A few days ago, during a cozy evening phone conversation, my uncle, brimming with excitement about his upcoming return to Kathmandu after a remarkable seven-year absence, asked a seemingly random question: “Do authorities stop travelers leaving the USA at airports for carrying large sums of cash, exceeding $10,000 USD?” This unexpected turn in our conversation prompted us to investigate the complex world of currency regulations. This article breaks down key info on carrying over $10,000 USD, FinCEN Form 105, and consequences for noncompliance. For international or domestic travel, be aware of cash transportation rules.
It’s important to note that I’m not a financial expert. Initially, my response to my uncle’s random question was a confident ‘NO.’ I assumed that such regulations only apply when entering the United States, requiring the declaration of large sums. However, my curiosity prompts a quick investigation, revealing a fascinating variety of rules, documentation processes, and potential consequences. Given that my blog focuses on travel-related topics, I considered writing about this, even if it may not be directly relevant to my core readers, who rarely carry more than $10,000 in cash. By addressing this topic, I aim to increase awareness, as knowledge is powerful.
CBP’s Nationwide Cash Confiscation: Insights from 2000 to 2016 and 2022
In a 2020 article, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at airports routinely confiscated prohibited items and significant sums of cash, amounting to over $2 billion nationwide from 2000 to 2016. I couldn’t find the exact total amount of cash seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at airports in the past year. However, this link suggests that CBP officers and agents confiscated an average of approximately $217,700 in unreported or illicit currency daily throughout 2022 along the nation’s borders.
Recent CBP Confiscation Highlights
CBP Seizes $56,400 from Iraq-Bound Travelers
On December 7, 2023, Customs and Border Protection officers at Washington Dulles International Airport confiscated $56,400 from an Iraq-bound man and his mother. The seizure happened during outbound inspections for a flight to Doha, Qatar, when CBP currency detector dog Fuzz detected the man’s carry-on baggage. Despite initially reporting $30,000, a subsequent inspection revealed a total of $42,000 in carry-on bags and on their persons, plus an additional $14,400 in the man’s checked baggage. CBP officers seized a total of $56,400 and released the family to continue their journey. Earlier that day, $68,000 was seized from a Nigeria-bound family who falsely claimed to have only $10,000. CBP emphasized the importance of accurate currency reporting in order to avoid consequences such as flight delays, asset seizure, or potential criminal prosecution.
CBP Confiscates $26,000 from Travelers Headed to Vietnam
On February 6, 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport seized more than $26,000 from a passenger traveling to Vietnam. The traveler initially reported carrying $9,000, but during a baggage examination, CBP discovered the larger sum. The CBP officer explained that amounts greater than $10,000 require a reporting form, and failure to do so may result in seizure under US federal law. The traveler admitted to failing to meet the requirements.
$10,000 Concealed in Slow Cooker Uncovered
In 2022, TSA agents at Boston Logan International Airport were surprised when a passenger attempted to board a flight with $10,000 cash hidden inside a slow cooker. The TSA officers, perplexed by the unusual storage method, allowed the passenger to travel after inspection, despite the fact that she missed her original flight. The TSA tweeted a photo of the cash-filled slow cooker, expressing confusion about the decision. International air passengers must declare any amounts exceeding $10,000 to US Customs and Border Protection. While internal flight passengers have no such restriction, airport scanners detect large sums, prompting further investigation. The TSA frequently finds passengers hiding money in luggage, but the slow cooker discovery was unusual. Despite missing her flight, the passenger was able to rebook her trip.
CBP Discovers Currency Violations: $350,918 Seized from Travelers
In February of last year, a local news report stated that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discovered a troubling pattern of travelers violating US currency reporting laws. Since New Year’s Eve, CBP officers at Washington Dulles International Airport have confiscated $350,918 in unreported currency from 14 groups of international travelers, assisted by CBP dog Fuzz. The majority of incidents involved travelers heading to Africa or Asia. Despite clear explanations of currency reporting laws, travelers continued to underreport their funds. CBP clarified that there is no limit to the amount of money travelers can bring, but federal law requires reporting of amounts greater than $10,000. No criminal charges were filed, allowing travelers to continue on their journeys. CBP expressed gratitude to compliant travelers but voiced concern about the unexplained trend.
