And, in general, bread, cookies, crackers, cakes, granola bars, cereal, and other baked and processed snacks are also admissible. Do not take border-crossing food inspections or queries lightly. You must declare all food items you have on your person or in your vehicle to the border agent, no exceptions.

Can you take food through US customs?

Food Products (Raw and Prepared) As a general rule, condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea are admissible. Because rice can often harbor insects, it is best to avoid bringing it into the United States.

What vegetables can cross the border?

Dried

  • Beans.
  • Dates.
  • Figs.
  • Nuts (but not chestnuts or acorns)
  • Okra.
  • Peas.
  • Raisins.
  • Szechwan peppercorns.

Can I bring canned meat to USA?

No. The United State Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Meat and Animal Products Regulations prohibit travelers from bringing in fresh, dried, and canned meats, dehydrated soup mixes, and meat products from most foreign countries. If any meat is used in preparing a product, it is prohibited.

Can you bring food across the border?

If the food items are snacks that are commercially packaged and remain closed, it is generally fine to bring across borders. Bags of chips, nuts, candy, and similar foods that are not quickly perishable are acceptable. Beef jerky and other meat products are not always allowed.

What vegetables can you cross the border?

Help us keep American agriculture healthy by following the guidance on this page about products you may want to bring into the United States. Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural products on their U.S. Customs forms.

Do I have to declare food at Customs?

Yes, all food items and products must be declared when entering the U.S. You may be able to bring in food such as fruits, meats or other agricultural products depending on the region or country from which you are traveling.

Can I bring rice to USA?

While the official list states that white rice, basmati, brown rice, husked rice, polished rice, and rice flour are allowed, the Customs department does note that it’s generally advised not to bring it into the U.S. White flour, oat flour, and cornmeal are generally allowed as is most dry pasta.

What food can cross the US Mexico border?

When entering the United States from Mexico or Canada, travelers may bring bakery items and some types of cheese across the border without worrying about being inspected. Other items that are generally accepted include packaged coffee, tea, condiments and spices, among others.

Can I bring tacos from Mexico?

Tamales, tacos, pastries, and grains may not be a serious issue as you return from Mexico. The primary concern will be those items that could contaminate U.S. crops. Inspectors at the border may identify such issues on produce if you bring it back and fail to declare it, which could also result in fines.

What products does CBP prevent from entering the United States?

The products CBP prevent from entering the United States are those that would injure community health, public safety, American workers, children, or domestic plant and animal life, or those that would defeat our national interests. Sometimes the products that cause injury, or have the potential to do so, may seem fairly innocent.

What does the US Department of Customs and Border Protection do?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Customs and Border Protection prevents people from entering the country illegally, or bringing anything harmful or illegal into the United States.

Why are some agriculture products prohibited entry into the United States?

Many agriculture products are prohibited entry into the United States from certain countries because they may carry plant pests and foreign animal diseases. All agriculture items must be declared and are subject to inspection by a CBP Agriculture Specialist at ports of entry to ensure they are free of plant pests and foreign animal diseases.

Can you bring food into the US from other countries?

Bringing Food into the U.S. Many agriculture products are prohibited entry into the United States from certain countries because they may carry plant pests and foreign animal diseases.