DETROIT: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) is reminding travelers returning from the Hajj to declare all agricultural items from their baggage. Many items cannot be brought into the United States because they may carry animal and plant pests and diseases. Restricted items include meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, soil, and products made from animal or plant materials.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are partners in this effort to protect American agriculture against the introduction of foreign plant and animal pests and diseases at our nation’s ports of entry. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) develops the policies that determine what agricultural products can come into the country and what products pose a risk and should be kept out. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at ports of entry enforce these agricultural policies. Confiscated items are destroyed under CBP supervision. The traveling public can learn more about prohibited fruits, vegetables, plant and animal products and other prohibited items by consulting the “Know Before You Go” guide at the Know Before You Go webpage.
“CBP is committed to treating all travelers with respect and dignity at all U.S. ports of entry while maintaining a professional environment.” says Detroit Director of Field Operations Christopher Perry. “If travelers have any concerns resulting from the inspection at a port of entry, a CBP supervisor is always available to answer questions and address their concerns.”
All travelers are also reminded of the currency and reporting requirement found on your customs declaration (CBP Form 6059b). You may bring into or take out of the country, including by mail, as much money as you wish. However, if it is more than $10,000, you will need to report it to CBP. Ask the CBP officer for the Currency Reporting Form (FinCen 105). The penalties for non-compliance can be severe. “Money” means monetary instruments and includes U.S. or foreign coins currently in circulation, currency, travelers’ checks in any form, money orders, and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cases of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) have been identified in multiple countries in the Arabian Peninsula. For more information, see CDC’s MERS website or view the travel alert here, http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/coronavirus-saudi-arabia-qatar. CBP, along with the CDC has been monitoring travel to and from countries affected by MERS and remain vigilant for travelers exhibiting symptoms of this illness.
CDC does not recommend that travelers change their plans because of MERS. Most instances of person-to-person spread have occurred in health care workers and other close contacts (such as family members and caregivers) of people sick with MERS. If you are concerned about MERS, you should discuss your travel plans with your doctor.
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