Bringing Currency into or out of the United States: What’s Allowed?
The CBP site states that there is no limit on the amount of currency or monetary instruments you can bring into or take out of the United States. However, if the total amount exceeds $10,000, you must file a FinCEN Form 105 (“Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments”) with US Customs and Border Protection. This requirement applies to international travelers entering or leaving the United States.
If a family enters the U.S. together and declares jointly, they need to mention if the total money carried by all members exceeds $10,000 on Customs Declaration Form CBP 6059B. Individuals with over $10,000 must submit FinCEN Form 105. It’s crucial that family members in a joint declaration don’t make others carry money for them to stay below $10,000.
For those leaving the U.S. with over $10,000, filing FinCEN Form 105 is a must before departure.
FinCEN Form 105
Customs and Border Protection uses the FinCEN Form 105 to monitor the movement of large sums of money across borders, aiming to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. While the form is not directly reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), various government agencies, including the IRS, receive the information collected through this form [link].
This form is also known as the Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments [link]. You must submit this form to the Customs officer at the time of entry into or departure from the United States. Failure to provide all or any part of the requested information may result in the seizure and forfeiture of the currency or monetary instruments.
Carrying Cash on Domestic Flights
When traveling within the United States, there is technically no limit on the amount of cash you can carry. However, if you’re carrying a large sum, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may ask you to account for it using the FinCEN Form 105.
Carrying Cash on International Flights
For international flights, there is no strict limit on the amount of cash you can carry, but if it exceeds $10,000 USD, you must declare it to customs. If you have more than $10,000, fill out FinCEN Form 105 with US Customs and Border Protection. This rule applies to travelers coming in or leaving the United States. Failure to do so can result in penalties.
Filing the FinCEN Form 105
If you plan to travel internationally or domestically with $10,000 or more in cash, you must complete the FinCEN Form 105. You must file this form with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. You can complete the process online through the official website, ensuring the security of your personal information.
The FinCEN Form 105 is accessible on the internet for individuals to:
- Print the form and manually fill it out.
- Utilize any electronic device to type the information and then print the completed form.
Online access to the form is available at: https://fincen105.cbp.dhs.gov/#/
File the completed form with the Customs officer at the port of entry/departure or by mail within 15 days.
Consequences of Noncompliance
Recent incidents highlight the consequences of not adhering to these rules. Seizures of large amounts of cash at airports have occurred, leading to legal actions against the DEA and TSA. Failing to report over $10,000 during international travel can lead to travelers having their money seized. The Institute for Justice identifies cases where funds were seized without an arrest, as discussed in the above incidents. This highlights the importance of adhering to compliance.
In a Nutshell
When I first started writing this, I thought it would be a short article, but it seems there’s always more to say. I didn’t want to make it longer than this, but by now, you likely have a good idea and the gist of it. Recent incidents highlight the consequences of failing to follow cash-carrying rules while traveling to and from the United States. Seizures at airports have occurred, resulting in legal action, and travelers who fail to report amounts exceeding $10,000 risk having their funds seized. To avoid complications and potential penalties, it is critical to be aware of regulations governing the transportation of large sums of cash, both on international and domestic flights.
The FinCEN Form 105 is an important tool for monitoring the movement of large sums of money across borders and preventing financial crimes. If you intend to travel with $10,000 or more in cash, you must understand and follow these regulations to ensure a smooth and trouble-free journey.
Disclaimer: I am not a financial expert. This information aims to inform, not provide financial advice. Readers should seek professional guidance for their specific situations. The content covers general guidelines, and individuals should stay informed about any updates or changes to regulations.
