Two German teenagers seeking a vacation in the US faced deportation after customs officials found their lack of comprehensive travel plans suspicious. Arriving in Hawaii with unbooked accommodations raised red flags, leading to lengthy questioning and mistreatment, including being held alongside serious detainees. Despite having an ESTA, which permits short-term travel, their experience underscores that entry into the US is not guaranteed. Following their ordeal, the German Foreign Office provided consular support and cautioned other travelers about similar pitfalls.
They found it suspicious that we hadn't fully booked our accommodations for the entire five weeks in Hawaii," Pohl told the outlet.
The German Foreign Office informed the outlet that it was involved in Pohl and Lepere's case and provided consular support following their experience.
What happened to the girls should serve as a reminder to travelers that having an ESTA... does not guarantee entry into the United States.
They were allegedly subjected to full-body scans and strip searches, according to the outlet.
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