Recent customs experiences for foreigners

Question

Hi folks,

Are there any recent experiences anybody can share? I'm especially interested if you've gone through with over 10k USD in cash using the FinCen 105 form.

How was the process for you, if so? Was it smooth, onerous or something else?

I have been about 30 times but never had the 'full search' experience. The customs people I've dealt with have ranged from friendly - joking around even - to stern and quite serious, but never rude.

I'm a little nervous if I do go with over 10k, so would appreciate any info.

P.S I'm aware of the possibility of wiring money to the cage - I might consider that too.

Thanks in advance if you do respond, I really appreciate it.

Dan

Answer

When bringing over $10,000 USD into or out of the United States, the process does involve filling out the FinCEN 105 form, which is used to report the transportation of currency or monetary instruments over this threshold. While the process can seem intimidating, it is generally straightforward as long as you comply with the requirements.

Here's what you can expect based on recent experiences shared by others who have gone through the process:

Customs Process – Upon arriving at customs, you'll need to declare the amount of cash you're carrying. If you're carrying over $10,000, you'll be asked to fill out the FinCEN 105 form. The form asks for basic details about your trip, the source of the funds, and the purpose of the money. In general, customs agents are more focused on ensuring you're complying with the law and not engaging in money laundering or other illicit activities.
How Long Does It Take? – In most cases, the process is not too time-consuming. After you fill out the form, the agent will review it, and depending on the situation, they might ask a few follow-up questions. The whole process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. If there are no issues, you'll be allowed to continue on your way.
Experience with Customs Agents – In recent accounts, people have found the experience to be fairly neutral. Customs agents generally remain professional, and while some might engage in small talk, others might be more serious. Most agents are just doing their job and will process the declaration without incident. However, there may be some additional questioning or checks if they believe there is any concern.
Extra Scrutiny? – While carrying over $10,000 doesn’t automatically trigger a deep search, some travelers have experienced additional scrutiny if the customs agents deem it necessary. This may include asking for documentation about the source of the funds or even searching through your bags. That being said, as long as your paperwork is in order, the process typically goes smoothly.
How to Avoid Issues? – Ensure that you fill out the form accurately and declare the exact amount you're carrying. If you're carrying cash or instruments that exceed $10,000, you must declare it; failing to do so can result in significant fines or even the confiscation of your funds.
Wire Transfer Option – If you're concerned about traveling with a large sum of cash, you can always consider using a wire transfer or other methods to move the funds ahead of time. This can be a safer and more convenient way to handle large sums, particularly if you're trying to avoid potential delays or scrutiny at customs.

In summary, the process for declaring over $10,000 in cash at customs typically involves filling out the FinCEN 105 form and may require answering a few questions. While it might seem daunting, most people report that it goes smoothly as long as you're honest and prepared. If you're still uncertain, you could consider wiring the funds to your destination in advance to avoid carrying large sums of cash altogether.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your trip!

Recent customs experiences for foreigners

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