What Can I Bring Across the Border? Food, Medicine, Alcohol and Cash

The golden rule: declare

If you are not sure about something, declare it. Declaring a prohibited product usually just means it gets taken away. Not declaring it can end in a fine, the loss of your SENTRI or problems with your visa.

Food

• Generally allowed: packaged and processed products, bread, cookies, candy, roasted coffee and most aged cheeses.
• Restricted or prohibited: many fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and cold cuts (especially pork), raw eggs, plants with soil and seeds.

The rules change depending on current pests or diseases, so ask the officer or check CBP's information before traveling.

Medicine

You can bring medicine for personal use, in reasonable quantities and in its original packaging. For controlled medications, bring the prescription. Some medicines sold over the counter in Mexico require a prescription or are restricted in the US.

Alcohol and tobacco

Adults over 21 can bring alcohol for personal consumption; the federal duty-free exemption is usually one liter, and some states charge their own tax. There are limits on cigarettes and cigars. Declare what you are carrying.

Cash

There is no limit on how much money you can carry, but if you or your group are carrying more than 10,000 dollars in cash, checks or other instruments (or the equivalent in another currency), you must declare it on the corresponding form. Splitting the money among companions to avoid declaring it is a crime.

When entering Mexico you must also declare if you are carrying more than 10,000 dollars or its equivalent.

Purchases

Residents returning to the US have a duty exemption for personal purchases that depends on how long they were away. Keep your receipts.

Also check the documents to cross and what happens in a secondary inspection.