CBP 6059B Form

What is the CBP 6059B form?

The CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is a document that travelers entering the United States must complete. It is used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to obtain necessary information about who is entering the country, what they are bringing with them, and any items that might be subject to duties or agricultural restrictions.

Who needs to fill out the CBP 6059B form?

Every traveler entering the United States, whether by air, sea, or land, must complete the CBP 6059B form. This requirement applies to U.S. citizens, residents, and visitors. Families traveling together can submit a single form, but each family member may be required to complete individual forms in certain situations.

Can I fill the CBP 6059B form out online?

Yes, travelers have the option to complete the CBP 6059B form electronically through the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app or Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks available at selected airports. These electronic options streamline the entry process but are not available at all entry points into the United States.

What information do I need to provide on the CBP 6059B form?

On the CBP 6059B form, travelers are required to provide personal information such as their name, date of birth, and passport details. Additionally, they must declare any items being brought into the United States that exceed duty-free allowances, are restricted, or are prohibited. This includes declaring cash or monetary instruments exceeding $10,000, food, plants, animals, and goods intended for commercial purposes.

How do I declare items on the CBP 6059B form?

Items should be declared by providing a brief description and the value in U.S. dollars. It is important to be honest and accurate when declaring items, as failure to do so can result in penalties, including fines or confiscation of undeclared items. If unsure about whether an item needs to be declared, it is always safer to declare it.

What happens if I make a mistake on the CBP 6059B form?

If a mistake is made on the form, it should be corrected before proceeding through customs. Travelers can request a new form from a customs officer or amend the error on the electronic version if using an electronic option. It's important to address any mistakes promptly and honestly, as discrepancies can lead to delays or further inspection.

What are the consequences of not declaring items on the CBP 6059B form?

Failure to declare items that are subject to declaration can result in significant consequences. These can include the seizure of the undeclared items, fines, and, in severe cases, criminal charges. Compliance with declaration requirements ensures a smoother entry process into the United States.

Can I keep the CBP 6059B form after entering the United States?

After processing, the customs officer may collect the completed form. If the form is collected, there is no need to keep it. However, if the form is returned, it is advisable to hold onto it until after leaving the customs area, as it may be required to present to customs officers during the entry process.

Where can I get help with completing the CBP 6059B form?

For assistance with completing the CBP 6059B form, travelers can consult the guidelines available on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or ask for help from customs officers at the point of entry. Assistance is also available at Automated Passport Control kiosks and through the Mobile Passport Control app's guidance features.

Filling out the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, also known as the "Customs Declaration Form," can seem straightforward. However, mistakes are often made that can complicate a traveler's entry into the United States. One common error is not being thorough or accurate when declaring items. It's essential to list everything you're bringing into the country, including items you purchased abroad and are bringing back home. Failure to declare items accurately can lead to delays, fines, or even seizure of the undeclared goods.

Another mistake made is overlooking food items. Many travelers don't realize that they need to declare all food products, regardless of their value or quantity. This includes snacks, fruits, and any food items received as gifts. The CBP has strict regulations on bringing food into the country to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. Leaving these items off your declaration form unintentionally can result in penalties or disposal of the undeclared items.

The misunderstanding of the monetary declaration section also leads to errors on the form. Travelers often incorrectly report the amount of currency or monetary instruments they carry. You must report if you are carrying more than $10,000 USD, but some mistakenly believe this only applies to cash. The truth is, it encompasses all forms of currency and monetary instruments, including traveler's checks and money orders. Incorrectly reporting or failing to report these amounts can result in the seizure of those funds and potential legal action.

Last but not least, a significant mistake is failing to sign and date the form. This might seem minor, but an unsigned or undated form is considered incomplete by CBP officials. An incomplete form can delay your entry process or result in you being pulled aside for further questioning. It's a simple step, but it's crucial for ensuring that your declaration is accepted and processed promptly.

Traveling into the United States often involves the navigation of various forms and documents, designed to ensure compliance with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. Among these, the CBP 6059B form, commonly known as the Customs Declaration form, is one of the initial documents travelers encounter. This form helps the CBP officers assess the nature of goods entering the country, ensuring that they comply with U.S. laws and regulations. However, the CBP 6059B form is not the only document travelers might need to complete or present during their journey. Several other forms often accompany or supplement the information required by the CBP 6059B, providing a more comprehensive overview of a traveler's intentions and belongings when entering the United States.

• Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record: This form is crucial for all visitors except U.S. Citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and most Canadian citizens visiting or in-transit. It records a traveler's arrival and departure dates and is used to determine the length of stay in the United States.
• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): For citizens of visa waiver countries, ESTA approval is required prior to boarding a U.S.-bound air or sea carrier. This automated system determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
• Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: For travelers requiring a visa to enter the United States, this online form is a key step in the visa application process. It collects personal and travel information and is submitted electronically to the Department of State website.
• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document: Often used by individuals who have applied for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident or those under other specific circumstances requiring a reentry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole.

Each of these documents serves a specific purpose in facilitating legal and smooth entry into the United States, complementing the information provided by the CBP 6059B form. Whether it's verifying the purpose and duration of a visit with the I-94, confirming eligibility under the VWP with ESTA, processing visa applications with the DS-160, or managing reentry permits with the I-131, these documents collectively ensure travelers meet all necessary legal requirements. Therefore, understanding and preparing these forms in advance can greatly contribute to a hassle-free entry process into the United States.

The CBP 6059B form, known as the Customs Declaration form, bears several similarities to the I-94 Form, Arrival/Departure Record. The I-94 Form is required by the Department of Homeland Security for all arrivals to the U.S., documenting a traveler's entry and exit dates. Similar to the CBP 6059B, the I-94 captures key identification details and travel plans of individuals entering the country, serving as a critical tool in managing immigration and border control processes. Both forms play pivotal roles in ensuring national security and immigration compliance, requiring accurate and thorough completion by travelers.

