U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Washington, D.C. 20229

To report suspicious activity call

1-800 BE ALERT

CBP Publication 0000-0146

March 2007
Welcome to the United States 

Contents

Introduction......................................................... 1

Preparing For Your Trip......................................... 2

International Visitors Checklist........................... 2

Visa Wavier Program Visitors ............................. 3

Canadian, Mexican, and Caribbean Residents....... 5

Students and Exchange Visitors........................... 6

Lawful Permanent Residents............................... 7

How do you get a Visa?...................................... 7

Navigating Passenger Processing............................ 9

Passenger Processing Checklist........................... 9

Pre-Arrival........................................................ 9

CBP Inspection Process.................................... 11

Arrival............................................................ 12

Baggage Claim................................................. 12

Connecting Flights.......................................... 13

Returning Home................................................. 14

Transportation Security Administration............. 14

Outbound CBP Inspections............................... 15

US-VISIT Exit Procedures................................. 16

Customer Service................................................ 17

Helpful Tips........................................................ 18

Prohibited and Restricted Items........................ 18

Helpful Web sites............................................ 26

US-VISIT: Current Ports of Entry...................... 27

NEXUS Locations............................................. 37
ii U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Welcome to the United States 

Introduction

Welcome to the United States. We are glad that you decided to 

visit, study, work, conduct business or come permanently to the 

United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a diverse organization 

responsible for a wide-ranging set of missions that protect the 

United States against terrorists, other criminals and illegal activity 

while facilitating legitimate trade and travel. The information in 

this brochure will help you prepare for your trip and ensure that 

your experience entering the United States is as smooth as possible. 

Your cooperation with us will help speed you along your way. 

Important note: The information in this brochure was correct as of 

the date of printing. For the most up-to-date information, please 

visit our Web site at www.cbp.gov.

U.S. Customs and 

Border Protection Mission Statement

We are the guardians of our Nation’s borders.

We are America’s frontline.

We safeguard the American homeland at and 

beyond our borders.

We protect the American public against terrorists 

and the instruments of terror.

We steadfastly enforce the laws of the United States 

while fostering our Nation’s economic security though 

lawful international trade and travel.

We serve the American public with vigilance, integrity

and professionalism.
 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Preparing For Your Trip

International Visitors Checklist 

___ Passport. (Unless exempt) Most temporary

visits require passports, which must be valid

for six months beyond their intended period of

stay (exceptions apply). Make a copy and put it

in a separate place. Carry your passport—do not

pack it. For Visa Waiver countries, as of June

26, 2005 all participants (including infants) are

required to have machine-readable passports.

Passports issued on or after October 26, 2005,

must contain a digital photo, and if issued as of

October 26, 2006, the passport must be an “Epassport.” See www.cbp.gov for more information.

___ The appropriate unexpired visa (nonimmigrant

visa, when applicable). If coming permanently,

make a copy and put it in a separate place. Carry

your immigrant visa—do not pack it.

___ Carry only medication needed for the trip, in its

original container.

___ Carry only jewelry needed for the trip.

___ If bringing a pet, have a health certificate and

proof of rabies vaccination from a veterinarian

in the country of residence. (The airline may

require a health certification for a cat.)

___ Have notarized travel permission letters for

minors traveling without their parents, if

possible. If the child is only accompanied by one

parent, the adult should have a notarized note

from the child's other parent—or, in the case

of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles

or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note

signed by both parents, stating "I acknowledge

that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the

country with my son/daughter. He/She/They

have my permission to do so."
Welcome to the United States 

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Visitors

To participate in the VWP program you must be

a citizen of a participating VWP country. The 27

countries participating in the VWP are:

Andorra Ireland San Marino

Australia Italy Singapore

Austria Japan Slovenia

Belgium Liechtenstein Spain

Brunei Luxembourg Sweden

Denmark Monaco Switzerland

Finland The Netherlands United

Kingdom*

France New Zealand

Germany Norway

Iceland Portugal

*British citizens only with the unrestricted right of

abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland,

the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

• Each applicant (including infants) must be in

possession of a passport from a VWP country valid

for six months beyond the period of your intended

stay, or essentially nine months (90 day + 6 months).

Passports issued before October 26, 2005, must be

machine-readable.

• Passports issued on or after October 26, 2005, and

before October 26, 2006, must contain a digital

photo.

• Passports issued on or after October 26, 2006, must

be an “E-passport”, which must contain an integrated

chip that stores biographic data, a digitized photo,

and other biographic information. Applicants must

be entering only as a visitor for business (WB) or

pleasure (WT).

• Applicants cannot be admitted for more than 90

days.

• Applicants must present a signed and completed

Form I-94W.
 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• Applicants arriving by air or sea must arrive on a

carrier that is signatory to the VWP.

• Applicants arriving by air or sea must possess a ticket,

valid for at least one year, to any foreign place/port

other than Canada or Mexico or an adjacent island

unless you permanently reside there.

• Applicants arriving at land borders are required to

prove economic solvency and a foreign residence to

which they intend to return.

• Applicants who were previously removed from the

U.S. as “deportable aliens” and those who have

previously violated the terms of their admission

(i.e. overstaying their visit), even if not formally

apprehended or removed, must apply for a visa.

