If you plan to travel to the United States, it is essential to know the customs regulations to avoid problems when entering or leaving the country. One of the strictest and often unknown rules is the one that regulates the amount of cash a person can carry. Not complying with this rule can result in heavy penalties, including the confiscation of money, high fines, and even prison sentences.
The American authorities state that any traveler carrying more than 10,000 dollars in cash or its equivalent in other financial instruments must declare it to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
This rule applies to both those entering the country and those leaving it. Failing to declare amounts exceeding this limit can lead to the retention of the money, economic sanctions of up to 500,000 dollars, and prison sentences of up to 10 years.
This limit is not individual, but applies to the family or travel group. That is, if two people together carry a total of 12,000 dollars, they are required to declare it.
Additionally, it must be taken into account that the regulation not only applies to cash but also to other forms of payment.
What must be declared
The American regulation not only applies to cash but also to other financial instruments that can be used as a means of payment or fund transfer. Many people mistakenly believe that the restriction only covers bills and coins, but the U.S. government establishes broader control to prevent activities like money laundering, tax evasion, or crime financing.
If you are traveling with any form of money that can be converted into cash without the need for banking intermediaries, it is essential to declare it if the total amount exceeds 10,000 dollars.
Failing to make the declaration can result in severe penalties, including the retention of funds and possible legal charges.
Among the financial instruments subject to declaration are:
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Coins and bills in any currency.
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Traveler's checks.
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Personal, commercial, bank, or unrestricted money orders.
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Bearer bonds or stocks.
How to declare more than 10,000 dollars
To avoid penalties, it is mandatory to inform the CBP if you are carrying more than 10,000 dollars through one of these methods:
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FinCEN Form 105: must be completed before crossing the border and submitted to CBP agents.
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Online declaration: the digital form can be filled out at least three days before traveling, obtaining a confirmation number to be presented upon arrival in the U.S.
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Form 6059B: in some cases, customs officers may ask travelers to indicate if they are carrying more than 10,000 dollars.
Failing to comply with this rule can have serious consequences. In recent years, the U.S. has strengthened controls at airports, ports, and borders with advanced technology, so the likelihood of being detected has increased significantly. To avoid unnecessary legal problems, it is best to comply with the regulations.
*This article has been translated automatically using artificial intelligence