U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Washington Dulles International Airport seized a total of $111,225 in unreported currency during August. The agency issued a reminder to travelers ahead of the Labor Day holiday about federal requirements for declaring large amounts of cash.
Federal law requires travelers entering or leaving the United States with more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments to report the amount to CBP officers. There is no limit on how much can be transported, but reporting is mandatory. Travelers can complete and submit the required FINCEN 105 form electronically prior to inspection by visiting https://fincen105.cbp.dhs.gov.
The seizures last month included $19,790 from a traveler arriving from Cairo on August 21, $14,300 from a traveler departing to Rome on August 14, and $77,135 from a traveler departing to Lome, Togo on August 2. In one case involving the Togo-bound passenger—who was enrolled in Global Entry—the individual’s trusted traveler status was revoked due to what officials described as an egregious violation of program terms.
CBP officers offer travelers multiple opportunities for both verbal and written declarations of currency before conducting baggage examinations at departure gates. Those who fail to declare all their cash risk missing flights, having funds confiscated, or facing criminal prosecution for bulk cash smuggling.
“Federal currency reporting laws are essential in helping CBP to ensure our nation’s economic and financial security, and to protect our most vulnerable citizens from becoming unwitting victims of financial crimes,” said Christine Waugh, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C.
Unreported cash may sometimes originate from illegal activities such as fraud or scams. Some individuals also attempt to conceal legitimately earned money from family members or business partners by failing to declare it when traveling internationally.
On average during fiscal year 2024, CBP officers and agents seized about $152,418 in unreported or illicit currency each day along U.S. borders. More information about daily enforcement activities can be found on "A Typical Day" published by CBP: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/typical-day-fy2023.
CBP's mission at ports of entry includes screening international travelers and cargo for narcotics, unreported money, weapons, counterfeit goods, prohibited agriculture items, invasive pests and other products that could threaten public safety or economic interests.
For further information about compliance requirements or updates on enforcement actions at regional ports including Dulles International Airport visit www.CBP.gov.
