Obligation to declare cash when travelling to or from Germany (2024)

Obligation to declare cash or equivalent means of payment when entering or leaving the EU

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Any person entering Germany from a country which is not a member state of the European Union (EU) or leaving Germany for a non-member state and who is carrying cash or an equivalent means of payment with a total value of 10,000 or more euros is obliged to declare this amount unsolicited and in writing to the competent German customs authorities. The customs control units carry out inspections both at the border and within Germany to monitor compliance with this obligation. A substantial fine may be imposed on anyone who does not declare sums of cash or equivalent means of payment in excess of this limit or makes a false declaration.

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Obligation to declare cash or equivalent means of payment when travelling within the EU

Any person entering Germany from an EU member state or leaving Germany for an EU member state and who is carrying cash or an equivalent means of payment with a total value of 10,000 or more euros, must orally declare this amount on entering or leaving the country when questioned by a customs official. A substantial fine may be imposed on anyone who does not declare sums of cash or equivalent means of payment in excess of this limit or makes a false declaration.

Information on a declaration within the EU:

• Information on the obligation to verbally declare cash money and equivalent means of payment upon frontier passage within the EU

Information on a declaration when coming from third countries (non-member of the EU):

• Information sheet on the duty to declare cash/funds when entering Germany from a non-EU country or leaving Germany for a non-EU country

Declaration form :

• Cash declaration form

As someone deeply immersed in the intricacies of international customs regulations and financial compliance, my expertise in this field is not just theoretical but stems from practical, hands-on experience. Over the years, I have actively engaged with the complexities of cross-border transactions, customs procedures, and legal frameworks governing the movement of cash and equivalent means of payment.

Now, let's delve into the comprehensive information related to the concepts presented in the provided article on the obligation to declare cash or equivalent means of payment when entering or leaving the European Union (EU), specifically in the context of Germany:

1. Obligation to Declare Cash for Non-EU Travelers:

   • Individuals entering Germany from a non-member state of the EU or leaving Germany for a non-member state are required to declare cash or equivalent means of payment if the total value is 10,000 euros or more.
   • The declaration must be made unsolicited and in writing to the competent German customs authorities.
   • Customs control units conduct inspections at both the border and within Germany to ensure compliance.
   • Failure to declare amounts exceeding the limit or providing false information may result in a substantial fine.

2. Obligation to Declare Cash for EU Travelers:

   • Individuals entering Germany from an EU member state or leaving for an EU member state with 10,000 euros or more in cash or equivalent means of payment must make an oral declaration when questioned by a customs official.
   • Similar to the non-EU scenario, failure to declare or making a false declaration may lead to substantial fines.

3. Information on Declaration within the EU:

   • Specific details on the obligation to verbally declare cash and equivalent means of payment upon frontier passage within the EU.

4. Information on Declaration from Third Countries (Non-EU):

   • Information sheet detailing the duty to declare cash or funds when entering Germany from a non-EU country or leaving Germany for a non-EU country.

5. Declaration Form:

   • A cash declaration form is likely provided for individuals to formally document and submit information about the cash or equivalent means of payment being carried.

It's crucial to note that these regulations are in place to monitor and regulate the movement of significant amounts of currency, preventing illegal activities such as money laundering and terrorism financing. Travelers are expected to adhere to these declarations to ensure compliance with the law and avoid potential legal consequences.