Each time you enter the US, you go through customs. Officers from CBP check what you bring in. The golden rule: when in doubt, declare it. Declaring something is never a crime; hiding it can be.
Food, plants and animal products
You must declare all food, plants, seeds, soil and animal products. Declaring does not mean it will be taken. It means an officer checks it.
Usually allowed after inspection: bread, cakes and cookies without meat, hard cheeses, roasted coffee, tea, dry spices, honey, oils, chocolate, and sealed packaged snacks without meat.
Often not allowed: meat from most countries (fresh, dried or canned, including soups, bouillon and noodle flavor packets made with meat), most fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, plants, seeds and soil. Rice is often stopped because it can carry insects.
Rules change with animal and plant diseases abroad. Check the CBP and USDA pages for your country before you pack.
If you declare food that is not allowed, officers usually just take it. If you do not declare it and they find it, you can be fined, even for one sausage or apple, and it can affect future trips. Detector dogs find food hidden in suitcases.
There is no limit on how much money you can bring into or take out of the US.
If you carry more than $10,000 in total (any currency, plus traveler's checks, money orders and similar), you must report it on FinCEN Form 105 at the border.
The total counts for your whole family traveling together.
Not reporting can lead to the seizure of all the money. Splitting it between people to avoid the rule is also illegal.
Keep medicines in their original pharmacy packages with your name on the label.
Bring a prescription or doctor's letter in English if possible.
Bring only a personal supply. A 90-day supply is a common rule of thumb.
Carry medicines in your carry-on bag.
Some medicines legal at home are controlled or banned in the US, such as some strong pain medicines, sleeping pills and herbal products. Never bring marijuana or CBD products with THC, even if legal where you live.
Returning residents and visitors have duty-free allowances for gifts. Visitors staying at least 72 hours may usually bring gifts worth up to $100 without duty (the tax on imported goods). Above the allowance, you may pay duty.
Gold jewelry and expensive items for others count as gifts.
Bringing goods to sell is a commercial import with different rules.
Fake designer goods, many weapons and some cultural items are not allowed.
Fill in the declaration if asked, or answer at the kiosk or app.
Tell the officer: "I have food to declare" or "I am carrying more than $10,000."
Answer questions simply and truthfully.
Thinking "a little homemade food" does not need to be declared. A homemade sweet with milk or meat may not be allowed: declare it.
Carrying $12,000 for a rent deposit without filing FinCEN 105.
Packing pills in a plain box or bag without labels.