How much cash can I bring into the USA without declaring it?

You must file a report with CBP if you are carrying more than $10,000 (or foreign equivalent) in monetary instruments (cash, traveler's checks, money orders) per person/family traveling together. There is no limit, but failure to declare amounts over $10,000 can lead to seizure.

What happens if I make a mistake on my Customs Declaration form?

Inform the CBP officer immediately. An innocent mistake on a corrected declaration is typically better than an omission, which can be seen as fraud and result in penalties or seizure of goods.

Can I use Mobile Passport Control (MPC) at Orlando Airport?

Yes, Orlando International Airport (MCO) supports MPC. Eligible travelers (U.S. and Canadian citizens, some visa holders) can use the official CBP MPC app to submit their passport and customs information digitally, often shortening wait times.

What items are absolutely forbidden by Customs?

Narcotics, counterfeit goods, items made from endangered species (ivory, tortoiseshell), obscene materials, and most agricultural pests/plants/soils are strictly prohibited. Cuban cigars acquired outside Cuba are also generally prohibited for U.S. citizens.

Where is the CBP inspection area located at MCO?

At Orlando International Airport (MCO), the Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility for clearing customs and immigration is located on the 3rd level of Terminal B, Airside 4. Follow signs for 'Arrivals' and 'CBP.'

Customs Rules for Travelers Arriving in Orlando, Florida: What to Know

All international travelers arriving in Orlando must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), declaring items over their $800 personal exemption, all agricultural products, and cash over $10,000, with processing times at MCO typically ranging from 30 minutes to 2+ hours depending on flight volume.

Real Costs & Potential Fines

Under-declaring or failing to declare items can lead to significant financial penalties beyond just paying owed duties.

Key Monetary Thresholds:

Personal Exemption: $800 per person (if staying >48hrs and not used exemption in last 30 days).
Cash Declaration Limit: Must report amounts exceeding $10,000 (per family/group).
Duty Rate: Typically 3% on first $1,000 over exemption, then variable rates.

Violation	Potential Consequence	Typical Cost/Fine
Failure to Declare Agricultural Items	Civil penalty + item seizure	Starting at $300 fine per incident
Undervaluing Commercial Goods	Seizure + penalty up to item value	Duties owed + penalty up to 100% of value
Failure to Declare >$10,000 Cash	Civil asset forfeiture (seizure)	Potential seizure of all undeclared cash
Carrying Counterfeit Goods (e.g., fake designer bags)	Seizure + possible trademark infringement fine	Item seizure + fine up to $250,000 per instance

Reference: Fines are authorized under 19 CFR Part 171 (CBP Penalties).

Best Areas & Airports for Smooth Processing

Orlando is served by two main international airports. Your choice can impact your customs experience.

Orlando International Airport (MCO):
- Primary Entry Point: Terminal B, Airside 4, 3rd Level Federal Inspection Services (FIS).
- Advantage: More CBP lanes, Mobile Passport Control (MPC) and Global Entry kiosks available. Direct connectivity to main terminal via automated people mover.
- Tip: Flights from pre-clearance locations (e.g., Canada, Dublin) arrive domestically, bypassing MCO FIS.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB):
- Smaller Facility: Primarily serves charter and some international scheduled flights.
- Advantage: Often shorter overall lines due to lower volume. Simpler, single-terminal layout.
- Consideration: Fewer amenities immediately post-clearance. Limited recheck options for connecting flights.

Step-by-Step Arrival & Customs Process

Before Landing: Flight attendants distribute CBP Form 6059B (Customs Declaration). Fill it out per family. Use blue or black ink.
Disembark & Follow Signs: Follow "Arrivals" and "Baggage Claim" signs, which lead to the Federal Inspection Area.
Primary Inspection: Present your passport and completed declaration form to the CBP officer. They may ask about your trip, purchases, and items you're bringing in.
Baggage Claim: Collect your checked luggage from the carousel. All bags must go through CBP inspection, even if you have nothing to declare.
Secondary Inspection (if directed): If you get a red mark on your form or are instructed, proceed to secondary for a detailed bag examination. This is random or based on profiling.
Bag Recheck & Exit: After clearing customs, if you have a connecting flight, recheck your bags on the conveyor belt just outside the customs hall. Then proceed to your next gate or airport exit.

Pro Tip: Download the official CBP MPC App before you travel. At MCO, you can use the dedicated MPC line after submitting your info via the app, which is often faster than the regular visitor line.

Local Agencies & Where to Go

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at MCO:
Location: Federal Inspection Services, Terminal B, 3rd Level, Orlando, FL 32827.
Phone (Port of Orlando): (407) 825-2051 (General inquiries).
U.S. Agriculture Inspection: Conducted jointly with CBP officers in the secondary inspection area.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Public health inquiries; officers may be present for health screenings.
If You Have an Issue Post-Clearance: For lost items or follow-ups, you must contact the CBP office at the port of entry (MCO or SFB). You cannot return to the secure inspection area.

