Why do airports ask if you have anything to declare?


Why do airports ask if you have anything to declare? Originally Answered: When an airport customs official asks, Do you have anything to declare?, what exactly do they mean? They are giving you a last chance to tell them about anything that you might have to pay duty on, or to enquire about the status of items which might be dutiable or illegal.


How much money can you take out of the country without declaring?

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. Use the online Fincen 105 currency reporting site or ask a CBP officer for the paper copy of the Currency Reporting Form (FinCen 105).


Do you have to declare items at the airport?

Present your declaration form to customs officials. Customs officials may or may not inspect your luggage. If they do check your bags and find restricted items, you may be asked to pay duty and/or fines. This is why it is critical to declare items as asked and required.


What value do you declare for customs?

The value you declare for personal shipments should be the cost at which you purchased the item; for customs declarations in the case of retail shipments, the value should be the price at which you intend to sell the item. Customs use this value to clear your shipment and determine taxes and duties.


What is the duty-free allowance for Italy?

For Goods purchased outside the European Community, or purchased in Duty Free shops the following allowances apply for travellers arriving in Italy from outside the European Community: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 2 litres of table wine or 1 litre of alcohol.


How much can you bring without declaring?

International travelers entering the United States must declare if they are carrying currency or monetary instruments in a combined amount over $10,000 on their Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B) and then file a FinCEN Form 105.


What can I bring back from Europe?

You may take home vacuum-packed cheeses; dried herbs, spices, or mushrooms; and canned fruits or vegetables, including jams and vegetable spreads. Baked goods, candy, chocolate, oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey are OK. Fresh fruits and vegetables (even that banana from your airplane breakfast) are not permitted.


Does customs go through your luggage?

Yes, customs officials have the authority to open and inspect luggage when you are entering a country. Customs officials have the right to search your luggage, bags, and personal items to ensure that you are not carrying any prohibited or restricted items.


Can I go through nothing to declare?

If a passenger says they have nothing to declare, they then risk a fine for failing to declare something which customs officer then identify is liable to tax or is illegal. The fine will be in addition to any customs duty payable. Ignorance is no defence in law.


Can airport scanner detect money?

A good X-ray scanner will always detect money. Airport scanners can detect even the smallest amount of metal and can detect paper. The scanners will always look after things that look different to the norm. In this case, if the currency is arranged in bundles, it will be more easily detected.


What questions do immigration officers ask at airport?

Prepare for Likely Questions From U.S. CBP Officials
  • Why are you visiting the United States? ...
  • Where will you be staying? ...
  • Who will you be visiting? ...
  • How long will you be staying in the U.S.? If you're coming in with an immigrant visa (have been approved for U.S. permanent residence), you won't likely be asked this.