U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Washington Dulles International Airport recently seized nearly $190,000 in unreported currency from eight separate groups of travelers. The incidents took place between Wednesday and October 27, with the largest single seizure involving almost $50,000 from two travelers heading to Ghana. According to CBP, the pair declared only $9,250 verbally and in writing, but officers found four envelopes containing a total of $40,000 during an inspection of their carry-on baggage.
The affected travelers were attempting to board flights to various destinations including Belgium, Ghana, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, and Togo. In each case, CBP officers gave the individuals several opportunities to accurately report all currency in their possession both verbally and in writing. However, each traveler chose to underreport their funds. Officers then conducted further examinations at the gate and uncovered additional undeclared currency.
Federal law allows travelers to carry any amount of money or monetary instruments when leaving or entering the United States but requires that amounts over $10,000 be reported to the U.S. Treasury Department using Form FINCEN 105. This form can be completed online before arriving at the airport or with assistance from CBP officers at the departure gate.
Christine Waugh, CBP’s Area Port Director for Washington D.C., stated: “It’s the holiday season and we know that people will travel internationally to a vacation spot or to spend time with family. We also understand that many travelers will be transporting currency to buy gifts for, or to present as a gift to family. We urge you to save yourself time and inconvenience, and guard against a possibly delayed start to your travel plans by truthfully complying with our nation’s currency reporting laws.”
CBP noted that failure to report large sums of cash may lead not only to seizure but also potential criminal prosecution for bulk currency smuggling. There is also a risk of missing flights if examinations result in seizures.
According to CBP data from fiscal year 2024, officers and agents seized an average of more than $152,000 in unreported or illicit currency daily along U.S. borders.
CBP's mission at ports of entry includes screening international travelers and cargo for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit goods, prohibited agriculture items such as invasive weeds and pests—all measures aimed at protecting public safety and economic interests across the United States.
More information about compliance requirements is available on the official CBP website (www.CBP.gov), where travelers can access resources such as social media accounts for updates on enforcement actions.