• Applicants must not fall under any inadmissibility

provision, or appear in any “lookout” database.

Special requirements for VWP travelers from Austria, 

Italy, France and Germany:

• Austria: The Austrian visa “foil” was an acceptable

alternative means of compliance with the digital

photo requirement for VWP applicants. The foil

was used for newly issued passports as well as for

passports that had been renewed. In both cases,

the foil was valid for a maximum of 12 months.

The machine-readable zone shows the period of

validity, which in no case was later than December

31, 2006.

• Italy: If your regular Italian passport was issued or

renewed on or after October 26, 2005, and includes

a digital photo, you are compliant with VWP

requirements.

• France: If you are traveling with a French passport

issued on or after October 26, 2005, that does not

have an electronic chip you will need to apply for

a U.S. visa. It will have a gold symbol on the front

cover if it has an electronic chip.
Welcome to the United States 

• Germany: As of May 1, 2006, German temporary

or emergency passports will no longer be valid for

admission into the United States. German citizens

who otherwise meet VWP requirements and present

regular, official, or diplomatic passports that comply

with VWP requirements may continue to travel to

the United States under the VWP.

Canadian, Mexican, and 

Caribbean Residents

All persons, including citizens of the United States

traveling by air between the U.S., Canada, Mexico,

the Caribbean and Bermuda will now have to present

a passport, Merchant Mariner's Document (presented

by U.S. citizen merchant mariners traveling on official

business) or NEXUS Air Card (NEXUS enrollment is

limited to citizens of the United States and Canada,

and lawful permanent residents of the United States

and Canada). Children will be required to present their

own passport.

Exceptions to the passport requirement include, U.S.

Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), refugees, and

asylees who will continue to be able to use their

Alien Registration Card (Form I-551), issued by the

Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or other

evidence of permanent resident status or refugee or

asylee status to apply for entry into the United States.

The passport requirement does not apply to members of

the United States armed forces on active duty. However,

spouses and dependents of these military members will

be required to present a passport (and valid visa, if

applicable) when traveling into the United States under

the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).

WHTI will not affect travel between the United States

and its territories. U.S. citizens traveling directly

between the Unites States, Guam, Puerto Rico, the

U.S. Virgin Islands, America Samoa, Swains Island and

the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands

will continue to be able to use established forms of

identification to board flights and for entry.

As early as January 1, 2008, all persons including

U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and Canada,
 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea

(including ferries), could be required to present a valid

passport or other documents as determined by DHS in

a forthcoming rule. While recent legislative changes

permit a later deadline, the Department of State and

DHS are working to meet all requirements as soon as

possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to

enable the public to obtain acceptable documents for

land/sea entries to the United States.

Students and Exchange Visitors

Before leaving your country:

• Confirm that your passport and nonimmigrant visa

are still valid for entry into the United States. The

passport should be valid for at least six months

beyond the date of your expected stay.

• Check to see that your visa accurately reflects your

correct visa classification.

• If the visa states the name of the institution you will

attend or identifies the exchange program in which

you are participating, verify that this information is

accurate as well.

• When you receive your visa, the consular officer will

seal your immigration documents in an envelope

and attach it to your passport. Do not open this

envelope! The CBP officer at the U.S. port of entry

will open it.

If your review indicates any discrepancies or potential

problems, visit the U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain

a new visa.

When you travel as a student, you should 

carry some specific documents with you, 

including: 

• Passport(including attached envelope of immigration

documents) with nonimmigrant visa.

• SEVIS Form I-20AB, I-20MN, DS-2019.
Welcome to the United States 

• Visa exempt nationals presenting a SEVIS Form I-20AB,

I-20MN or DS-2019 issued on or after September 1,

2004, who are entering the United States for the first

time should have a Form I-797, Receipt Notice or

Internet Receipt verifying SEVIS fee payment.

• Evidence of financial resources.

You should also carry:

• Evidence of Student/Exchange Visitor status (recent 

tuition receipts, transcripts).

• Name and contact information for Designated School

Official (DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO) at your

intended school or program.

Lawful Permanent Residents

Lawful Permanent Residents are NOT required to

have a passport. However, lawful permanent residents

must provide one of the following valid, unexpired

documents:

• I-551, Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”);

• Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa endorsed with a

CBP Admission Stamp;

• ADIT or I-551 stamp contained in a passport or on

Form I-94;

• Valid Reentry Permit;

• Valid Refugee Travel Document; or

• Unexpired Immigrant Visa.

How do you get a visa?

Fill out the appropriate visa application form available

on the Department of State Web site at http://travel.state.

gov. (You must apply for a visa unless eligible to enter

under the Visa Waiver Program).

• Contact the U.S. embassy in your home country and

make an appointment for the visa interview.
 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• Take to the interview the visa application, valid

passport, a photograph, supporting documentation

and a receipt showing that the application fee has

been paid. (If you are requesting a student visa, show

a receipt for school’s fee payment (Form I-797 or the

SEVIS I-901).

• As part of the interview process an inkless finger

scan of both the right and left hands is taken for

security reasons.

