Know Before You Go:  A Traveller’s Guide to U.S. Customs

Jun 21, 2026 Features / Columnists, News

---

Embassy of the United States of America

100 Duke & Young Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana

Ask the Consul Installment 26-06 

(Kaieteur News) – Summer is here, and we know many of you are excited to visit family and friends in the United States.  Whether you’re heading to New York, Miami, or anywhere in between, we want your trip to be smooth, memorable, and stress-free.  One of the best things you can do before you board that flight is to know the rules before you pack.

We often hear from travellers who arrive at U.S. ports of entry only to have beloved items confiscated, sometimes items they brought as gifts.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces strict rules about what can and cannot enter the United States, and ignorance of the rules is not a defense.  So, let’s walk through the most common questions we receive.

Q:  I want to bring some fresh fruits, vegetables, and ground provisions from Guyana for my family.  Can I do that?

A:  This is one of the most common mistakes.  Most fresh fruits and vegetables are prohibited or heavily restricted from entering the United States.  CBP works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prevent the introduction of plant pests and diseases that could harm U.S. agriculture.  Items commonly brought from Guyana that are typically prohibited or restricted include:

• Fresh mangoes, sapodillas, and other tropical fruits (unless commercially processed and labeled)
• Fresh vegetables & ground provisions, including peppers, bora, eddoes, etc.
• Soil or items containing soil
• Plants with roots or soil attached

What you can generally bring:

• Commercially packaged, processed, or canned goods (e.g., sealed pepper sauce, packaged spices)
• Baked goods and candy
• Dried spices (not seeds intended for planting)

Bottom line:  When in doubt, leave it out!  CBP officers at the port of entry make the final determination.  The civil penalty for failing to declare agricultural items at U.S. ports of entry will cost first time offenders US$300.  The penalty for the second violation goes up to $500.

Q:  Can I bring uncooked or fresh fish from Guyana to the United States?

A:  It depends on the type and how it is prepared.  Here’s what you need to know:

• Fresh, chilled, or frozen fish (finfish):  Generally permitted for personal use, provided it is properly packaged and declared to CBP.  However, CBP and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) may inspect it, and certain species may be restricted or require documentation.

• Dried, salted, or smoked fish (e.g., saltfish):  Generally permitted in reasonable quantities for personal use, as long as it is commercially packaged or clearly prepared/processed.  These are among the more commonly accepted fish products from the Caribbean and South America.

• Shellfish and crustaceans (e.g., shrimp, crab):  Generally permitted if commercially processed and properly packaged.  Raw or live shellfish may face additional scrutiny.

• Protected or endangered species:  Fish species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), such as certain sharks or exotic species, are prohibited or require permits.  Do not bring any fish you cannot identify by species.

Key rules to follow:

1. Declare it. All fish and seafood must be declared on your CBP Declaration Form, regardless of quantity.

2. Package it properly. Fish should be securely sealed to prevent leakage and odor issues during inspection.

3. Know what you’re carrying. If you are unsure of the species, do not pack it.

4. Quantity matters. Large commercial quantities will raise questions.  CBP may determine that amounts beyond personal use are intended for resale, which requires proper import documentation.

Bottom line:  A reasonable amount of properly packaged, non-endangered fish (fresh, frozen, dried, or salted) is generally allowed, but always declare it.  When in doubt, check with CBP at cbp.gov before you travel.

Q:  Can I bring fried rice, cook-up rice, or other prepared foods?

A:  Commercially prepared and sealed foods are generally permitted. However, homemade or home-cooked foods, especially those containing meat, may be restricted or prohibited.  Meat products from many countries, including Guyana, face strict import restrictions due to animal disease concerns.  This includes:

• Fresh, dried, or cooked meats (including pork, beef, and poultry)
• Homemade sausages or blood/black pudding
• Items cooked with meat, like fried rice, that are not commercially sealed

Q:  What about bringing live animals, birds, or fish?

A:  Live animals, birds, and certain fish require permits, health certificates, and advance coordination with multiple U.S. agencies, including the USDA, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and CDC.  Do not attempt to bring live animals without proper documentation.  Violations can result in seizure of the animal and significant fines.

Q:  Can I bring traditional medicines or herbal remedies from Guyana?

A:  Some traditional herbal remedies may be permitted in small quantities for personal use, but others may be restricted or prohibited, particularly if they contain plant or animal materials that are regulated.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also regulates what can be brought in as a medicine.  If you rely on a specific medication, bring a copy of your prescription and ensure it is in its original, labelled container.  Please note that marijuana is a controlled substance under U.S. federal law and may NOT be brought into the United States, even if use is permitted in some states.  

Q:  I want to bring a gift of jewellery or gold.  Is that allowed?

A:  Yes, jewellery and gold are generally permitted, but high-value items must be declared.  If CBP determines the value exceeds your duty-free exemption, you may owe customs duty.

Q:  How much money can I bring into the United States?

A:  There is no limit on how much money you can bring into or take out of the United States.  However, if you are carrying US$10,000 or more, in any combination of U.S. or foreign currency, traveller’s checks, money orders, or certain negotiable instruments, you must declare it to CBP by filing FinCEN Form 105 (Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments).

This is not a tax; it is simply a reporting requirement.  Failure to declare is a serious federal offense and can result in the seizure of all funds and criminal prosecution.

Q:  Are there limits on alcohol and tobacco I can bring?

A:  Yes.  For travellers 21 years of age or older:

• Alcohol:  Generally, 1 liter (approximately one quart) duty-free.  Additional quantities may be brought in but are subject to duty and federal and state tax.

• Tobacco:  Generally, 200 cigarettes (one carton) and 100 cigars duty-free.   Quantities above these limits are subject to duty and federal excise tax.

Q:  What is the duty-free exemption, and how does it work?

A:  When you enter the United States, CBP allows a duty-free exemption on goods you are bringing in.  For most international travellers arriving from countries without a U.S. free trade agreement (like Guyana), the standard exemptions are:

• US$800 per person in goods for U.S. residents returning from abroad
• US$100 in gifts for non-U.S. residents (i.e., Guyanese visitors) leaving items behind in the United States 

Note:  The duty-free exemption applies to goods you are bringing as gifts or for personal use, not for commercial resale.

TIPS FOR A SMOOTH ARRIVAL 

1. Always declare everything. CBP officers expect honesty.  Declaring an item does not mean it will be confiscated; it means you are following the law.

2. Keep receiptsfor items you purchased abroad, especially high-value goods.

3. Do not pack prohibited agricultural items, even if someone tells you “it’s fine.” It is not worth the fine or the embarrassment!

4. Package fish and seafood securelyif you plan to bring it, and know the species you are carrying.

5. Carry medications in their original containerswith your name on the label.

6. If you are carrying US$10,000 or more, have your FinCEN Form 105 ready.

7. Check the CBP websiteat gov for the most current list of prohibited and restricted items before you travel.

We want your visit to the United States to be everything you’ve dreamed of.  A little preparation goes a long way.  Safe travels and enjoy your summer!

***

“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and other Consular topics.  Detailed information about visas can be viewed at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ and https://travel.state.gov/.  Information about American Citizen Services can be found at https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.

 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third-party advice.  Consular processes change frequently, and non-U.S. government advisors often provide inadequate or inaccurate information.  Please contact our Visa Information Service Center using the contact information at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/information/contact_us if you have general visa questions.

---

• Embassy of the United States, Traveller's Guide, U.S. Customs

---