Be careful! Traveler nearly fined $800 for bringing common snack through customs

A recent increase in cases where travelers are punished for bringing food items into the United States without declaring them shows how strict the rules are for agricultural imports. It’s easy to make the mistake at the airport. However, the consequences can include large fines or even the cancellation of fast-track travel programs like Global Entry.

What are the most common items people get in trouble for? Fruits that seem harmless. One traveler, a social media influencer, told a story about a K9 dog finding an apple in her bag that she didn’t declare when she returned to the United States from Amsterdam. As found by People, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer told her she could have been fined $500 for having the undeclared fruit, plus another $300 for not reporting it honestly.

The fines would have added up to $800, which would have been a lot for an accident. She also could have lost her Global Entry hip, which would be a big problem for someone who travels internationally often. Luckily, since it was her first time, she only got a warning.

Traveler almost got a fine for an apple

The use of K9 dogs at airports is very effective at finding banned agricultural products. These well-trained dogs can quickly sniff out hidden food, catching travelers who either forgot or chose not to declare what they were carrying. Because these dogs are so good at their job, travelers need to be very careful about reporting everything they bring.

The strict rules on agricultural imports exist for a good reason: to keep foreign pests and diseases out of the country. According to the US Department of Agriculture, many agricultural products are banned from certain countries because they might carry harmful bugs or diseases. These pests could damage American farms, causing major financial losses and harm to the environment. US Customs and Border Protection takes this seriously and works to stop these threats from entering the country.

This isn’t the first interesting a crash survivor with a good story, but it shows that food can be threats to your travel as well. The penalties for not declaring agricultural items go beyond just paying fines. Travelers might also face longer waits at customs, delays in their trips, and the loss of travel benefits like Global Entry. This program allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to go through security faster, so losing it can make future trips much harder.

The most important thing for international travelers to is to declare all food, plants, and animal products when entering the United States. While declaring items might feel like a hassle, the possible fines and travel problems are much worse. By following these rules, travelers can make sure their arrival goes smoothly, avoiding expensive fines and the loss of important travel benefits.