• You will be told at the end of the interview process

whether or not your visa has been approved. For

more information on how to get a visa, go to http://

travel.state.gov.
Welcome to the United States 

Navigating Passenger 

Processing

Passenger Processing Checklist 

___ Obtain travel documents before leaving your

home country.

___ If entering by air or sea, obtain CBP Forms I94 or I-94W and a CBP Declaration (CBP Form

6059B), on board the airplane or ship.

Note: Be sure to fill out the top and bottom of the CBP

Form I-94 and top, bottom and back of the CBP Form

I-94W.

___ Arrive into the United States and go to the

primary passenger processing area.

___ Pick up your baggage at the baggage carousel.

___ Proceed through CBP checkpoint and show your

declaration to the CBP officer (baggage may be

examined).

___ Go to secondary area, if requested by a CBP

officer.

___ Pay duty, if applicable.

___ Depart airport or connect to your next flight

(See information under Connecting Flights on

page 13).

Pre-Arrival to the United States

While en-route in preparation for arrival, fill out the

CBP Form I-94 or CBP Form I-94W, if required. Each

individual in possession of a nonimmigrant visa is

required to fill out a Form I-94 or, if traveling under

the Visa Waiver Program, each individual is required

to complete and sign Form I-94W. This form has two

perforated sections.
10 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• The top of the form is your arrival record. A CBP

officer will collect this from you when you arrive.

• The bottom of the form is a departure record which

must be returned upon exiting the United States in

accordance with the direction on the back of this

portion.

Next, fill out and sign your CBP Declaration Form. A

CBP Declaration, CBP Form 6059B, is required for each

person or family group. Don’t forget to declare:

• Items you bought in duty-free shops, on the ship,

or on the plane. Duty-free items are only duty

free in the country you bought them in. You may

have to pay duty on them when you arrive in the

United States.

• Items you are bringing for someone else.

• Items you intend to sell or use in your business.

• Food, both processed and unprocessed.

You must state on the CBP Declaration, in U.S. currency,

what you actually paid for each item. The price must

include all taxes. If you don’t know for sure, estimate.

Here are some other helpful tips on declarations:

• As a non-resident, you are allowed up to $100

worth of merchandise, free of duty and internal

revenue tax, as gifts for other people.

• Family members may not group their gift

exemptions.

• Do not gift-wrap your articles because they must

be available for CBP examination and may be

opened.

• Remember, all plant material and food items

must be declared whether they are processed or

not.
Welcome to the United States 11

Obtain travel

document s

before leaving 

your home

countr y.

Fill out Form I-94

or I- 94W (for

visitors) and CBP 

Declaration Form

on board the 

airplane.

Arrive in the 

United States

and go to

inspection

area.

Go to secondar y

inspection area, 

if requested.

Pick up

baggage at

the baggage

carousel.

Show declaration 

to CBP of ficer

(baggage may be

inspected).

Pay

duty if

applicable.

Proceed 

through

final CBP 

checkpoint.

Depart or

connect to your

next flight.

As ea

STEPSTEPSTEP

sy as 1-2-3...

WELCOMETO THE U.S.

*The inspection process may vary by location.

The CBP Inspection Proces

s

*
12 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Arrival

With completed entry forms and travel documents

in hand, go to the CBP processing area and select

the appropriate line (U.S. Citizen/Resident, Crew,

Visitors, etc.) as established at the port of entry. Please

do not use cameras or cell phone cameras in the

CBP processing areas. When you get to the primary

passenger processing booth, a CBP officer will:

• Review your documents.

• Run your passport through an electronic reader.

• Scan your fingerprints and take a digital photograph

to verify your identity for US-VISIT applicants.

• Ask you questions regarding your trip.

• Ask you if you have anything to declare.

If the CBP officer has any concerns about your travel,

your documents, other concerns or if you are selected

for random secondary processing, the CBP officer will

direct you to CBP Secondary Area. The CBP officer at

initial passenger processing may also tell you to retrieve

your luggage and then report to secondary for baggage

inspection. In secondary, you may be interviewed

further to determine whether you are admissible to the

United States.

Baggage Claim

At the baggage claim carousel, pick up your baggage

and proceed to the CBP checkpoint where a CBP officer

will review your CBP Declaration, Form 6059B, and

either ask you additional questions; send you to the

cashier to pay your duty; or, allow you to proceed out

of the terminal or to your connecting flight. A CBP

officer may inspect the items you are bringing into the

country. For example, your baggage may be reviewed

for agricultural products that are not allowed into the

country.

Your CBP processing may include a personal search. If

so, there are a few things you need to know.
Welcome to the United States 13

• You should be treated in a courteous, professional

and dignified manner.

• You may not be searched on any discriminatory basis

(e.g. race, gender, religion, ethnic background). A

search based on consideration of citizenship or travel

itinerary that includes a narcotics source or transit

country is not discriminatory.

• You will receive an explanation of the examination

process as it occurs. You will have the opportunity to

speak with a CBP supervisor.

• Usually, you can request that CBP notify someone of

your delay if you are detained more than two hours

after the personal search has begun.

• If you feel you have not been treated in a courteous

manner, you may request to speak to a CBP

supervisor.