Another document similar to the CBP 6059B is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application. The ESTA is necessary for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries entering the U.S. by air or sea. Like the CBP 6059B, it collects personal information and details regarding the traveler’s trip. However, the ESTA differentiates itself by being a pre-authorization for travel, rather than a declaration made at the time of entry. Both the ESTA application and the CBP 6059B ensure travelers meet the legal requirements for entry into the U.S., complementing the nation's security measures.

The Agricultural Declaration Form, another crucial document required for entry into the U.S., shares objectives similar to those of the CBP 6059B, albeit with a focus on preventing the introduction of harmful pests and diseases through agricultural products. Travelers must declare if they are carrying food, plants, or animals, much like how the CBP 6059B requires declarations of goods being brought into the country. This vigilance helps safeguard U.S. agriculture, ecosystems, and public health, illustrating the broader scope of border control and biosecurity efforts.

Form 6059B also resembles the Visa Application Form (DS-160) in several respects. The DS-160 is used by non-immigrant visa applicants and collects detailed personal and travel information, similar to the CBP 6059B. Both forms are integral to the U.S. government’s vetting process, ensuring that individuals seeking entry meet eligibility and security criteria, although they cater to different stages of the travel and entry process. The DS-160 is more comprehensive, covering applicants' backgrounds, intentions, and travel plans in greater detail.

Lastly, the Global Entry application is akin to the CBP 6059B form, providing expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Like the CBP 6059B, applicants for Global Entry must provide personal identification, travel history, and other relevant information that aids in assessing their eligibility and risk level. While Global Entry focuses on streamlining the entry process for frequent travelers through background checks and pre-approvals, the CBP 6059B serves a more universal role in customs declaration. Nonetheless, both are crucial for facilitating smooth travel while maintaining the integrity of U.S. borders.

The CBP Form 6059B, also known as the "Customs Declaration," is a document that travelers entering the United States must complete. Here are several dos and don'ts to consider when filling out this form.

Do:

1. Provide accurate information regarding your travel, including the countries visited prior to arriving in the United States.
2. List all items you're bringing into the country that were acquired abroad and are in your possession. This includes items you're carrying for others.
3. Declare the value of all goods you are bringing into the United States in U.S. dollars.
4. Ensure the form is signed and dated to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
5. Remember to declare any agricultural products, as failing to do so can result in fines or secondary inspections.

Don't:

• Leave any sections blank. If a section does not apply, write "N/A" (for Not Applicable) instead of leaving it empty.
• Underestimate the value of the items you're declaring. It's important to provide a true estimate to avoid penalties.
• Forget to list items that are traveling with you or in your luggage. Failure to declare items can lead to delays and possible fines.
• Overlook the need to declare items you're bringing in as gifts. These items are subject to declaration and possibly duties.
• Ignore the guidance provided by CBP officers. If you're unsure about how to declare an item, ask for clarification.

Travelers often misunderstand several aspects of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, which is the declaration form required for entry into the United States. Clearing up these misconceptions ensures smoother passage through customs and helps avoid unintentional non-compliance.

• Only physical goods need to be declared: Many believe that the declaration form only applies to physical items they are carrying. In reality, the scope of declaration extends beyond tangible goods. It includes items like unaccompanied purchases and merchandise sent by mail or courier. Understanding this helps travelers comply fully by declaring all items that fall under the CBP's purview.

• Food items are exempt from declaration: A common misconception is that food items, particularly those for personal use, do not need to be declared. However, all food products, regardless of their intended use, must be declared. The CBP's concern here is primarily with agricultural and biosecurity risks, aiming to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases into the United States.

• Monetary instruments are only paper currency: When the form asks if you are carrying more than $10,000 in monetary instruments, some folks think only of cash. In fact, this includes all forms of negotiable instruments, such as bonds, stocks, traveler's checks, and money orders, in addition to currency. This requirement is crucial for preventing money laundering and other financial crimes.

• Personal information is shared broadly: Concerns often arise about the handling of personal information provided on the form. Travelers should be reassured that the information is used strictly for customs and border protection purposes. It is safeguarded under privacy laws and regulations, ensuring that personal data is protected and not shared indiscriminately.

Travelers entering the United States must navigate through customs efficiently, and understanding the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, commonly known as the "Customs Declaration Form," is crucial. Here are six key insights to guide you through this process:

• Accuracy is Essential: Every traveler must fill out the CBP Form 6059B with precise and truthful information. The details you provide about the items you are bringing into the country, including their value, play a significant role in ensuring a smooth customs experience.

• One Form Per Family: Families traveling together can submit a single form, simplifying the process. However, it's important to note that "family" refers to immediate family members living in the same household and related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

• Declare Purchases and Gifts: All items purchased or acquired abroad, intended as gifts or for personal use, must be declared. This includes merchandise, souvenirs, and repairs or alterations to personal items carried overseas.

• Food and Agricultural Products: Special attention is required when bringing food or agricultural products into the U.S. These items can carry pests or diseases; therefore, declaring them is a must. Failing to do so can result in penalties.

• Monetary Instruments: If you're carrying more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments, it must be declared on the form. This rule applies to both U.S. and foreign currency and covers checks, money orders, and certain investments.

• Know the Exemptions and Prohibited Items: Understanding what items are exempt from duty or are outright prohibited is vital for a hassle-free customs process. Information about exemptions, such as personal allowances based on the length of your trip, can significantly impact what and how much you decide to bring back.

Filling out the CBP Form 6059B carefully and accurately can greatly influence your customs clearance experience. Taking these key points into account will help ensure that this process is as smooth and swift as possible.