What are the rules for declaring cash when traveling internationally?
When traveling internationally with $10,000 or more in cash, travelers are required by law to declare that money to customs officials. This applies to cash, cashier’s checks, money orders, and other monetary instruments. The declaration must be made when entering or leaving the United States. This requirement helps detect illegal activities like money laundering, tax evasion, and terrorist financing.
The $10,000 limit applies to the total value of cash carried by a family or group, not each individual. So if a family of four is carrying $6000 each, their total exceeds $10,000 and must be declared. The cash does not need to be declared if it is shipped separately from a person carrying it.
Who needs to declare cash at the airport?
Any traveler entering or leaving the US with $10,000 or more in cash must declare it. This includes citizens, permanent residents, visitors, students, business people, etc. The only exception is diplomats. It does not matter what country the traveler is going to or coming from—the declaration must be made when transiting through the US border.
When do I need to declare cash?
The declaration must be made at the time of entering or exiting the US. Travelers should ensure they have the proper declaration forms before arriving at the airport. The Customs Declaration Form 6059B can be used to declare cash over $10,000. On the form, the traveler must check “yes” on the line that asks if they are carrying currency or monetary instruments over $10,000.
Some other key times the declaration should be made:
– At airport customs when going through immigration after landing in the US
– At airport customs when leaving the US border by plane
– Anytime crossing the US border, whether by land, sea, or air
What if I don’t declare cash over $10,000?
It is illegal to not declare cash over $10,000 when entering or leaving the US. If caught, the consequences can include:
– Civil penalties: Up to $500,000 penalty for not declaring cash
– Criminal penalties: Up to 5 years in prison and forfeiture of the money
– Having the money seized by customs officials
– Missing a flight while undergoing questioning and an examination by officials
That is why it is essential to properly declare cash over $10,000 to customs officials at the airport. Travelers who promptly declare it and can explain its source likely will have no issues. Trying to sneak a large amount of cash into or out of the country can lead to much more severe outcomes.
What is the process for declaring cash at the airport?
The process for declaring cash over $10,000 involves a few easy steps:
1. Fill out the Customs Declaration Form
Travelers should complete Customs Form 6059B before arriving at the airport. Check “yes” on the line asking if you are carrying over $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments. Include details like the total cash amount, origin, intended use, and owner of the money.
2. Present form when entering the US
At the airport, travelers will go through immigration control when entering the US border. Present the completed Customs Form 6059B to the officer to declare cash over $10,000. Be ready to also show proof of identification.
3. Undergo potential questioning or examination
Customs officers may ask questions about:
– Total amount of cash
– Origins and intended use of the money
– Cash owner(s) and source(s)
– Travel itinerary and plans
Officers have the right to examine bags if they suspect undeclared cash. Be cooperative during any questions or inspection.
4. Complete paperwork
If selected for an examination, travelers will have to complete additional paperwork regarding the cash declaration. This may include Form 4790 – Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments.
5. Receive a receipt
Once the process is complete, the customs officer will return the declared cash and provide a receipt confirming it was properly declared. Travelers should keep this receipt during the trip and until departing the US.
Can I just bring cash in my carry-on or check it in luggage?
It is legal to carry any amount of cash domestically within the US borders. But internationally, cash over $10,000 must be properly declared when crossing US borders.
Do not attempt to sneak cash over the $10,000 limit in a checked bag or carry-on. Customs officials have scanning machines and other tools to detect undeclared cash. Large amounts of concealed currency will be confiscated and lead to penalties.
Be sure to separately declare cash over $10,000 from any checked or carry-on luggage. Trying to hide it in baggage shows intent to evade declaration laws.
What if I’m transiting through the US?
The cash declaration requirements apply equally to travelers transiting through a US airport on route to another country. Even if just connecting onward to another flight, cash over $10,000 must still be declared when passing through US customs control.
The declaration should be made:
– When first entering the US border, even if just transiting to a connecting flight
– When exiting the US border on the flight out of the country
Travelers should plan adequate time between connections to complete the declaration process before boarding the next flight. Trying to transit cash illegally can still result in civil or criminal penalties.
What are the differences between declaration requirements for domestic and international flights?
The main difference in cash declaration requirements for domestic and international flights is the $10,000 threshold:
| Domestic Flights | International Flights |
|---|---|
| No declaration required, any amount allowed | Must declare $10,000 or more when entering/exiting US |
| No forms or receipts needed | Must complete Form 6059B and receive receipt from customs |
| No penalties for carrying cash | Civil/criminal penalties for not declaring over $10,000 |
When traveling solely within the US and its territories like Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands, there are no federal restrictions on carrying cash. Any amount can be brought on domestic flights without declaration or paperwork.
But on international routes, even those starting within the US, cash over $10,000 must be declared when crossing the US border in either direction. This ensures funds from illegal sources are not entering or leaving the country undetected. Failure to properly declare cash can result in harsh penalties.
What are some tips for smoothly declaring cash at the airport?
Follow these tips for a smooth process when declaring cash over $10,000 at the airport:
– Complete Customs Form 6059B accurately before arriving at the airport
– Double check the total value of cash from all travelers in your group
– Carry proof of identification and any documents showing the source of funds
– Politely inform the customs officer if declaring cash over $10,000
– Answer officer’s questions fully and truthfully
– Undergo potential examinations cooperatively if requested
– Declare cash separately from checked or carry-on bags
– Keep the declaration receipt for the entire international trip
– Build in adequate time for the declaration process when connecting in the US
Never:
– Try to split up cash over $10,000 among travelers or bags
– Lie about the total amount of cash being transported
– Conceal currency and avoid submitting the declaration form
Following proper procedures shows good faith and a willingness to comply with the law. With preparation and care, travelers can smoothly navigate the cash declaration process when entering or leaving the US.
Conclusion
When crossing US borders with $10,000 or more in cash, it must be properly declared to customs officials. This straightforward process involves filling out a form, answering questions, and receiving a receipt. While the rules are strict, complying helps detect criminal activity and shows a commitment to following the law. With some preparation and patience, travelers can easily declare their cash and be on their way.