Cash / Currency → United States

Must declare cash or monetary instruments over USD 10,000 on arrival and departure.

Details

Travellers entering or leaving the United States must declare all cash and monetary instruments (including traveller's cheques, money orders, and negotiable instruments) totalling USD 10,000 or more on FinCEN Form 105 (FBAR). This rule applies to any single traveller or a group travelling together. Failure to declare results in civil seizure of the undeclared funds and potential criminal prosecution under 31 U.S.C. § 5316. CBP has broad civil asset forfeiture powers and can seize undeclared cash even from innocent travellers. There is no limit on the amount of cash you can bring — only a declaration requirement above the threshold.

Quantity limit

No quantity limit; declaration required for USD 10,000+

Documentation required

• FinCEN Form 105 (Report of International Transportation of Currency) for USD 10,000+

Legal reference

31 U.S.C. § 5316; Bank Secrecy Act; 31 CFR § 1010.340

At the airport

1. If carrying USD 10,000 or more in cash or monetary instruments (including foreign currency at equivalent value), you must declare this on FinCEN Form 105 (Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments).
2. At CBP, approach the declaration officer and hand in a completed Form 105. Officers at major airports (JFK, LAX, ORD) have the forms at the arrival hall.
3. Failure to declare is a federal offence and may result in seizure of the entire amount plus civil and criminal penalties. Declaring truthfully protects your funds.

Practical advice

Declare early on FinCEN Form 105. Honest disclosure avoids seizure. CBP officers can ask about any amount of cash, and evasive answers can trigger suspicion even below the threshold.

Customs authority

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) · https://www.cbp.gov