Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
As of January 2004, many international visitors traveling on visas
to the United States will be photographed and fingerprinted on
arrival at Customs in airports and on cruise ships in a program cre-
ated by the Department of Homeland Security called
US-VISIT.
Exempt from the extra scrutiny are visitors entering by land or those
that don't require a visa for short-term visits. For more information,
go to the Homeland Security website at
www.dhs.gov/dhspublic
.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Unless you're arriving from an area known to be suffering from an
epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vac-
cinations are not required for entry into the United States.
CUSTOMS
WHAT YOU CAN BRING INTO THE U.S.
Every visitor older than 21 years of age may bring in, free of duty,
the following: (1) 1 liter of wine or hard liquor; (2) 200 cigarettes,
100 cigars (but not from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco;
and (3) $100 worth of gifts. These exemptions are offered to travel-
ers who spend at least 72 hours in the United States and who have
not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is forbidden to
bring into the country almost any meat products (including canned,
fresh, and dried meat products such as bouillon, soup mixes, and
such). Generally, condiments, including vinegars, oils, and spices,
coffee, tea, and some cheeses and baked goods are permitted. Avoid
rice products, as rice can often harbor insects. Bringing fruits and
vegetables is not advised, though not prohibited. Customs will allow
produce depending on where you got it and where you're going after
you arrive in the U.S. Foreign tourists may carry in or out up to
$10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums
must be declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving, which
includes filing form CM 4790. For details consult your nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate, or
U.S. Customs
(www.customs.ustreas.gov).
WHAT YOU CAN TAKE HOME FROM THE U.S.
Canadian Citizens:
For a summary of Canadian rules, get the book-
let
I Declare
, from the Canada Border Services Agency (
&
800/461-
9999
in Canada, or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).
U.K. Citizens:
For information, contact
HM Customs & Excise
at
&
0845/010-9000
(from outside the U.K., 020/8929-0152), or
consult their website at
www.hmce.gov.uk
.
Australian Citizens:
A helpful brochure, available from Aus-
tralian consulates or Customs offices, is
Know Before You Go.
For
