Prohibited & restricted items on arrival
Pick the country and tick what is in your bag. You see what is banned, what needs a permit or a declaration, and where the cash line is, with the official source for each.
All the rules we have for United States
Vapes and e-cigarettes
Check firstVapes are not banned at the border, but unauthorised or oversized quantities of nicotine products can be seized. Carry only a personal amount, and keep the device and spare batteries in your cabin bag, never checked baggage.
Source: US CBP: prohibited and restricted items, checked 30 Sep 2026check
Chewing gum
AllowedNo restriction on chewing gum.
Source: US CBP: prohibited and restricted items, checked 30 Sep 2026
Food, meat and dairy
Declare itDeclare all food, fruit, vegetables, meat and animal products on the customs form. Many are banned or restricted (fresh fruit and vegetables, most meat and poultry, some dairy). An item you failed to declare can bring a fine.
Source: US CBP: prohibited and restricted items, checked 30 Sep 2026
Plants, seeds and soil
Declare itPlants, seeds, soil and plant products must be declared and often need a permit. Soil is not allowed.
Source: US CBP: prohibited and restricted items, checked 30 Sep 2026check
Drones
Limits applyYou can bring a drone. Register it with the FAA if it weighs more than 250 g (0.55 lb), and recreational flyers take the free TRUST safety test. Launching or landing a drone in a national park is prohibited without permission.
Source: FAA: register your drone, checked 30 Sep 2026check
Cash
Declare itReport US$10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currency or monetary instruments) when you enter or leave. It is legal to carry more, but you must declare it.
Source: US CBP: prohibited and restricted items, checked 30 Sep 2026
Rules on vapes, drones and food change quickly and officers have the last word. Anything marked “check” is not settled: confirm on the official page before you pack. Medicines have their own rules: see the medicines tool.