Embassy of the United States

Traveling to the U.S.

Information on U.S. Customs

1. Food and agricultural products
           A. Allowed food products
           B. Forbidden food products
           C. Alcoholic beverages
           D. Tobacco
           E. Bulbs
2. Medicines/narcotics
3. Pets
4. Money
5. Firearms and ammunition
6. Tax return
7. Gifts sent by mail
8. Motor vehicles
9. Ashes of deceased people 
10. Other products
11. Suitcases
    

Narcotics and dangerous drugs are prohibited entry. There are severe civil and/or criminal penalties if imported.

Declare all medications to Customs when entering the United States. 
 
A traveler requiring prescribed medicines (e.g. cough medicine, diuretics, heart drugs, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, stimulants, diabetes medication etc.) should:

• Have all drugs, medicines, and similar products properly identified
  
• Carry only such quantity as would normally be used by an individual having the health problem requiring the drugs or medicines in your possession
  
• Have either a current prescription or written statement from your personal physician that the medicine is being used under a doctor's direction and that it is necessary for your physical well-being while traveling. The doctor’s note should state the name and the exact quantity of the medicine you are bringing into the U.S. 
  
• Carry all medication in your hand luggage (including needles for diabetics) also in case of loss of luggage

It is recommended to ask for a medical passport from your pharmacy/physician.

Medication can be sent by post if the prescription or doctor's letter is included. A notation should be placed on the outside of the parcel stating, for example, "DOCTOR'S LETTER ATTACHED."

Not all medicines are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or allowed into the United States. Concerta and Ritalin are approved medicines.
More information, including a list of approved medicines can be found in the FDA Orange Book.

• Cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to man when examined at the port of entry. If the animal is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the owner's expense.
• Dogs must be free of evidence of diseases communicable to man and must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to arrival. (This requirement does not apply to puppies less than three months of age; puppies up to three months must be confined at the owner's expense, then immunized and confined for an additional 30 days.)
  A valid rabies vaccination certificate must accompany the animal. This certificate should identify the animal, the dates of vaccination and expiration, and bear the signature of a licensed veterinarian. If no expiration date is specified, the certificate is acceptable if the date of vaccination is no more than 12 months prior to arrival in the United States.  At the same time, pick up a ‘gezondheidsverklaring' from your veterinarian.

  U.S. Customs has published a useful brochure called "Pets and Wildlife, Licensing and Health Requirements."

  Different rules may apply to Hawaii and Guam, see http://www.hawaiiag.org/

  Further information on importing pets can be found at:
  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ac/pettravel.html
  and
  http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/animal.htm

4. Money

It is prohibited for nonimmigrant aliens to import firearms and ammunition.
However, if your travel to the U.S. is primarily for the purpose of hunting or lawful sporting activities, your firearms and ammunition may be brought into the United States provided you take the firearms and any remaining unfired ammunition out of the United States when you depart.
For complete information and to obtain the necessary permits to import firearms, contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Department of the Treasury, Firearms and Explosives Import Branch.

You may temporarily import an automobile, trailer, airplane, motorcycle, boat, or similar vehicle for the transportation of yourself, your family, and your guests.
Motor vehicles and motor vehicles equipment for personal use may be imported for a period of one year or less. The vehicle must be imported in connection with your arrival and be owned by you or on order prior to your departure.
A vehicle not complying with all applicable Federal laws (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  and Department of Transportation (DOT)) cannot be sold in the United States. More... 

Suitcases should be transported unlocked. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) opens suitcases at random. Possible costs of breaking open the suitcases are for the owner. Suitcases with approved locks may be locked. There is a list of approved locks on the TSA website.