Connecting Flights

Since CBP processing must be completed at the first

port of entry, many travelers must complete all

arrival processing and then immediately proceed to

a connecting flight. When the international arriving

passenger completes the passenger processing and exits

the final CBP checkpoint, major ports of entry provide

the capability to immediately re-check the travelers

luggage, sending it through the Transportation Security

Administration (TSA)-required X-ray screening process.

You will proceed directly to a TSA checkpoint before

proceeding to the departure gate.
14 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Returning Home

Transportation Security Administration

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

is a component of the Department of Homeland

Security and is responsible for security of the nation's

transportation systems.

Following these tips will help you reduce your wait

time at the security checkpoint:

• Do not pack or bring prohibited items to the

airport. Learn about permitted and prohibited items,

including liquids, gels and aerosols, on the TSA web

site, www.tsa.gov.

• Liquids, gels and aerosols as carry-ons must follow

the 3-1-1 guidelines: 3-ounce (100 ml) or smaller

containers, placed in a 1 quart (1 liter) size, clear

zip-top bag, 1 bag per passenger placed in a plastic

bin for screening.

• Put jewelry, cash, laptop computers, and other

valuables in your carry-on baggage. Tape your

business card or identifying information to your

laptop.

• Place the following items in your carry-on baggage

or be prepared to remove them as you enter the

security checkpoint: mobile phones, keys, loose

change, money clips, personal digital assistants,

large amounts of jewelry, metal hair decorations,

and large belt buckles.

• Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in

your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening

equipment may damage undeveloped film.

• Be aware of what you wear to the airport: clothing,

jewelry and accessories that contain metal may set

off the alarm on the metal detector.

• You will need to take your shoes off and put them

through the X-ray machine.

• If youwish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized

lock. See www.tsa.gov for more information.
Welcome to the United States 15

• Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrapped

gifts to the checkpoint, as TSA may have to unwrap

packages for security reasons. Wrap on arrival or

ship your gifts prior to your departure.

• Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes

out of their cases and place them in a bin provided

at the checkpoint to go through the X-ray machine

separately.

• Remove all outer coats, suit coats, jackets and blazers

and place them on the belt to be X-rayed.

• Do not overstuff checked baggage. If TSA screeners

must open your checked bag for inspection, they

must be able to easily close your bag afterwards.

At the airport, keep your airline boarding pass available

until exiting the security checkpoint. The absence of

proper identification will result in additional screening

and delays.

Outbound CBP Inspections

A CBP officer may select you for an interview when

you leave the United States. This does not necessarily

mean that you are suspected of any wrongdoing.

CBP officers choose passengers for an interview for a

variety of reasons. In addition to enforcing currency

requirements, CBP enforces hundreds of laws for other

federal agencies. U.S. Customs and Border Protection

is charged with ensuring that all goods and persons

leaving the United States comply with all U.S. laws and

regulations.

Don’t forget to turn in your forms I-94 or I-94W before

you leave the country. Failure to do so will cause you

to appear in CBP records as an overstay. Being identified

as an overstay means that you may be denied future

entry into the United States. If you failed to turn in

your forms I-94 or I-94W, please mail it, along with any

documentation that proves you left the United States, to:

ACS Inc.

1084 South Laurel Road

London, Kentucky 40744
16 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Keep a copy of what you send to ACS Inc. and carry it

with you the next time you come to the United States

in case the CBP officer has any questions about your

eligibility to enter.

US-VISIT Exit Procedures 

Visitors will need to verify their departure from the

United States by using an automated exit station or

kiosk at specific locations. The US-VISIT exit procedures

involve collecting digital finger scans and a photograph

from departing international visitors. Trained attendants

are available to provide assistance to visitors using the

US-VISIT exit procedures at airports and seaports.

We hope you have a safe and pleasant trip here. If you

prepare ahead of time and know what to expect when

you arrive, you should have a quick and easy time

clearing the inspection process. However, if you are

not satisfied, you should know that there are options

available to you to obtain redress.

For information on US-VISIT kiosk locations please see

page 27.
Welcome to the United States 17

Customer Service

If you have a concern or need help understanding

CBP regulations and procedures, ask to speak with the

passenger service representative or a CBP supervisor.

If you have any questions about CBP procedures,

requirements or policies regarding travelers:

• Write to the:

Customer Service Center

Office of Public Affairs

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20229

• Call 1.877.CBP.5511 (1.877.227.5511).

• Log on to CBP's web site at: www.cbp.gov.

If you believe you are the victim of serious or criminal

misconduct by a CBP officer, contact the Joint Intake

Center:

• Call 1.877.2INTAKE (1.877.246.8253).

• Email to Joint.Intake@dhs.gov.

• Fax 202.344.3390.

• Write to:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

P.O. Box 14475

1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20044
18 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Helpful Tips

Prohibited and Restricted Items

The products CBP needs to prevent from entering the

United States are those that would injure community

health, public safety, American workers, children, or

domestic plant and animal life.

Before you leave for your trip to the United States, you

might want to contact the local CBP office about the

items you plan to bring with you to be sure they’re not

prohibited or restricted.

