How much money can you legally bring into the US?

Declaring Currency When Entering or Exiting the United States

As an individual entering or exiting the United States, it is essential to understand the regulations regarding currency declaration. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires travelers to declare any currency that exceeds $10,000 upon entry or departure.

Declaration Threshold

The declaration threshold is $10,000. This means that if you are carrying currency worth $10,000 or more, you are legally obligated to declare it to CBP. The declaration must be made using Form FinCEN 105, also known as the “Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments.”

No Maximum Limit

It is important to note that there is no maximum amount of cash that is prohibited for travel. However, only amounts above the reporting threshold are subject to declaration. This means that you can legally bring or take out any amount of cash, as long as you properly declare it to CBP.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to declare currency exceeding $10,000 can result in severe consequences, including:

• Seizure of the undeclared currency
• Monetary penalties
• Criminal charges

Reporting Procedures

When declaring currency at the border, you will be required to provide the following information on Form FinCEN 105:

• Your name and address
• The amount of currency you are carrying
• The origin and destination of the currency
• The purpose of the currency transaction

CBP will review your declaration and may ask additional questions. They may also inspect your luggage to verify the amount of currency declared.

Protecting Your Currency

To protect your currency during travel, it is recommended that you:

• Carry your currency in a safe and secure location
• Consider using traveler’s checks or wire transfers
• Declare any currency exceeding $10,000 to avoid potential penalties

By understanding and adhering to the currency declaration regulations, you can ensure a smooth and compliant border crossing experience.