CBP shares practical holiday travel tips

WASHINGTON — As travelers prepare for the 2026 holiday season, U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages all international travelers to plan ahead, bring valid travel documents, and declare all items acquired abroad.

CBP officers and agriculture specialists work year-round – including throughout the holiday season – to secure lawful travel and trade while protecting the United States from threats, prohibited items, and agricultural pests and diseases. In times of increased volume, travelers can minimize processing delays by reviewing travel requirements beforehand, allowing extra time at airports and land borders, and providing complete and accurate information upon arrival.

To ensure smooth processing at ports of entry and avoid potential penalties, CBP encourages international travelers to:

• Check travel documents. Ensure passports, visas, and other required travel documents are unexpired and valid before departure. Visa Waiver Program travelers should have an approved ESTA authorization before travel.  
• Use available CBP tools. Eligible travelers may use Mobile Passport Control, CBP Border Wait Times, and Ready Lanes at participating locations.
• Consider a Trusted Traveler Program. Preapproved, low-risk international travelers may be eligible for expedited processing through programs such as Global Entry®, NEXUS, or SENTRI. Membership requires an application, background check, non-refundable fee, and, when required, an in-person interview. All members remain subject to inspection. The Trusted Traveler mobile app can also help travelers plan and manage their travel experience. 
• Declare all items. Travelers must declare gifts, purchases, food, plants, seeds, soil, biological materials, insects, animal products, alcohol, tobacco, and other items acquired abroad. CBP agriculture specialists may inspect, detain, or refuse entry of items that do not meet U.S. import regulations. Declaring an item does not necessarily mean it will be prohibited or subject to duty.
• Declare currency. Travelers transporting $10,000 or more in currency or monetary instruments into or out of the United States must report it to CBP. Failure to report may result in penalties and seizure. 
• Know the rules. Restrictions may apply to alcohol, tobacco, and prescription medications. Keep prescription medications in their original containers and bring only the amount needed for the trip.
• Be prepared for inspection. Provide accurate information about your trip, your purchases, and the items you are bringing into the United States.
• Report concerns. Travelers who observe suspicious activity should notify CBP, transportation security personnel, or local law enforcement.

CBP officers and agriculture specialists inspect travelers, baggage, cargo, and conveyances to enforce U.S. laws and protect the United States from prohibited and restricted items. Travelers who fail to declare agricultural products, purchases, or currency may face delays, penalties, or seizure of prohibited items. Declaring all items helps CBP make informed inspection decisions and protect U.S. agriculture.

For additional travel tips and regulations, travelers should consult information on clearing CBP and the official Know Before You Visit and Know Before You Go webpages for U.S. travelers and international visitors. 

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