Summer Cross-Border Recreation Travel Into The US

Summer is here at last, and many people are looking to the US for vacation destinations. However, before you hit the road, bear in mind that there is much to consider when crossing into the US, and not the least of which is what you are bringing with you. There are many regulations and rules that you may not have even considered, but absolutely apply to recreational travel into the US, and the better informed you are, the better off you will be when you arrive at Customs. 

For example, do you know what documentation is required for your furry friend riding shotgun? Can you bring a potted plant to your Aunty Jean in Vermont? Is your car something that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) views as an import requiring declaration? And that’s just where it starts - there are as many questions as there are miles of road for you to explore, so let’s have a look at some of the most common ones and see what pitfalls we can avoid this summer. 

Bringing Pets Into The US Temporarily 

Traveling with pets is common, especially when traveling, but be aware that there are quite a few things that you need to have when bringing a pet into the US, especially if it’s a dog. 

Traveling with a Dog

If you are traveling to the US with a puppy, there are a host of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dog-related regulations that you will need to meet before you can be allowed to do so. 

These regulations include what you need to have with you when you arrive at the border, what you need to have prepared ahead of time, and what processes your furry co-pilot will need to have gone through before you can bring them into the US. 

For a full breakdown of what you need to have, check out the CDC’s Dog Importation website and our own infographic covering what you need at a glance. 

Traveling with a Cat

It will come as no surprise to Garfield fans that traveling with a cat is a much simpler affair than traveling with a dog, but there are still some considerations to keep in mind as you head for the border. 

1. The CDC has no import form or rabies certificate requirements for cats; still, some individual states and airlines may have unique certificate or vaccination requirements. It is wise to investigate the destination state for individual rulings. 
2. Cats are subject to inspections at the border, and if it appears ill, you may be denied entry or required to pay for a veterinary examination at the port of entry.

Food and Other Perishable Items

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) food restrictions are relatively light when it comes to recreational transportation, and most food items are generally permitted to enter the US. However, certain regions or countries may have specific restrictions to consider, so always be careful and check when bringing fruits, meats, plants, cut flowers, pet food, and live animals across the border.

Regardless of the type, all food items must be declared at ports of entry, especially agricultural items, and failure to do so may result in significant fines and penalties up to $10,000. With that in mind, consider shopping in the US if you can. 

Still, if you’re looking to load up before you head out, here is a list of CBP-approved items: 

• Condiments: ketchup (catsup), mustard, mayonnaise, Marmite, Vegemite, and prepared sauces that do not contain meat products
• Olive oil and other vegetable oils
• Bread, cookies, crackers, cakes, granola bars, cereal, and other baked and processed products
• Candy and chocolate
• Cheese - Solid cheese that does not contain meat is admissible
• Liquid milk and milk products intended for use by infants or very young children are admissible for several days if in a reasonable amount or small quantity 
• Juices - Commercially packaged
• Tea - Commercially packaged and ready to be boiled, steeped, or microwaved in liquid. Coca, barberry, and loose citrus leaves are prohibited
• Spices - most dried spices are allowed except for orange, lemon, lime, and other citrus leaves and seeds, lemongrass, and many vegetable and fruit seeds
• Noodles and ramen that do not have animal products in the ingredients
• Flour
• Mushrooms - fresh, dried, and above-ground parts that are clean and free of soil.
• Nuts - Roasted
• Bakery items, candy, chocolate, and dry mixes containing dairy and egg ingredients, commercially labeled and presented in final finished packaging, are generally admissible

The following items are admissible according to CBP:

• Aloe - above-ground parts
• Coconuts - husks must have been completely removed and cannot have sprouted
• Garlic - peeled cloves
• Ginger - clean roots
• St. John's bread - pod
• Water chestnut - corm or nut only

Recreational Vehicles

There’s nothing quite like RV travel in the summertime, but does your vehicle need special considerations when entering the US? The answer is that, regardless of whether they are owned vehicles or rented RVs, recreational vehicles are generally permitted entry into the US. 

With that said, the following travel documents could be required upon arrival:

• A valid driver's license
• A copy of your RV rental agreement or registration (Written authorization from the rental company may be required)
• A valid passport (if applicable) 
• Insurance certificate for the RV 

Additionally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a vehicle registered in a country other than the US may enter the US for personal use by a non-US resident for up to one year. 

Gifts and Cash

Any amount of money that exceeds $10,000 USD must be declared at US Customs upon arrival. The following forms are the ones required by CBP for the declaration of that money: 

• CBP Form 6059B: This form provides US Customs with basic information about the traveler and what goods they bring into the US. One form can be completed for your entire family instead of each person filling out a form with essentially the same information.

• FinCEN Form 105: This form must be completed by travelers carrying cash or monetary instruments. Upon arrival in the US, travelers should file this form. 

Additionally, any gifts you are bringing into the US must be declared at Customs. It is good practice not to wrap these gifts, as they will likely need to be unwrapped if Customs decides to inspect them. 

CBP guidelines state that, “Gifts you bring back for personal use must be declared.” However, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and perfume having a retail value of more than $5.00 are excluded from the gift exemption.

Other Restricted Items

In general, most items are allowed into the US, especially when brought in for recreational use. However, there are several exceptions that are restricted or outright prohibited by CBP. It is also worth noting that many items are restricted on a state-by-state basis, and as such, the regulations in force could fluctuate based on where you are traveling to. 

Some of the more common items that run into issues at Customs due to the items being prohibited or regulated include: 

• Firearms, weapons, and ammunition: You must have a valid purpose for bringing them, such as hunting during hunting season, competitions, repair, etc. 

• Fireworks: According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), any person importing or transporting display fireworks must obtain a federal explosives license or permit from ATF. Examples of display fireworks include those used in professional displays. The ATF does not regulate the import and transport of completed consumer fireworks, such as those purchased from a stand; however, some US states do, which may require certificates or permits. Consumer fireworks are regulated by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

• Cannabis and Cannabis products: While Canada has legalized cannabis for both recreational and medicinal purposes, and several US states have done the same, it's important to note that cannabis remains a controlled substance at the federal level and is illegal in the US. Therefore, attempting to cross with cannabis products will likely result in refusals, seizures, penalties, and criminal charges. It can also create challenges for your future access to the US.

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Knowing what you need before you go is just as important when traveling recreationally as it is when importing for commercial purposes. The best way to ensure a smooth crossing is to be fully prepared and aware of the regulations and requirements you may be responsible for. 

You are encouraged to stay informed by downloading our helpful US Summer Cross-Border Recreation Guide. With it at your side, you’ll have your summer adventure start easily and stress-free!