Do I have to declare personal exemption, absence over 7 days at United States customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare personal exemption, absence over 7 days in United States?

Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship personal exemption, absence over 7 days to United States instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take personal exemption, absence over 7 days out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking personal exemption, absence over 7 days out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for personal exemption, absence over 7 days apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in 19 CFR 148.33 Articles acquired abroad. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “$800, and provided that the articles accompany the returning resident;”

How does United States compare with other countries on personal exemption, absence over 7 days?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal exemption, absence over 7 days, 1 limit it and 18 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

How much Personal exemption, absence over 7 days can I bring into United States?

Allowed

You can bring Personal exemption, absence over 7 days into United States without a special limit.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Not required

Limit 800 USD

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 800 USD
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

19 CFR 148.33 Articles acquired abroad U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Questions about Personal exemption, absence over 7 days in United States

How much personal exemption, absence over 7 days can I bring into United States?: United States publishes no quantity limit for personal exemption, absence over 7 days carried by a traveller. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare personal exemption, absence over 7 days at United States customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare personal exemption, absence over 7 days in United States?: Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship personal exemption, absence over 7 days to United States instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take personal exemption, absence over 7 days out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking personal exemption, absence over 7 days out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for personal exemption, absence over 7 days apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in 19 CFR 148.33 Articles acquired abroad. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “$800, and provided that the articles accompany the returning resident;”
How does United States compare with other countries on personal exemption, absence over 7 days?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal exemption, absence over 7 days, 1 limit it and 18 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Audio and video recorder/player Driver and crew border-shop bundle GPS device Game console Gifts and personal goods