Key Takeaways:
- Most travelers to the U.S. must fill out the CBP 6059B Form upon entry via air, land, or sea.
- Some travelers, like B1/B2 Visa holders, U.S. citizens, and Green Card holders, can use Automated Passport Control Kiosks.
- After completion, declare all items on the form; failure to do so may result in penalties or seizure of items.
Who Needs to Fill Out the US Customs Declaration Form?
When traveling to the United States, most travelers entering by air, land, or sea are required to fill out the Customs Declaration form, officially known as the CBP 6059B Form. This form is a crucial document that aids U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in understanding what you are bringing into the country, helping them maintain security and prevent prohibited items from entering.
Dive Right Into
If you’re using commercial transportation, like an airline or cruise line, you’ll typically receive the Customs Declaration Form during your journey. If by chance you haven’t received one or if you’re entering through a different mode of transport, additional forms are readily available at the US Port of Entry.
Who Specifically Must Complete a Physical Customs Declaration Form?
The transition to electronic systems like the I-94 Arrival Departure Card has streamlined some processes, but not all travelers can use automated systems for their customs declarations yet. You will need to complete a physical CBP 6059B Form if you are entering the US with most types of visas. However, there are exceptions for:
- B1/B2 Visa holders
- US Citizens
- Green Card holders
- Canadian citizens
- Travelers using the ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
- Travelers entering with a D Visa
These individuals can use the Automated Passport Control (APC) Kiosks available at several US airports.
What Happens After You Fill Out the Customs Declaration Form?
Once you fill out the form accurately, a CBP officer will review it, stamp it, and return it to you. Keep this form handy because you’ll need to submit it at the exit point after collecting your baggage. A crucial reminder here is honesty. Declare everything you are carrying to avoid any potential hassles or violations—failure to do so can lead to penalties or even seizure of undeclared items.
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How to Complete the CBP 6059B Form Correctly?
Filling out government paperwork can be daunting, but it’s straightforward once you understand what each field requires. Here’s a quick guide to help you accurately complete the Customs Declaration Form:
Front Side of the Form
1. Family Name:
- What to write: Enter your last name as it appears in your passport.
- Example: If your passport says “Smith,” write “Smith.”
2. First (Given) Name:
- What to write: Enter your first name, following the same format as your passport.
- Example: For “John” in “John Edward Smith,” write “John.”
3. Birth Date:
- What to write: Provide your date of birth in the order of month, day, and year.
- Format: MM/DD/YYYY.
- Example: For May 14, 1980, enter 05/14/1980.
4. Number of Family Members Traveling with You:
- What to write: Count how many family members are with you, excluding yourself.
- Examples: Write “0” if alone, “1” if with spouse, or more if with children or other family members.
5. U.S. Street Address (Hotel/Destination):
- What to write: Enter the address of where you will be staying in the U.S.
- Example: Include the building number and street name, or hotel name if applicable.
- Format: Number, Street, Hotel Name if applicable.
6. City and State:
- What to write: Fill in the city and state corresponding to the U.S. address where you will stay.
- Example: “Los Angeles, CA.”
7. Passport Issued by:
- What to write: Enter the country that issued your passport.
- Example: “United Kingdom.”
8. Passport Number:
- What to write: Input the number of your passport.
- Example: “C01234567.”
9. Country of Residence:
- What to write: Specify the country where you currently reside.
- Example: “France.”
10. Countries Visited on This Trip Prior to U.S. Arrival:
- What to write: List the countries you visited before arriving in the U.S.
- Example: “Japan, South Korea.” If only transited without exiting the airport, write “None.”
11. Airline/Flight No or Vessel Name:
- What to write: Provide the name of the airline and flight number or the name of the vessel.
- Example: “Delta 1234” or “SS Marina.”
12. The Primary Purpose of This Trip is Business:
- What to check: Tick “Yes” for business trips or “No” if for tourism or other purposes.
13. I/We are Bringing:
- What to check: Indicate whether you are carrying items such as fruits, vegetables, or others that need declaration. Tick “Yes” or “No” appropriately.
14. I Have Been in Close Proximity of Livestock:
- What to check: Check “Yes” if recently near livestock; otherwise, “No.”
15. Carrying Currency:
- What to check: Declare if carrying more than $10,000 USD. Check “Yes” or “No.”
16. Commercial Merchandise:
- What to check: Indicate if you are bringing commercial goods for sale. Check “Yes” or “No.”
17. Declaration of Value of Goods:
- What to write: State the total monetary value of all goods you are bringing.
