Travel guides / At the airport
At the airportArriving in the US: what you must declare at customs
When you land in the US you must declare certain items to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Declaring is not the same as paying: most declared food is simply inspected.
Food, plants and animal products
Declare all food, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, meat, animal products and live animals. Many items are allowed after inspection, but some, such as many fresh fruits and meats, are not. Not declaring them can lead to penalties and the items being taken away. If you are not sure, declare it.
Cash over $10,000
Carrying any amount of money is legal, but if you bring in more than $10,000 in total (US dollars, foreign currency, traveler's checks or similar), you must report it on FinCEN Form 105. A family travelling together adds up its money. Not reporting can mean the money is seized.
Goods and the duty-free allowance
- US residents can usually bring back $800 worth of goods duty free.
- Visitors (non-residents) can usually bring in $100 worth of gifts duty free.
- Above that, duty may be charged. Keep receipts.
Medicines
Bring medicines in their original containers, in amounts for personal use, with a copy of your prescription. Some medicines that are sold freely abroad are controlled or not allowed in the US.
How you declare
Many airports now use kiosks, the Mobile Passport Control app or face check instead of a paper form. However you enter, tell the officer about anything in the categories above.
Handy tools
Keep reading
- TSA liquids rule (3-1-1): what you can bring in your carry-on
- Power banks and batteries on planes: the rules
- TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry: which should you get?
Sources
Rules, fees and processing times change. Check the official sources above before you travel. Last checked October 2026.