What happens if you bring more than $10,000 into the US?

Consequences of Undeclared Currency Exceeding $10,000 Upon Entering the United States

Individuals entering the United States with currency or monetary instruments valued at $10,000 or more must declare it to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival. Failure to do so, or providing false or incomplete information, can result in severe consequences.

Confiscation of Funds:

The most immediate repercussion is the potential confiscation of all undeclared funds. CBP has the authority to seize any and all currency or monetary instruments that exceed the $10,000 threshold and were not properly disclosed.

Financial Penalties:

Undeclared currency exceeding $10,000 may also incur substantial financial penalties. Individuals who fail to report or falsely report their currency may be fined up to $500,000 per violation.

Criminal Prosecution:

In addition to financial penalties, failure to declare currency exceeding $10,000 can constitute a criminal offense. Individuals may face up to 10 years in prison for knowingly and willfully violating the reporting requirements.

Importance of Proper Declaration:

Avoiding these severe consequences requires proper declaration of all currency and monetary instruments exceeding $10,000 at the point of entry into the United States. This information should be reported to a CBP officer on Form FinCEN 105.

Failure to comply with the reporting requirements can have significant financial and legal consequences. It is crucial to be aware of these requirements and ensure accurate and timely disclosure to avoid any potential penalties or legal ramifications.