Absinthe

The importation of absinthe and any other liquors

or liqueurs that contain Artemisia absinthium (or

wormwood as it is commonly called) is prohibited.

Automobiles

Cars brought into the United States temporarily by

nonresidents (for less than one year) are exempt from

restrictions. However, it is illegal to bring a vehicle

into the United States and sell it if it was not formally

entered on a CBP Form 7501.

Biologicals

You may need a U.S. Department of Agriculture permit

to import biological specimens including bacterial

cultures, culture medium, excretions,fungi, arthropods,

mollusks, tissues of livestock, birds, plants, viruses, and

vectors for research, biological or pharmaceutical use.

Cultural Artifacts and Property

Most countries have laws that protect their cultural

property: art/artifacts/antiquities; archaeological and

ethnological material are also terms that are used. Such

laws include export controls and/or national ownership

of cultural property. Even if purchased from a business

in the country of origin or in another country, legal

ownership of such artifacts may be in question if

brought into the United States. Therefore, although

they do not necessarily confer ownership, you must

have documents such as export permits and receipts

when bringing such items into the United States.

While foreign laws may not be enforceable in the

United States, they can cause certain U.S. laws to be

invoked. For example, under the U.S. National Stolen
Welcome to the United States 19

Property Act, one cannot have legal title to art/artifacts/

antiquities that were stolen—no matter how many

times such items may have changed hands.

As additional U.S. import restrictions may be imposed

in response to requests from other countries, we

recommend prospective purchasers visit the State

Department cultural property web site (http://

exchanges.state.gov/culprop/).

Caviar

You are limited to bringing in no more than 250 grams

of caviar. If you bring in more than that, ALL of the

caviar will be seized.

Cuban Cigars

NO products of Cuba can be brought into the United

States. That includes Cuban cigars that have been

purchased in a country other than Cuba such as Canada

or England.

Dog and Cat Fur

It is illegal in the United States to import, export,

distribute, transport, manufacture, or sell products

containing dog or cat fur in the United States.

Drug Paraphernalia

It is illegal to bring drug paraphernalia into the United

States unless they have been prescribed for authentic

medical conditions such as diabetes. Drug paraphernalia

is any equipment or product designed for use in

manufacturing, compounding, injecting, ingesting,

or inhaling a controlled substance, the possession of

which is unlawful.

Firearms

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

(ATF) regulates and restricts firearms and ammunition

and approves all import transactions involving weapons

and ammunition. U.S. visitors (with a few exceptions)

must obtain an import permit (ATF Form 6) from the

ATF to temporarily import firearms and ammunition

for hunting or other lawful sporting purposes.
20 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Fish and Wildlife

Certain fish and wildlife, and products made from

them, are subject to import and export restrictions,

prohibitions, permits or certificates, and quarantine

requirements. We recommend that you contact the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service before you depart if you plan

to bring any of the following into the U.S.:

• Wild birds, land or marine mammals, reptiles, fish,

shellfish, mollusks, or invertebrates.

• Any part or product of the above, such as skins, tusks,

bone, feathers, or eggs.

• Products or articles manufactured from endangered

wildlife or fish. Endangered species, and products

made from them, generally may not be imported. You

will need a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service to import virtually all types of ivory. Some

states have fish and wildlife laws and regulations that

are stricter than federal laws and regulations. If you

are traveling to such a state, be aware that the stricter

state laws and regulations have priority. Similarly, the

federal government does not allow you to import

wild animals into the United States that were taken,

killed, sold, possessed, or exported from another

country if any of these acts violated foreign laws.

Food Products (Prepared)

Many prepared foods are admissible. You may bring

bakery items and certain cheeses into the United States.

As a general rule, condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged

spices, honey, coffee and tea are admissible. Because

rice can often harbor insects, it is best to avoid bringing

it into the United States, particularly if it is in loose

burlap packaging. Foods in packaging that appears

unsafe or contaminated may be refused entry.

Fruits and Vegetables

It is best not to bring fresh fruits or vegetables into the

United States.
Welcome to the United States 21

Game and Hunting Trophies

If you plan to import game or a hunting trophy, please

contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before you

leave. Contact information can be found on page 26 of

this brochure.

Gold

Gold coins, medals, and bullion, formerly prohibited,

may be brought into the United States. However, under

regulations administered by the Office of Foreign

Assets Control, such items originating in or brought

from Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Serbia, and Sudan are

prohibited entry. Copies of gold coins are prohibited if

not properly marked by country of issuance.

Meats, Livestock, and Poultry

You may not import fresh, dried, or canned meats or

meat products from most foreign countries into the

United States. Also, you may not import food products

that have been prepared with meat. Commercially

canned meat is allowed if the CBP officer can determine

from the label that the meat was cooked in the can

after it was sealed to make it shelf-stable without

refrigeration. The regulations on importing meat and

meat products change frequently because they are based

on disease outbreaks in different areas of the world.

