A family can bring an unlimited amount of cash into the US, but they must declare it if the total amount exceeds $10,000.
Declaring Currency When Entering the US
According to official guidelines, there's no limit to the amount of money you can bring into or take out of the United States. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mandates that you report if you are carrying currency or monetary instruments over $10,000. This includes:
- Cash (coins and currency)
- Traveler's checks
- Money orders
- Negotiable instruments or securities (e.g., stocks, bonds)
Family Declaration
Members of a family residing in one household who are entering the United States and submitting a joint declaration must declare if the members are collectively carrying currency or monetary instruments in a combined amount over $10,000 on their Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B). This is per the reference stating that families submitting a joint declaration need to declare if they collectively have more than $10,000.
Consequences of Not Declaring
Failure to declare currency or monetary instruments exceeding $10,000 can lead to:
- Seizure of the currency
- Civil penalties
- Criminal charges
It's crucial to be truthful and declare the full amount to avoid potential legal issues.
How to Declare
- Obtain CBP Form 6059B - Customs Declaration Form upon arrival or during your flight/journey to the US.
- Answer truthfully if you are carrying currency or monetary instruments exceeding $10,000.
- Complete FinCEN Form 105 (Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments) if required by a CBP officer.
