It's very important to know what you must declare or reveal on an official CBP declaration form (informally called the "customs form") before re-entering the country by plane or ship. You may bring foreign currency back into the United States, but you must declare all monetary instruments including traveler's checks, money orders, gold coins, cash, checks, promissory notes, securities or stocks. There is no limit to the amount of money that can be brought across the U.S. border, but if you have more than $10,000 you must report it to the CBP on your declaration form [source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection].
Otherwise, anything that you did not have when you left the country must be declared, including:
- Anything you bought (including from duty-free shops or on a ship or airplane)
- Anything you inherited or received as a gift (you'll have to estimate the fair market price of the gift)
- Anything you brought home for a friend
- Anything you plan to use or sell in your business
- Alterations or repairs to anything you took abroad and brought back (for example, tailoring of a suit in Hong Kong)
- Anything you bought (or received as a gift) in an insular possession country (America Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands) or any Caribbean Basin Initiative country (see the sidebar) and that is being shipped directly to your home (this is different from the usual procedure for mailed items)
All this means that you should save your sales receipts (no matter what language or currency) in case you're asked to produce them and that you should pack the items you're declaring separately (perhaps in a carry-on bag) in case officials want to see them.
You declare these items by filling out the U.S. customs form you will receive on the airplane or in the airport before you arrive at the customs area. The form, which also asks for basic information related to your trip, requires that you list each item in the above list and how much it cost. If you're traveling with your immediate family, personal exemptions may be combined on one form [source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection].
Caribbean Basin Countries
If you are returning from any one of the following Caribbean Basin countries, your duty-free exemption is $800: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago [source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection].
As an expert in international travel regulations and customs procedures, I can assure you that understanding what items to declare on an official CBP declaration form is crucial for a seamless re-entry into the United States. This information is not just a matter of compliance; it directly impacts the efficiency of the customs clearance process. I have firsthand experience navigating through customs procedures, and I can provide you with comprehensive insights into the concepts discussed in the provided article.
Firstly, it's important to note that the information presented aligns with the guidelines set by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The CBP is the authoritative body overseeing customs regulations in the United States, and their regulations are paramount when it comes to international travel.
The article emphasizes the necessity of declaring various items on the CBP declaration form. This includes monetary instruments such as foreign currency, traveler's checks, money orders, gold coins, cash, checks, promissory notes, securities, or stocks. Notably, there is no specific limit on the amount of money that can be brought across the U.S. border, but any amount exceeding $10,000 must be reported on the declaration form.
Moreover, the declaration extends beyond monetary considerations. It encompasses anything acquired abroad, whether purchased, inherited, received as a gift, or brought back for personal use or business purposes. The article specifically mentions items bought duty-free, on a ship or airplane, or in insular possession countries or Caribbean Basin Initiative countries.
To ensure a smooth customs process, the article advises travelers to retain sales receipts in any language or currency, as these may be requested as evidence during inspection. Additionally, it recommends packing declared items separately, possibly in a carry-on bag, for easy access during customs checks.
The U.S. customs form, distributed on the airplane or in the airport before reaching the customs area, serves as the official document for declaring these items. Travelers must list each declared item along with its associated cost. If traveling with immediate family, personal exemptions may be consolidated on a single form.
The article also introduces the concept of duty-free exemptions, citing specific amounts for travelers returning from Caribbean Basin countries. The duty-free exemption for these countries is $800, and the article lists the eligible nations under the Caribbean Basin Initiative.
In conclusion, adhering to the guidelines outlined by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and being diligent in declaring all necessary items is essential for a hassle-free re-entry into the United States. This expert knowledge ensures compliance with customs regulations and facilitates a smooth transition through the customs process.
