With international travel on pause for over the past two years, you might be itching to go on a trip. While there are still some restrictions and considerations to make when choosing to go abroad, for the most part, travel is back on track. Pandemic or not, there are still procedures and requirements that you must meet and follow when traveling abroad and returning to the United States.
When You May Need Experienced Immigration Representation
If you have recently traveled abroad or are planning to do so, there are procedures and requirements that you must follow. If you do not comply with these rules, you may experience delays or even legal consequences like detainment or fines. If you have experienced any of these issues, it is crucial to have an experienced immigration law attorney on your side. International and immigration rules and regulations are complicated and often difficult to understand. When you need assistance with these regulations or representation in your immigration law issues, Leslie I. Snyder, P.A. Immigration Attorney is here to help.
What To Expect When You Return from Travel
Customs and Border Protection, or “CBP”, supervises and controls all international travel coming through ports of entry. The purpose of the CBP is to enforce customs, immigration, and agricultural rules and regulations at United States ports of entry and other preclearance locations across the globe. As a result, the CBP performs several procedures to ensure safety.
Declaration Forms
- All travelers must complete declaration form 6059 B, which itemizes all merchandise and agricultural products that the individual intends to bring into the country from abroad. The CBP provides several methods to complete the form:
- Online at a global entry kiosk (Note: Only preapproved Global Entry members may complete forms from these kiosks.)
- Online at an automated passport control kiosk
- Paper form obtained at the port of entry upon arrival
It is essential to keep receipts or records of purchase for all the items you intend to bring with you for the CPB processing.
Duties Payments
Depending on the items you intend to bring into the country, the countries they come from, and the reason you are bringing them, you may be required to pay duties. Duties are taxes on goods, services, or other transactions involving another country. Regarding duties you might pay, these are taxes on items you have acquired on your travels and intend to bring into the country with you. Duties may not apply to your items if:
- Items are in your possession
- Merchandise is declared to CBP
- Items are personal, household, or intended as gifts
- Your trip lasted more than 48 hours
- You have not used all or part of your duties allowance within the last 30 days
- The items are not otherwise prohibited or restricted
If none of those exemptions apply to you, you may be required to pay $200, $800, or $1600 in duties.
CBP Interview
CBP is required to inspect everyone who arrives at a port of entry. CBP officers may ask questions about your citizenship, your trip, and anything that you are bringing back to the United States with you from that trip. If requested, CBP may search you, your luggage, or your vehicle.
Hiring A Florida Immigration Attorney
Immigration processes, like applying for and maintaining lawful permanent residency, are complex. When you need immigration representation, contact Leslie I. Snyder, P.A. Immigration Attorney. To learn more or schedule your initial case consultation, call (305) 859-9580, use the chat box at the bottom-left of the screen, or use our Contact Form today.