Have you found love since relocating to Europe? If so, congratulations! If your partner is European, you might eventually want to take them to visit your hometown or other sites in the United States. I have been there, and it can be fun – but it can also be complicated, especially if you are unsure of the details before you set out.
That is where we come in.
Whether you are planning to take your sweetheart home to meet your family, going on an all-American road trip or even looking at a trip to Disneyland, here are a few things to keep in mind before you book your flights:
Gotta get an ESTA
One of the most important steps for your European partner to take to ensure a successful trip should happen before you pack your bags. While most European citizens do not need a visa, they will need the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA. Your partner can apply online but will need proof of application and ideally approval before being allowed to board the flight. Processing times are generally quick and an ESTA is good for two years, but it is still a good idea to apply in advance.
That being said, there are European countries whose citizens will need visas to visit the United States. If your partner is a citizen of Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova or Russia, they will need a visa to visit the United States. If you’re unsure, check the State Department official guidance well in advance of your planned trip –i t’s always better to play it safe!
Clearing customs – better together? (plus a pro tip)
Even with all your paperwork sorted, you and your partner will still need to go through passport control upon arriving in the States. Some Europeans, especially those who have never traveled outside of Europe before, can find US passport control a little intimidating. But don’t worry, you can be there beside them to ensure it goes smoothly.
How does that work? Households typically should stick together at passport control, and there is no rule forbidding U.S. citizens from using the non-citizens line at the border. It can also make things easier if you are there to account for your relationship. Being on hand to explain that you and your partner both reside in Europe means the agent will have no reason to worry that your partner is planning to illicitly remain with you in the United States.
PRO TIP: If possible, see if you can arrange a flight to the United States that has a layover at Dublin Airport. Surprisingly, this can save you time and stress. Why? Because Ireland and the United States have an agreement called pre-clearance, which means those traveling to the U.S. from Ireland go through U.S. passport control in the Irish airport before boarding their flight, which will land at a domestic terminal. The pre-clearance lines in Ireland are often much shorter than those in the United States, and the border agents stationed in Ireland likely will have seen many U.S.-European couples, meaning there is less possibility of confusion.
Handling health insurance
Your European partner might be anxious about traveling to the United States without health insurance, especially if they’re used to a universal health care system. While it’s hopefully not necessary, you may want to invest in travel insurance from a company that offers international coverage. This will help with peace of mind and could be important if you or your partner gets ill or injured, although hopefully that won’t happen!
If they do, and end up in the hospital, they could be looking at a bill for thousands if they don’t have health insurance.
Can my partner rent a car?
One difference between the US and many European countries is that, depending on what part of the U.S. you’ll be visiting, having access to a car can be a near-necessity. If your partner is looking to rent a car, it’s probably feasible with a few caveats. They’ll need to have a valid driving license from their country of residence (of course) and should have held their license for over a year. They will also likely need to be over 21 years old (over 18 in a small number of states).
If your partner’s driving license is not in English, they may want to consider an international license. A driving license in English is increasingly required by rental car companies. On the other hand, if you still have an American license, you may just want to “put yourself in the driver’s seat” for the duration of your trip and let your partner be a passenger prince or princess!
Watch out for culture shock
“Culture shock?” you might be thinking. “My partner is in a relationship with an American! How can they be vulnerable to culture shock?” But it’s still something to look out for. In particular, the food available in the United States may be different than your partner is used to. Be mindful that you can always take leftovers from your American-sized restaurant meals home!
Depending on the state you’re visiting, the physical landscape may also come as a surprise. In places like the American Southwest, the climate is very different from anywhere in Europe. Moreover, make sure your partner has some understanding of how big the United States actually is. For instance, you won’t be visiting New York City and the Grand Canyon in the same one-week trip. It’s good to discuss travel plans and priorities before your trip, ensuring they are realistic.
Finally, if English is not your partner’s native language, the linguistic differences may cause some tension. If Spanish is their most comfortable language, then depending on where exactly you are in the United States this might not be an issue, but if they are most comfortable in a language that is less common, such as Danish, Romanian or Hungarian, then get ready to be a supportive translator!
Remember, even if there are some hiccups, you should still be excited! Showing your partner your home country can be a wonderful experience.
Safe travels and enjoy your trip!
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Read more from Ellery here in Dispatches’ archives.
Ellery Weil
Dr. Ellery Weil is a writer and historian based in London. She was born in Washington, DC, raised in Maryland, and attended undergrad in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before moving to the UK to attend grad school at University College London, where she earned her PhD in History. She lives in London with her husband, where you can find her writing, reading, petting dogs in Regent's Park, and exploring the city's antique markets.
