Island Trader Vacations Reviews Customs and What to Expect When You Travel

What You Can and Cannot Take With You When You Travel

All countries have restrictions on what you can and cannot bring into the country including the U.S. In fact, on an average day, the CBP, the largest and most complex component of the Department of Homeland Security, processed almost 1 million passengers and seized over 11,000 pounds of drugs, almost $300,000 of undeclared or illicit currency and over $4.7 million dollars of products with IPR violations. While you may not be smuggling drugs or large amounts of cash, you still may find yourself with issues if you are unfamiliar with customs rules. Even one apple or other food or beverage item may find you detained and facing fines or even jail time depending on how much, where and what you have.

Medications, fruit, plants, meat, animals, jewelry and money are just a few items you will want to research before packing in your bag to avoid finding yourself at odds with an overworked border officer in the U.S. or abroad.

The CBP is entrusted with enforcing laws and ensuring that items which may “injure community health, public safety, American workers, children or domestic plant and animal life, or those that would defeat our national interests.” A list of prohibited and restricted items in the U.S. include:

Absinthe (Alcohol)
Alcoholic Beverages
Automobiles
Biologicals
Ceramic Tableware
Cuban-made Products
Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property
Defense Articles or Items with Military or Proliferation Applications
Dog and Cat Fur
Drug Paraphernalia
Firearms
Fish and Wildlife
Food Products (Prepared)
Prior Notice for Food Importation
Fruits and Vegetables
Game and Hunting Trophies
Gold
Haitian Animal Hide Drums
Meats, Livestock and Poultry
Medication
Merchandise from Embargoed Countries
Pets
Photographic Film
Plants and Seeds
Soil
Textiles and Clothing
Trademarked and Copyrighted Articles

If you are traveling abroad, keep in mind that “I didn’t know” is not an excuse for transporting illegal items. Consider the following tips before you travel.

If you aren’t sure if an item is allowed, ask
Check your destinations rules regarding import and export before you go
If you have a tight connection, avoid having to declare an item by simply not bringing it as delays at customs may cause you to miss your flight
Be serious when going through customs, it is no joking matter
Read and fill out all customs forms carefully

If you are interested in learning more about CBP, you can find them online at cpb.gov.

Island Trader Vacations reviews the news and tips to help you make the most of your journey.