USA customs
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Get import & export customs regulations, restricted items and food restrictions before travelling to USA. Items allowed to import is Visitors travelling to the US for over 72 hours have an allowance of up to US$100 of dutiable items intended as gifts for other people. Prohibited items is Absinthe containing thujone. Some of restricted items are Alcohol is subject to restrictions depending on which state you are arriving in.
Import Regulations
Free to import items into USA
Tobacco
- 200 cigarettes; and
- 100 cigars.
Alcohol
- There are no restrictions on the importation of funds into the US.
- Funds of US$10,000 or more must be declared.
Currency
- There are no restrictions on the importation of funds into the US.
- Funds of US$10,000 or more must be declared.
Other items
- Visitors travelling to the US for over 72 hours have an allowance of up to US$100 of dutiable items intended as gifts for other people. This allowance may be used once every six months, and may include 100 cigars. This gift exemption applies to individuals, and may not be combined in a family group.
Prohibited items into USA
- Absinthe containing thujone.
- Products containing dog and cat fur.
- Illegal drug paraphernalia.
- Anything containing meat products, including soup mixes.
- Copies of gold coins are prohibited if not properly marked by country of issuance.
- Certain medications such as rohypnol are prohibited. For further information, please visit theUS Food and Drug Administration.
- Merchandise from Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, and Sudan is prohibited. To bring in merchandise from these countries, travellers will need a specific licence from the Office of Foreign Assets Control. For further information on sanctions, please visit the US Department of the TreasurySanctions Programs and Country Information.
- Film will be examined if it is believed to contain prohibited material such as child pornography.
- Pirated or counterfeit goods are prohibited.
Restricted items into USA
- Alcohol is subject to restrictions depending on which state you are arriving in. For further information, please contact the relevant state's alcohol beverage control board.
- Automobiles must meet American standards. For further information, please visit the United States Environmental Protection AgencyImporting Vehicles and Engines into the United States, and the National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationVehicle Importation and Certification Requirements.
- Permits may be required in order to import biological specimens including bacterial cultures, molluscs, livestock, birds, and plants. For further information, please visit the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)Permits and Certifications.
- Certain fish and wildlife, along with derivative products, are subject to import restrictions. For further information, please visit the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Importation of certain cultural artifacts may require an export permit from the country of origin. For further information, please visit the Bureau of Educational and Cultural AffairsCultural Property Protection.
- Classified and unclassified items that have military application are considered defence articles, and require a licence before import and export. For further information, please visit theDirectorate of Defense Trade Control.
- Firearms and ammunition must be imported through a licenced importer. Anything prohibited by the National Firearms Act will be prohibited unless written authorisation is provided by theBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
- Fruit and vegetables may be allowed in, depending on the country of origin. For further information, please visit USDAPermits and Certifications.
- Game and hunting trophies may require a permit, depending on country of origin. For further information, please visit the US Fish and Wildlife ServiceInformation on Hunting and Fishing.
- Haitian goat hide drums are restricted if they have not been properly processed so that they are not infectious.
- Prescription medication must be in its original container, with the prescription printed on the container. Travellers should bring no more than is required for personal use - usually no more than 90 days' worth. Medical devices should also be accompanied by a doctor's prescription. All medication should be declared.
- All plants and plant products must be declared. Some require permits, and some may be prohibited. For further information, please visit the USDAPlant Health Import Permits.
- Soil is prohibited unless accompanied by an import permit.
- All pets are subject to importation requirements, and some are prohibited. For further information, please visit the Centers for Disease ControlBringing an Animal into the United States.
- Airlines should verify that any dog travelling to the United States has either a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a CDC-issued unimmunized dog permit, or a written statement that the dog has been living in a rabies-free country for the past 6 months or since birth. These requirements apply to dogs travelling in the cabin or the cargo hold of a plane.
- Airlines should also verify that any dog travelling to the United States matches the details on their identifying documentation, such as age, sex, breed, colour, and markings.
- Service dogs are subject to the same controls and restrictions as pet dogs.
USA travel details
Export Regulations
Free to export items from USA
No rules presentProhibited items from USA
- Narcotics and some medication containing prohibited substances.
- Absinthe or alcohols containing Artemisia Absinthium.
- Items infringing trade and copyright regulations.
Restricted items from USA
- Artefacts from Byzantine period, Pre-Colombian period, Khmer sculptures (unless accompanied by licences) or items of archaeological, historical, cultural, scientific and religious importance.
- Endangered species and their derivative products protected under CITES require a permit for export.
- Biological material including specimens of bacteria, fungus, and viruses require a permit through APHIS Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service.
- Funds of US$10,000 or more must be declared
USA visa advice
If you're considering exploring USA beyond the usual transit spots, our comprehensive guide on USA transit visa offers deeper insights and broader options for travelers of different nationalities. For those transiting through other countries en route to USA, understanding USA Transit Visa requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth journey.