International Travel - U.S. Residents

Print a copy of Know Before You Go, Customs and Border Protection regulations for U.S. residents published by the U.S. Government. This document includes; required international travel documentation, what you must declare when returning to the U.S., items to register before you leave the U.S., duty-free allowances - or exemptions, how to determine duty on tobacco and alcoholic beverages, paying duty and sending items back to the U.S., prohibited items, restricted items and more...

Get a list of items prohibited and restricted from import into the United States.

If you plan on traveling with a pet or importing animals and pets into the United States, read the U.S. Customs Service guide to Pets and Wildlife Licensing and Health Requirements.

Visit these related US government websites for more information about international travel:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
www.dhs.gov

U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs which serves Americans traveling or residing abroad, issues passports to U.S. citizens and visas to citizens of foreign countries for travel to the U.S.
www.travel.state.gov

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
www.cbp.gov/travel

US-VISIT Program which combines technology and processes to establish biometrically-enhanced security measures that enhance security, ensure the integrity of the immigration system, facilitate legitimate travel and trade and protect the privacy of visitors.
www.dhs.gov/us-visit

Transportation Security Administration which is responsible for security at the nation's airports by screening all passengers and baggage.
www.tsa.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
www.aphis.usda.gov/subjects/importing/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration protects the public health by assuring the safety, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation's food supply, and cosmetics.
www.fda.gov

U.S. Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducts research and investigations, and applies results to improve people's daily lives. Provides travelers with health information.
www.cdc.gov

Fish and Wildlife Service conserves, protects and enhances fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats.
www.fws.gov

Office of Foreign Assets Control administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions.
www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/index.shtml