Safety, Scams & Risks

The customs area itself is secure. Risks are primarily procedural and financial.

Scams: No legitimate CBP officer will call you demanding payment for fines over the phone after you've left the airport. This is a common scam. Report phone scams to CBP.
Theft: Keep your luggage in sight at all times in the baggage claim and recheck areas.
Legal Risk: The biggest risk is non-compliance. Being rude, lying to an officer, or attempting to smuggle prohibited items can lead to detention, denial of entry, and permanent bans.
Health Safety: Be aware of CDC requirements for vaccinations or health declarations if arriving from certain regions.

Time Efficiency & Waiting Times

Wait times are highly variable. CBP provides live wait times online.

Typical Range at MCO: 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Peak Times: Mid-morning to early afternoon (10 AM - 4 PM) when multiple wide-body flights from Europe and Latin America arrive simultaneously.
Best Times: Late evening arrivals often have shorter queues.
Factor: Flight Load: A fully booked Airbus A380 can add 400+ people to the queue instantly.
Time-Saving Programs:
- Global Entry:
- Mobile Passport Control (MPC): Often cuts wait by 50% or more.
- Connecting Flights: Allow at least 3 hours between your international arrival and domestic departure to account for deplaning, customs, baggage, and recheck.

Detailed List of Prohibited & Restricted Items

When in doubt, declare it. The officer will make the final determination.

Category	Prohibited	Restricted (Needs Declaration/Permit)
Food & Plants	Fresh fruit, most vegetables, plants with soil, most meats/poultry.	Packaged baked goods, hard cheeses, canned goods. Certain fruits with proper phytosanitary certificate.
Drugs & Meds	Narcotics, recreational drugs, paraphernalia.	Prescription meds (must be in original container). Some foreign medications not FDA-approved.
Money & Goods	Counterfeit currency, copyrighted/trademarked pirated goods.	Cash over $10,000, commercial samples, high-value gifts over exemption.
Wildlife	Ivory, tortoiseshell, feathers/parts from endangered species (CITES).	Hunting trophies require permits from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Other	Absinthe, hazardous materials, Cuban tobacco (for U.S. citizens).	Firearms/ammunition (must be declared to airline & CBP with forms).

Source: CBP Prohibited and Restricted Items.

How Duties & Taxes Are Calculated

If your purchases exceed your $800 exemption, duty is calculated on the excess amount.

Example Calculation: You bring back $1,500 worth of goods. Your exemption is $800. Duty is owed on $700. The first $1,000 over the exemption is usually taxed at a flat rate of 3%. So, duty = $700 * 0.03 = $21.

Note: Alcohol and tobacco have separate, often lower, exemption limits and higher duty rates. Gifts mailed from abroad have a different duty-free limit ($100) than items carried with you.

Official Resources & Contact Information

CBP Travel Website - The ultimate authority.
CBP Port of Orlando Contact Page
Global Entry Application
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) Info
FDA on Traveling with Medications
USDA Travelers Guide (Agricultural Items)

Real-World Case Examples

Case 1: The Foodie: A family from Brazil declared homemade cheese and cured sausages. CBP agriculture specialist determined the cheese was hard and shelf-stable (allowed) but confiscated the unapproved meats. No fine issued due to honest declaration.
Case 2: The Shopper: A UK tourist bought a $2,000 designer handbag in London. She declared it. CBP applied her $800 exemption and charged 3% duty on the remaining $1,200 ($36). She paid by credit card and proceeded.
Case 3: The Non-Declarer: A traveler from the Caribbean had $12,000 in cash hidden in a magazine. A CBP currency detector dog alerted. The cash was seized for failure to declare. Recovery is a lengthy legal process.
Case 4: The Connector: A couple flying from London to Orlando with a connection in New York (JFK). They cleared U.S. Customs at JFK, so upon arrival in MCO, they walked directly to domestic baggage claim as a domestic flight, saving significant time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the duty-free allowance when entering the USA?

A. The personal exemption for most travelers is $800. This applies if you have been abroad for at least 48 hours and haven't used this exemption within the past 30 days. Families can combine their declarations on one form.

What food items are prohibited by U.S. Customs?

A. Most fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and animal products are prohibited without special permits. Commercially packaged, shelf-stable foods like chocolate or canned goods are generally allowed. Always declare all food items to the CBP officer.

Do I need to declare prescription medication?

A. Yes. You must declare all prescription medications. Carry them in their original containers with the doctor's prescription. Some controlled substances may require additional documentation from a doctor.

Official Resources

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Travel Page
CBP Port of Orlando Office
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - Traveling with Medications
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Travelers Guide
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Travelers' Health

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations are complex and subject to change without notice. The definitive source of information is always the official CBP website and the officers on duty. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on this information, including fines, seizures, or delays. Travelers are solely responsible for knowing and complying with all applicable laws, including those found in Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Consult with a legal professional for specific guidance.