General Information » Entering Usa » Customs

Customs and border control is a pretty serious business in New York. The 9/11 terrorist attacks, the London bombings in July 2005, and the general heightened safety awareness that has arisen due to American foreign policy have made it pretty nerve-wracking going through any border post, even if the most contraband item in your suitcase is an extra carton of cigarettes.

Ports and airports are always on high alert, so you can expect customs and baggage screenings to be as meticulous as possible. The US Customs Service works in conjunction with the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service), and the two forces control what and who comes in and out of the country.

Both tourists and citizens are required to fill out a customs form on the plane and submit it as you pass through the customs gate, whether you have items to declare or not. The forms will require you to declare whether you are bringing in items such as foodstuff, meats, money and so on.

Random inspections are common. If you get pulled over for your bags to be checked don’t panic and think this means they have profiled you as a threat - these checks are totally random and are for everyone’s safety. During the checks, you may be asked questions about your country of citizenship, the purpose of your visit, and any items you are bringing into the US. Even if you have just come off a nightmare long-haul flight, try to stay calm and pleasant during the checks, and answer all questions politely and as comprehensively as possible.

Find out more about the rules and regulations of the Customs and Excise Department at www.customs.gov.



XXX L 4 XXX Restricted & Banned Items

The list of restricted and banned items changes quite regularly, so always check before you travel what you can and cannot bring with you, particularly in your hand luggage. Almost every airline has banned obvious items like pocket knives, utility tools, scissors, lighter fluid and matches, as well as some less obvious ones like nail files and tweezers. There may be restrictions on certain cosmetics, medicines and liquids (please check with your airline before you pack these things, otherwise you may have to bid a sad farewell to your near-full bottle of perfume). Travellers to the US are not allowed to carry livestock, meats, birds, fruits or vegetables - this is to avoid agricultural disruption. Banned products include fruits, plants, food, insects, meats, animals (or animal products), cell cultures, snails and soil (and you should inform authorities if you have recently visited a farm outside of the US).

Duty Free Allowances

Each person may carry the following:

• $800 of d...