Emma Watson stopped at US immigration as 'unaccompanied minor'

Emma Watson was stopped at JFK Airport in New York after being mistaken for an unaccompanied 12-year-old.

US visa

Emma Watson, 22, was mistaken for a 12-year-old unaccompanied child at JFK Airport in New York.

The Harry Potter actress was stopped at US immigration control after officials mistook the 22-year-old for unaccompanied minor.

Ms Watson, whose worldwide fame stems from her role as Hermione Granger in the biggest film franchise of all time, was questioned by immigration officials as she returned to the US to resume her studies at Brown University in Rhode Island.

Ms Watson took to Twitter to voice her frustration at the situation and also admitted it was not the first time she had been mistaken for a child.

"Passport control: 'unaccompanied minor?' Me: 'sorry?' Passport control: 'where is ur [sic] guardian?' Me: 'I'm 22!!!!!! #neverwearingbackpackagain

"The really sad thing is that is not the first time has happened."

A source close to Ms Watson reportedly told The People Ms Watson was embarrassed but that US immigration officials were better safe than sorry when it came to age checks:

"Emma was mortified. Not only did they not know who she was, they thought she was a child. It was very embarrassing but she managed to awkwardly laugh it off.

"The Americans are very serious about who they let in and out of the country. If young kids are thought to be on their own, it poses a massive problem."

The American Visa Bureau is an independent migration consultancy specialising in helping people from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries make their ESTA application.