What information does U.S. customs have access to?

Additional Information an Officer Can Get About You
Any criminal history you have. Your citizenship status. Employment information. Your phone numbers.


What does US Customs check for?

In fact, the CBP assesses all people who arrive by airplane, overland vehicle, ship or on foot and want to enter the U.S. The job of U.S. customs agents is to search for banned agricultural products and counterfeit goods, but they also are trained to seize street and pharmaceutical drugs, illegal immigrants and ...

Can US Customs check your bank account?

No. For security reasons, CBP does not store bank account information in ACS.


Can US customs search your phone?

Unlike other law enforcement, border authorities don't need a warrant to search your device. They may conduct a basic search — in which they scroll through your device inspecting texts, photos or anything else they can easily access — even if they don't suspect you of wrongdoing.

What has to be declared at US Customs?

You must declare all items you purchased and are carrying with you upon return to the United States, including gifts for other people as well as items you bought for yourself. This includes duty-free items purchased in foreign countries, as well as any merchandise you intend to sell or use in your business.


US Customs and Immigration Questions at USA Airport | What do they Ask? F1 Student Visa Guide



Do you ever have anything to declare when you go through customs?

In essence, you have to declare any items you purchased and/or are carrying with you upon your return to the United States that you did not have when you left. This may include gifts you bought for others or received while abroad, souvenirs, or even found items.

What are restricted in the US at customs?

Restricted means that special licenses or permits are required from a federal agency before the item is allowed to enter the United States. Examples of restricted items include firearms, certain fruits and vegetables, animal products, animal by products, and some animals.

What does customs see when scanning your passport?

It contains your biometrics. This will include fingerprints, photo, iris scan, height, date of birth etc. It may also link to other data such as previous travel, any alerts and warrants etc. Most first world countries know plenty about you before you arrive, and data is shared between them.


How do US customs check your criminal background?

The United States authorities are able to seek details of any criminal convictions held on the Police National Computer on an individual basis through Interpol channels.

Can customs search your home?

An immigration officer also cannot search you or your belongings without either “probable cause” or your consent. If an agent asks you if they can search your belongings, you have the right to say no. An immigration officer cannot arrest you without “probable cause.”

Does US Customs check every package?

Does customs check every package? The short answer is yes. Customs checks all inbound international packages and mail. During this process, a customs officer in the country you're shipping to will review the package to make sure it meets the country's laws, regulations and policies.


Does the IRS know about foreign bank accounts?

The U.S. government requires reporting of foreign financial accounts because foreign financial institutions may not be subject to the same reporting requirements as domestic financial institutions.

How do you know if your passport is flagged?

There are signs that will indicate you have been flagged for additional screenings:
  1. You were not able to print a boarding pass from an airline ticketing kiosk or from the internet.
  2. You were denied or delayed boarding.
  3. A ticket agent “called someone” before handing you a boarding pass.


How do customs know what you bought?

In some cases the custom officers can see if something is bought on your trip or brought by you from home, by looking at the serial number. Quite some electronic devises keep a log of serial numbers, country where it was sold, etc.


What happens if you don't declare at US Customs?

Merchandise is declared to CBP. If you do not declare something that should have been declared, you risk forfeiting the item.

Does customs check every international package?

With limited exceptions, all inbound international mail is subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and [redacted]. CBP inspects these mailings to ensure compliance with federal laws and related federal regulations and policies.

Does US Customs do background checks?

A favorably determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in a position with CBP. Final determination of your suitability for the position will be determined by CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility.


Can customs see if you have a warrant?

Remember, it is not the airlines that check to see if a person has a criminal record or warrant (you can fly domestically with a bench warrant and not run into any trouble), it is immigration officials at the border that will detect it.

What does a federal background check reveal?

A federal criminal background check includes information on federal-level criminal cases, such as robbery, fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and white-collar crimes. Employers and hiring managers can utilize federal background checks to conduct comprehensive investigations of potential employees.

What information is stored on your passport?

Your passport will contain the following personal information: • Passport number • Surname • First name(s) • Date of birth • Place of birth • Gender • Digitised image (photograph) • Signature (if recorded digitally).


Does immigration know your travel history?

Generally, travel information via air, land, and sea is recorded. Since Customs and Border Protection documents move from many sources electronically, US immigration will know when someone leaves of enters the US regardless of the mode of transport they are using.

Why does my passport get flagged?

The only time your passport is likely to be 'flagged' is when: there is a warrant out for your arrest either nationally or internationally through Interpol. you are currently undergoing investigation for a possible criminal offence. you have been engaged in some kind of terrorist activity and/or on a Watch List.

Can you get in trouble with customs?

While some items are passable, others have restrictions in place which could lead to criminal charges. The failure to disclose goods at customs happens when the individual attempts to enter the United States or another country without declaring what he or she is bringing into the nation.


Why would customs stop you?

Customs and Border Protection may detain an American citizen re-entering the country if they have reason to suspect something unlawful and they will stop you if you have an outstanding arrest warrant. Other things that may cause suspicion: Looking nervous. Carrying an inordinate amount of luggage.

Can you bypass customs?

Apply for Global Entry

Global Entry is everything that TSA PreCheck is and more. If you have Global Entry, you'll automatically also get TSA PreCheck and all of its benefits. On top of that, you'll get to avoid the general customs line when returning to the U.S. from abroad.