.
• Very rarely, the officer speaks your language. I’ve never encountered this myself, but some visitors on the New York Forum have reported it.

Here’s an interesting observation: the “sorry, I don’t speak English” approach was my favorite for years. Oddly enough—but logically—immigration officers move much faster with someone who doesn’t speak English than with someone who does. You avoid a lot of extra questions this way.

2/ Use the Automated Kiosks

Update May 6, 2023: Automated kiosks have been removed from JFK Airport. We don’t know when they’ll be reinstalled.

• If you’ve visited the United States before, you can use the automated kiosks. You’ll be able to choose your language on the machine.
• Follow the process: scan your passport and answer the questions displayed on screen. Easy. Once you’re done, print your receipt. Take it to the immigration officer line. This time it’s quick—the officer checks your receipt, stamps your passport, and you’re on your way. I used an automated kiosk on my last trip to New York and didn’t say a single word to the immigration agent.