Customs
What can you take with you?
Some countries have strict regulations about importing or exporting items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, business equipment and other items. What seems perfectly fine or innocent—a bag of spices for a friend or a cute little antique you find in a market—may be illegal to bring into or take out of the countries you are visiting. It’s a very good idea to check with the embassy or embassies of the countries you plan to visit. They can tell you what you can or can’t bring in or out of the country. The State Department’s Foreign Embassy website page contains our most updated list.
In many countries, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. It may be very tempting to get that DVD or knockoff designer item, but it’s also against the law! You should know that if you are caught with pirated or counterfeit items in your luggage when you come back, you will lose the items and may have to pay a big fine. Details are available from the Custom and Border Protection Agency. The CBP also has general travel information.
Worldwide Caution
Travel Warnings
- Philippines 01/30/2013
- Afghanistan 01/29/2013
- El Salvador 01/23/2013
- more
Travel Alerts
Country Information