If you have questions about whether particular

agricultural products can be brought into the United

States, contact APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine

(PPQ). Look in the phone book under “U.S. Department

of Agriculture” for the nearest PPQ office, or contact the

central office at:

USDA–APHIS–PPQ

Permit Unit

4700 River Road, Unit 136

Riverdale, MD 20737

Telephone 301.734.8645

Fax 301.734.5786

In addition, you can visit their Web site at

http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
22 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Medication

Rule of thumb: Bring only the medicines you will

need, no more, no less. If you need medicines that

contain potentially addictive drugs or narcotics (e.g.,

some cough medicines, tranquilizers, sleeping pills,

antidepressants, or stimulants), do the following:

• Declare all drugs, medicines, and similar products to

the appropriate CBP official.

• Carry drugs, medicines and similar products in their

original containers.

• Carry only the quantity of such substances that

a person with that condition (e.g., chronic pain)

would normally carry for his/her personal use.

Please note that only medications that can be legally

prescribed in the United States may be imported for

personal use. Be aware that possession of certain

substances may also violate state laws. (As a general rule,

the Food and Drug Administration does not allow the

importation of prescription drugs that were purchased

outside the United States. Please see their Web site

at www.fda.gov for information about the enforcement

policy for personal use quantities.)

For specifics about importing controlled substances,

call 301.827.4570 or toll free at 1.888.INFO FDA

(1.888.463.6332). For additional information about

traveling with medication, write to the U.S. Food and

Drug Administration, Division of Drug Information,

HFD-240, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857.

Merchandise from Embargoed Countries

Generally, you may not bring in any goods from the

following: Cuba, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Libera,

Sierra Leone (diamonds only), and Sudan. The Office of

Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department

of Treasury enforces this ban. If you want to bring in

merchandise from any of these countries, you will first

need a specific license from the Office of Foreign Assets

Control. Such licenses are rarely granted. You can write

to the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department

of the Treasury, Washington, DC 20220, or visit
Welcome to the United States 23

their Web site at www.treas.gov/ofac.

Please note:

• The embargo on Iranian goods has been revised to

allow the importation of foodstuffs intended for

human consumption, carpets and other textile floor

coverings. You may only bring in $100 worth of

goods other than carpets, food and books.

• Only certain Iraqi cultural property or other items of

archaeological, historical/cultural, rare scientific and

religious importance illegally removed from the Iraq

National Museum, the National Library and other

locations in Iraq is prohibited.

• There is a general lifting of the embargo on Serbia

and Montenegro.

• The importation of merchandise from North Korea

requires a letter of approval issued by the OFAC.

You may, however, bring in information and

informational materials—books, magazines, films,

posters, photographs, microfilms, tapes, CDs, records,

works of art, etc. Blank tapes and blank CDs are not

informational materials.

Money and Other Monetary Instruments

You may bring into or take out of the country, including

by mail, as much money as you wish. However, if it is

more than $10,000, you will need to report it to CBP.

Families traveling together should declare currency if

the total combined amount is over $10,000. Ask the

CBP officer for the Currency Reporting Form (FinCen

105). The penalties for non-compliance can be severe.

“Money” means monetary instruments and includes

U.S. or foreign coins currently in circulation, currency,

travelers’ checks in any form, money orders, and

negotiable instruments or investment securities in

bearer form.

This reporting requirement does not impose any

restriction or payment of duty or fees.

Be aware that if you have $10,000 with you and happen

to have a couple of quarters in your pocket you are in
24 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

violation of the Currency Reporting statute. Better be

safe than sorry and fill out the reporting form.

Pets

If you plan to bring your pet to the United States with

you, please see the CBP brochure Pets and Wildlife

at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/publications/travel/.

(You should also check with state, county, and

local authorities, especially Hawaii, to learn if their

restrictions and prohibitions on pets are stricter than

federal requirements.) Importing animals is closely

regulated for public health reasons and also for the

well being of the animals. There are restrictions

and prohibitions on bringing many species into the

United States.

Plants and Seeds

Every plant or plant product, including handicraft items

made with straw, must be declared to the CBP officer

and must be presented for CBP inspection, no matter

how free of pests it appears to be. For information write

to USDA-APHIS-PPQ, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD

20737; call 301.734.8645 or toll free at 1.877.770.5990;

or visit the APHIS Web site at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/

ppq/permits/plantproducts/index.html. 

Soil

Soil is prohibited entry unless accompanied by an

import permit. Soil must be declared and the permit

must be verified.

Textiles and Clothing

In general, there is no limit to how much fabric and

clothing you can bring into the United States as long

as it is for your personal use or as gifts. If you have

exceeded your personal exemption, you may have to

pay duty on the items. Personal shipments, however,

may be subject to limitations on amount if they are

in quantities that might be considered commercial.

Textiles in any amount can be considered commercial.
Welcome to the United States 25

Trademarked and Copyrighted Articles

CBP enforces laws relating to the protection of

trademarks and copyrights. Articles that infringe a

federally registered trademark or copyright or

copyright protected by the Berne Convention for

the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works are

subject to detention and/or seizure. Articles bearing

marks that are counterfeit or inappropriately using a

federally registered trademark are subject to seizure

and forfeiture. The importation of articles intended

for sale or public distribution bearing counterfeit

marks may subject an individual to a civil fine if the

registered trademark has also been recorded with CBP.

