Declare everything, every time — it's faster and safer than hoping something slips by. Officers have wide discretion, and an honest declaration that goes slightly over your exemption usually just means paying duty on the difference. An undeclared item found in a search can mean seizure, fines, and a much longer day.
Quick reference
| Category | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General duty-free exemption | $800 USD per person | Covers items for personal/household use, declared to the officer. No 48-hour minimum stay or 30-day waiting period applies when returning from Mexico by land. Families can pool exemptions (e.g. two people = $1,600 combined). |
| Alcohol | 1 liter + 1 case of beer, per person 21+ | Roughly every 31 days. Under 21: alcohol is confiscated, no exceptions. |
| Pets (dogs) | Rabies vaccination ≥30 days old | A general CDC health certificate usually isn't required for dogs, but confirm current CDC/USDA rules before you travel — they've changed in recent years. Airlines may have their own paperwork requirements. |
| Pets (cats) | Visual inspection at the port of entry | No rabies certificate required for cats, but they can be denied entry if visibly ill. |
| Pet food | 1 factory-sealed 50lb bag per family | Must not contain beef, pork, goat, or lamb — chicken or fish formulas only. |
| Fresh food & agricultural products | Mostly restricted | Most fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are prohibited or require inspection — pack processed/packaged snacks instead if you're unsure. |
| Cash | $10,000 USD (or equivalent) — must declare | Carrying more isn't illegal, but failing to declare it is — and can mean seizure. |
| Prohibited, no exceptions | — | Illegal drugs, most firearms/ammunition without a permit, counterfeit goods, and certain endangered-species products (real tortoiseshell, some coral, etc.). |
Bringing pets back across
Dogs generally need proof of rabies vaccination at least 30 days old — a general CDC health certificate usually isn't required, but requirements have shifted in recent years, so double-check before you travel with a pet for the first time. Cats are subject to a visual inspection and can be denied entry if visibly ill; no rabies certificate is currently required for cats.
Food & agricultural products
Most fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products are restricted or prohibited — agricultural rules exist to prevent pest and disease spread, not to be difficult. Packaged, commercially sealed snacks are generally fine. When in doubt, declare it and let the officer decide rather than risk a much bigger problem.
Absolutely prohibited
Illegal drugs and most firearms/ammunition without the correct permit are non-negotiable — don't carry anything you're not 100% sure is legal to transport, including for someone else. This is also where the "mula ciega" (blind mule) scam matters: never let a stranger place anything in or on your vehicle, and check your car (wheel wells, bumpers, trunk) before crossing if you've parked somewhere unattended near the border.
What you can and can’t bringGeneral guidance only, not legal or customs advice. Limits and rules change — confirm current figures at cbp.gov before you travel, especially for anything you're unsure about.
Last updated July 2026