- Example: If not carrying items of value, write “0.” If carrying goods, estimate their total worth.
Back Side of the Form
This section requires you to list all items you declared in question 17, provide a detailed description, and their individual values. Sum up the total value of all items to ensure consistency with what you reported on the front side.
- How to fill: Write each item, describe them, and list their worth next to each. Total all values to match your declaration on the front.
Remember, honesty and accuracy are crucial when filling out this form to avoid any potential issues at customs.
Still Got Questions? Read Below to Know More
1. What should I do if I am traveling with family members who have different last names or are listed on multiple passports?
Answer: When traveling with family members who have different last names or are documented across multiple passports, you should fill out a separate customs declaration form for each passport. In the field that asks for the number of family members traveling with you, count only those who are included under the same passport or who share the same family name in their documents, and are physically traveling with you.
2. How do I determine the value of items I need to declare?
Answer: The value you declare for the items you’re bringing should reflect their total purchase price in U.S. dollars. This includes gifts, souvenirs, or any goods you’re bringing into the U.S. that have not been used. If you’re unsure about the exact price, provide a fair and reasonable estimate based on what you paid. If the items were gifts and you do not know their cost, estimate their retail value in the country where they were purchased.
3. What happens if I make a mistake on my customs declaration form?
Answer: If you realize you’ve made a mistake on your customs declaration form, don’t panic. Notify a customs officer or agent as soon as possible before passing through customs. They can assist you in making the necessary corrections. It is important to correct any inaccuracies before your items are inspected to avoid potential penalties or accusations of false declaration.
4. Can I bring food items into the U.S., and how should I declare them?
Answer: You can bring certain food items into the U.S., but they must be declared on your customs form. All food products, whether commercially packaged or homemade, fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products must be declared. The Agriculture section of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will inspect these items and determine if they are admissible according to U.S. regulations. Declare all such items under the question asking if you are bringing fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. Being thorough and upfront with your declarations will help avoid possible fines and delays.
5. What should I do if I’m bringing more than $10,000 USD?
Answer: If you are carrying currency or monetary instruments that exceed $10,000 USD, you must declare this on your customs form by checking “Yes” in the appropriate field. This includes a combined total of cash, travelers’ checks, money orders, and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form. Upon declaration, you may be asked to fill out Form FinCEN 105 with further details. Note that there is no tax or duty on currency, but it is vital to comply with this declaration requirement to avoid legal penalties.
Filling out the Customs Declaration form may seem like just another step in the long process of travel. However, it plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of U.S. borders. For additional information on the Customs Declaration process at the U.S. ports of entry, you can visit the official CBP website. Here you’ll find more detailed instructions and all necessary resources to help ensure your entry into the United States is as smooth as possible. Remember, when in doubt, declare it! Honest declarations go a long way in ensuring a hassle-free entry.
Learn Today:
- Customs Declaration Form: A required document, officially known as the CBP 6059B Form, that travelers entering the United States by air, land, or sea must fill out. It provides crucial information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about items being brought into the country, aiding in security and enforcement against prohibited items.
I-94 Arrival Departure Card: An electronic system used for streamlined customs declarations, but some travelers, such as those entering with certain types of visas, are still required to complete a physical CBP 6059B Form. The I-94 form records arrival and departure information for non-immigrant visitors to the U.S.
Automated Passport Control (APC) Kiosks: Self-service kiosks available at several U.S. airports that allow travelers, excluding certain visa holders and citizens, to complete their customs declarations electronically. They help expedite the Customs process for eligible passengers.
Visa Waiver Program (ESTA): A program that allows citizens of specific countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers utilizing the Visa Waiver Program must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before their trip.
Green Card: A colloquial term for the United States Permanent Resident Card, a document that demonstrates an individual’s status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. Green card holders have the right to live and work permanently in the United States.
This Article In A Nutshell:
When entering the US by air, land, or sea, travelers must complete the Customs Declaration form (CBP Form 6059B). Visitors with visas, except some categories, need to fill it manually. Remember, honesty is key. Declare all items to avoid issues. Follow a few simple steps to complete the form accurately for a smooth entry.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
- Guidelines for Carrying Jewelry from India to the USA: Declaration, Taxes, and Regulations
- Navigating Customs Declarations for UK Businesses Exporting to the EU: Post-Brexit Trade Documentation and EU Customs Handling
- U.S. Customs Guide on Traveling with Jewelry: Declaration Limits and Required Documents
- Understanding FATCA Reporting Thresholds for Declaration of Foreign Assets