Articles bearing marks that are confusingly similar to

a CBP recorded registered trademark, and restricted

gray market articles (goods bearing genuine marks not

intended for U.S. importation for which CBP granted

gray market protection) are subject to detention and

seizure. However, travelers arriving in the United States

may be permitted an exemption and allowed to import

one article of each type, provided that the article is for

personal use and is not for sale. This exemption may be

granted not more than once every 30 days. If the article

imported under the personal exemption provision is

sold within one year after the date of importation, the

article or its value is subject to forfeiture.

You may also bring in genuine trademarked and

copyrighted articles (subject to duties). Products subject

to copyright protection most commonly imported

include software on CD-ROMs, sound recordings, toys,

stuffed animals, clothing with cartoon characters,

videotapes, DVDs, music CDs, and books. Products

subject to trademark protection most commonly

imported include handbags and accessories, and

clothing.
26 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Helpful Web sites

Department of Homeland Secuity

http://www.dhs.gov

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

http://www.cbp.gov

Transportation Security Administration

http://www.tsa.gov

US-VISIT

http://www.dhs.gov/us-visit

U.S. Customs and Immigration Services

http://www.uscis.gov

• I-551, Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”)

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/residency/index.htm

U.S. State Department

• Passports

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

• Visas

 http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

• Visa Waiver Program

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html

U.S. Department of Agriculture

• Birds

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/subjects/animal_health/index.shtml

• Plants and seeds

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/permits/plantproducts/

index.html
Welcome to the United States 27

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

• Permits

http://www.fws.gov/permits/

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

http://www.fda.gov

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and 

Explosives

• Firearms

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/index.htm

US-VISIT Locations

Airports

Alaska

Anchorage International Airport

Fairbanks International Airport

Juneau International Airport

Arizona

Phoenix Sky Harbor

International Airport

Tucson International Airport

Yuma International Airport

California

Fresno-Yosemite International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport

Metropolitan Oakland International Airport

Ontario International Airport

Sacramento International Airport

San Diego International Airport

San Francisco International Airport

San Jose International Airport

Colorado

Denver International Airport
28 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Connecticut

Bradley International Airport

Delaware

Delaware Airpark

Florida

Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport

Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport

Key West International Airport

Jacksonville International Airport

Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport

Key West International Airport

Miami International Airport

Opa Locka Airport

Orlando International Airport

Orlando Sanford International Airport

Palm Beach International Airport

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Southwest Florida International Airport

Tampa International

St. Lucie County International Airport

St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport

Tampa International Airport

Guam

Guam International Airport

Hawaii

Honolulu International Airport

Kona International Airport at Keahole

Illinois

Chicago Midway Airport

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Indiana

Indianapolis International Airport

Louisiana

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Maine

Bangor International Airport

Portland International Airport
Welcome to the United States 29

Maryland

Andrews Air Force Base

Baltimore-Washington International Airport

Massachusetts

General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport

Michigan

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County International

Airport

Minnesota

Falls International Airport

Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport

Missouri

Kansas City International Airport

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport

Nevada

McCarran International Airport

Reno/Tahoe International Airport

New Hampshire

Manchester Airport

Pease International Tradeport Airport

New Jersey

Newark International Airport

Teterboro Airport

New Mexico

Albuquerque International Sunport Airport

New York

Albany International Airport

Buffalo Niagara International Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport

North Carolina

Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Wilmington International Airport

Ohio

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
30 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Griffing Sandusky Airport

Port Columbus International Airport

Rickenbacker International Airport

Oregon

Portland International Airport

Pennsylvania

Erie International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport

Pittsburgh International Airport

Puerto Rico

Diego Jiménez TorresAirport

Eugenio Maria de Hostos Airport

Isla Grande Airport

Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport

Mercedita Airport

Rafael Hernandez Airport

Rhode Island

Theodore Francis Green State Airport

South Carolina

Charleston International Airport

Donaldson Center Airport

Tennessee

Memphis International Airport

Nashville International Airport

Texas

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Del Rio International Airport

El Paso International Airport

George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport

Laredo International Airport

and Laredo Private Airport

McAllen Miller International Airport

San Antonio International Airport

Utah

Salt Lake City International Airport
Welcome to the United States 31

Virginia

Norfolk International Airport

Richmond International Airport

Washington Dulles International Airport

Virgin Islands

Cyril E. King Airport

Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport

Washington

Bellingham International Airport

Kenmore Air Harbor

King County International Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Spokane International Airport

Wisconsin

General Mitchell International Airport

Non-U.S. Airports (US-VISIT Locations)

Aruba

Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix

Bahamas

Freeport International Airport

Nassau International Airport

Bermuda

Bermuda International Airport

Ireland

Dublin International Airport

Shannon International Airport

Canada

Calgary International Airport

Edmonton International Airport

Halifax International Airport

Montreal-Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau International Airport

Ottawa International Airport

Toronto Lester B Pearson International Airport

Vancouver International Airport

Victoria International Airport

Winnipeg International Airport
32 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Seaports (US-VISIT Locations)

