United States customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

For non-resident adults arriving in the U.S. from abroad, the duty-free allowance is USD 800 in personal goods, including up to 1 liter of alcohol (if 21 or older) and 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco). Strict prohibitions apply to narcotics, certain meats, and counterfeit goods. Cash or monetary instruments over USD 10,000 must be declared. These rules are current for 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of alcoholic beverages (spirits, wine, or beer) duty-free if you are 21 or older. Any combination up to 1 liter total. Additional amounts are subject to duty and federal excise tax.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Any amount over USD 10,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared on the FinCEN 105 form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and civil penalties up to USD 500,000.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal goods up to USD 800 retail value are duty-free for non-residents. Items over USD 800 are subject to duty on the excess. This is per person, and you must have stayed abroad at least 48 hours (not applicable if arriving from Mexico, US Virgin Islands, or certain other territories).

Prohibited — banned from import

Illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia
Counterfeit goods (including fake designer items and currency)
Meat, poultry, and their products (including jerky, bouillon, and eggs) from most countries due to animal disease restrictions
Absinthe with thujone content above legal limits
Obscene materials and child pornography
Certain endangered species products (e.g., ivory, tortoiseshell, crocodile leather) without CITES permits

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Prescription medications (must be in original containers, accompanied by a valid prescription or doctor's note; controlled substances require prior approval from DEA)
Firearms and ammunition (must be declared and comply with ATF regulations; some states have additional restrictions)
Plants, seeds, and soil (require USDA APHIS inspection and permit)
Agricultural products (fruits, vegetables, flowers) must be declared and inspected by CBP
Drones and other radio-frequency devices (may require FCC approval)

Rules worth knowing

Agricultural Declaration Required

All arriving travelers must declare any food, plants, animals, or soil on the CBP declaration form. Failure to declare can result in fines up to USD 10,000. Even a single apple from your flight snack must be declared.

CBP Global Entry and Mobile Passport

Trusted travelers with Global Entry can use automated kiosks for expedited clearance. Mobile Passport Control app is available for U.S. and Canadian passport holders at many airports.

Gifts and Personal Effects

Gifts valued over USD 800 are dutiable. Items intended for commercial use (even if small quantity) must be declared as commercial goods and may require a customs broker.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if the total value of your duty-free purchases plus other goods exceeds USD 800. Duty-free shops are not exempt from US customs allowances; the USD 800 limit applies to all goods acquired abroad, including those from duty-free stores.

Yes, as of 2026, US citizens and residents may bring Cuban cigars for personal use (up to 100 cigars) under general license, but non-residents are generally prohibited from importing Cuban-origin goods unless they have a specific license. Check current OFAC regulations.

CBP can seize the entire amount of currency, and you may face civil penalties up to USD 500,000 or criminal prosecution. Always declare amounts over USD 10,000 on the FinCEN 105 form.

Most commercially packaged, shelf-stable foods (chocolate, candy, baked goods) are allowed. Hard cheese (e.g., cheddar, parmesan) is generally allowed, but soft cheeses (e.g., brie, feta) may be restricted. Meat, poultry, and fresh fruits/vegetables are usually prohibited. Always declare all food items.

You can bring 1 liter duty-free. Additional amounts are subject to duty and federal excise tax. There is no hard limit on total quantity, but you must declare all alcohol and pay applicable duties. State laws may also apply.

Yes, all items acquired abroad must be declared. Gifts are included in your USD 800 duty-free allowance. If the total value exceeds USD 800, duty is charged on the excess. Gifts intended for commercial resale must be declared as commercial goods.

Official source

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)