Can I take my own food through customs?
Depending on the region or country you're traveling from, you may be able to bring in food like fruits, meat, or other agricultural products. You must declare all food products. If you fail to declare food products, you could face up to $10,000 in fines and penalties.
You may not import fresh, dried or canned meats or meat products from most foreign countries into the United States. Also, you may not import food products that have been prepared with meat.
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags within the continental United States. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.
Can I take food through airport security? Yes, you can take food through airport security. Sandwiches, fruit, sweets and most other solid foods can be placed in your hand luggage.
All travelers entering the United States are REQUIRED to DECLARE meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, as well as plant and animal products (including soup or soup products) they may be carrying. The declaration must cover all items carried in checked baggage, carry-on luggage, or in a vehicle.
You must declare all food products.
Just can't wait to eat—or trying to grab dinner while you run through the terminal? Surprisingly, pizza is good to fly, although we assume you'll eat your slices before you get to the gate. It should be wrapped up or in a box to pass TSA inspection, rather than being on a paper plate or dish.
- Trail Mix.
- Beef Jerky.
- Cheese & Crackers.
- Veggies & Hummus (under 3.4 oz)
- Sandwich (use individual packets of mayo or mustard)
- Nuts.
- Granola/Protein Bar.
- Muffins/Baked Goods (no jelly, cream, or custard-filled donuts)
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
If you're short on time, here's a quick answer to your question: Pack non-liquid foods like nuts, protein bars, dried fruit, jerky, and sandwiches. Avoid messy or crumbly foods, and make sure your snacks are compliant with TSA rules.
What foods do you have to declare at customs?
Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural products on their U.S. Customs forms. U.S. agricultural inspectors will examine your items to be sure they meet entry requirements and do not harbor harmful foreign pests or diseases.
Solid cheese is fine as long as it doesn't contain meat (such as bacon cheddar cheese). Soft cheeses such as Brie and mozzarella are allowed, but liquid cheeses, including cottage and ricotta, aren't allowed if they came from countries with foot-and-mouth disease.
Because the TSA considers the nut spread a liquid, plane passengers must limit the amount they bring in their carry-ons. Like all other liquids, passengers are limited to 3.4 oz or less of peanut butter in their carry-on bag, but can also put the snack in their checked baggage.
The CBP officers are authorized to ask you questions about your trip and your personal background, including: Your citizenship. The nature of your trip. Anything you are bringing back to the United States that you did not have when you left.
How to Declare Food at U.S. Customs. If you are taking any food into the U.S. you must answer yes to 'I am bringing fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, food, insects'. Although not all items are banned, you need to let customs officers know if you are carrying any food so that the relevant checks can be carried out.
Depending on the countries you have visited, your personal exemption will be $200, $800, or $1,600. There are limits on the number of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products you may include in your duty-free personal exemption.
If you declare that you are carrying food, you have met the requirement as set forth by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and any non-admissible items will simply be confiscated. The Global Entry receipt will print with a circle on the top, with the phrase “Proceed to Baggage Control”.
All agriculture items must be declared and are subject to inspection by a CBP Agriculture Specialist at ports of entry to ensure they are free of plant pests and foreign animal diseases.
Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural products on their U.S. Customs forms. U.S. agricultural inspectors will examine your items to be sure they meet entry requirements and do not harbor harmful foreign pests or diseases.
You can bring most food through TSA, but your snacks, just like your toiletries, are subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. If they're considered a liquid, paste, or gel—a classification that isn't always obvious—they must be under 3.4 ounces.
Can you bring food in Ziploc bags on a plane?
You are certainly able to bring whatever food you want in the container of your choice. Just make sure not to bring gels or jellies.
Generally, fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats are not allowed on a plane due to agricultural and customs regulations. Additionally, liquids and gels exceeding 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) are not allowed in carry-on luggage.
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.
Liquids must be placed in containers no larger than 100ml. These containers must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.
Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.