California

Long Beach Carnival Cruise

San Pedro World Cruise Center

Florida

Jacksonville

Miami, RCI

Port Canaveral

Port Everglades

Tampa, Terminal 3

Tampa, Terminal 7

West Palm Seaport

Louisiana

Erato Street Cruise Terminal

New York

New York City Cruise Terminal

Puerto Rico

San Juan Pan-American

Texas

Galveston RCI

Washington

Seattle Seaport

Seattle, Birth 30, Cruise Terminal

Canada

Vancouver, Ballantyne Pier

Vancouver, Canada Place

Victoria, Pre Inspection
Welcome to the United States 33

Land Border Ports (US-VISIT Locations)

Alaska

Alcan

Dalton's Cache

Skagway

Arizona

Douglas

Lukeville

Nogales East, Nogales

Nogales West, Nogales

San Luis

Sasabe

Morley Gate, Nogales

Naco

California

Andrade

Calexico East-Imperial Valley, Calexico

Calexico West, Calexico

Otay Mesa, San Diego

San Ysidro, San Diego

Tecate

Maine

Bar Harbor Ferry, Bar Harbor

Bridgewater

Calais-Ferry Point Bridge, Calais

Coburn Gore

Eastport

Fort Fairfield

Fort Kent

Hamlin

Houlton

Jackman

Limestone

Lubec

Madawaska

Van Buren

Vanceboro

Michigan

Detroit Ambassador Bridge, Detroit

Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Detroit

Port Huron – Blue Water Bridge, Port Huron

Sault Ste. Marie
34 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Algonac Ferry, Algonac

Marine City Ferry, Marine City

Minnesota

Baudette

Ely

Grand Portage

International Falls

Lancaster

Roseau

Warroad

Montana

Chief Mountain

Del Bonita

Morgan, Loring

Opheim

Piegan, Babb

Raymond

Roosville

Scobey

Sweetgrass

Turner

Willow Creek, Turner

Wild Horse, Havre

Whitetail

New Hampshire

Pittsburg

New Mexico

Antelope Wells

Columbus

Santa Teresa

New York

Cape Vincent Ferry, Cape Vincent

Champlain Amtrak Station, Champlain

Champlain

Chateaugay

Fort Covington

Heart Island Ferry, Alexandria Bay

Massena, Rooseveltown

Mooers

Niagara (Lewiston-Queenston, Whirlpool and

Rainbow Bridges)
Welcome to the United States 35

Niagara Falls Amtrak Station, Niagara Falls

Ogdensburg

Overton Corners, Champlain

Peace Bridge, Buffalo

Rochester Ferry, Rochester

Rouses Point

Thousand Islands Bridge, Alexandria Bay

Trout River

Texas

Amistad Dam, Amistad Village

Bridge of the Americas/Cordova Bridge, El Paso

Brownsville/Matamoros Bridge, Brownsville

Columbia Solidarity Bridge, Laredo

Convent Street (or Gateway to the Americas

International Bridge), Laredo

Del Rio International Bridge, Del Rio

Eagle Pass Bridge I, Eagle Pass

Eagle Pass Bridge II, Eagle Pass

Fabens

Fort Hancock

Gateway International Bridge, Brownsville

Hidalgo, McAllen

Lincoln-Juarez Bridge, Laredo

Los Indios

Los Tomates/Veterans International Bridge, Brownsville

Paso del Norte Bridge, El Paso

Pharr

Presidio

Progreso

Rio Grande City

Roma

World Trade Bridge, Laredo

Ysleta-Zaragoza Bridge, El Paso

Vermont

Alburg Springs

Alburg

Beebe Plain

Beecher Falls

Canaan

Derby Line

East Richford

Highgate Springs

Morses Line

North Troy
36 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Norton

Richford

Richford/Pinnacle, Richford

West Berkshire

Washington

Blaine-Pacific Highway, Blaine

Blaine-Peace Arch, Blaine

Boundary

Danville

Ferry

Frontier

Laurier

Lynden

Metaline Falls

Nighthawk

Oroville

Point Roberts

Sumas

Canada

Vancouver Amtrak Station, Vancouver
Welcome to the United States 37

NEXUS Locations

Land Border Ports

British Columbia, Washington

• Pacific Highway, Blaine

• Douglas, Peace Arch

• Boundary Bay, Point Roberts

Southern Ontario, Michigan, New York

• The Bluewater Bridge in Sarnia, Port Huron

• The Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Detroit

• The Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, Buffalo

• The International Tunnel in Windsor, Detroit

• The Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, 

Ontario, Niagara Falls, New York

• The Whirlpool Bridge in Niagara Falls, 

Ontario, Niagara Falls, New York

Quebec, New York, Vermont

• Lacolle, Quebec, Champlain, New York

• St. Armand-Philipsburg, Quebec, Highgate 

Springs, Vermont

Marine (NEXUS Locations)

• Report by telephone in the Seattle & Great 

Lakes regions.

For local reporting telephone numbers please see

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats
38 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Airport (NEXUS Locations)

• Vancouver International Airport

• Toronto Pearson International Airport

• Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International 

Airport

NEXUS Airport Locations Coming Soon:

• Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier

International Airport

• Edmonton International Airport

• Calgary International Airport

• Winnipeg International Airport

• Halifax International Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Washington, D.C. 20229

To report suspicious activity call

1-800 BE ALERT

CBP Publication 0000-0146

March 2007