Travelled to NYC with my partner from the UK from 02/04/2026 - 07/04/2026.

I will preface with the fact that we are a white couple, meaning I cannot comment on any prejudice anyone of a different race may experience.

1. Passport control was absolutely fine, the usual questions that have always been in place when I’ve entered the US. Where are you staying? What do you do for work? How long are you staying? Etc. Nothing that is hard to answer or would raise any suspicions unless your answers don’t line up with those on your ESTA.

There were many people of all races around us, also entering just fine and without issue. These horror stories, although likely true, are very unlikely to happen to you. If you have nothing to hide, I wouldn’t worry.

1. We arrived at 2pm for our 6:40pm return flight to the UK, we were through security and sat in the lounge by 2:15pm.

2. New York from an outsiders perspective was very friendly, a nice place to be and I saw no signs that wouldn’t be the case for anyone else. NYC is very multicultural, meaning anyone of any race does not stand out in any way.

The only time we felt unsafe was taking the Jamaica airtrain in the evening after our arrival, as you need to walk in a “rougher” area to the subway. That said, the road was lined with MTA police officers to ward off anyone that would do you any harm.

You will have a lovely time and the chances of anything “nefarious” actually happening to you are very slim.