Free CBP 6059B PDF Form

How to Fill Out CBP 6059B

Once you've successfully completed the CBP 6059B form, your next steps involve a brief waiting period. During this time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will review your submission to ensure everything is in order. It's essential that all information provided is accurate and fully reflective of your declarations. After the review, you may be contacted for further information or simply receive notification of the outcome. To make sure you're fully prepared and understand what's required, follow the steps listed below to fill out the CBP 6059B form correctly.

1. Start by providing your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, and number of family members traveling with you.
2. Next, list the countries you visited prior to arriving in the United States, focusing on those that are not your country of residence.
3. Indicate whether you or any family members traveling with you are bringing commercial merchandise into the U.S.
4. Detail the items you are declaring, making sure to include gifts and commercial merchandise. Specify the value in U.S. dollars.
5. Answer questions about your health, specifically regarding exposure to diseases or conditions of concern to the U.S. Public Health Service.
6. Check the appropriate boxes to declare whether you are carrying currency or monetary instruments over $10,000.
7. Specify whether you are bringing with you agricultural products or have been on a farm or in close proximity to livestock.
8. Sign and date the form, affirming that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

Ensuring all sections are completed accurately will lead to a smoother process at customs and help avoid potential delays. Remember to keep the form handy, along with any supporting documents, as you may be asked to present them upon arrival.

What is the CBP 6059B form used for?

The CBP 6059B form, often referred to as the Customs Declaration form, is a document that travelers entering the United States must fill out. It's used by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to identify travelers, determine their eligibility to enter the country, and to declare what they are bringing with them. This includes any goods for sale, cash amounts over $10,000, and any items that need to be declared as per U.S. regulations.

Do I need to fill out the CBP 6059B form for every trip to the U.S.?

Yes, every time you enter the United States, you are required to complete the CBP 6059B form. This applies whether you're a visitor or a U.S. resident coming back from abroad. The purpose is to ensure that every entry is accurately recorded and that any goods or funds being brought into the country are properly declared and assessed for duties or taxes if applicable.

Can I fill out the CBP 6059B form in a language other than English?

The CBP 6059B form must be completed in English. This is to ensure that all the information is clearly understood by the CBP officers who process the entries into the United States. However, instructions in other languages may be available to help non-English speakers understand how to fill out the form correctly. Assistance at ports of entry is also generally available to help travelers complete the form accurately.

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

If you make a mistake on your CBP 6059B form, it's important to inform a CBP officer as soon as you realize the error. In most cases, honest mistakes can be corrected without much difficulty. The key is to be upfront and honest about the mistake. Intentionally providing false information, on the other hand, can lead to serious consequences, including fines or denial of entry into the United States.

Filling out the CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is a critical step for travelers entering the United States. This form is used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to determine if you're eligible to enter the country and whether you owe any duties or taxes. However, even seasoned travelers can slip up during this process. Recognizing these common mistakes can help ensure a smoother entry experience.

1. Not Reading Instructions Carefully: Many people rush through filling out the form, not paying close attention to the instructions. This can lead to incomplete or incorrect information, which might cause delays at customs.

2. Omitting Required Details: Every field on the CBP 6059B form serves a purpose. Skipping parts, especially those regarding personal identification or travel details, can flag you for further inspection.

3. Misunderstanding Value Declarations: It's crucial to accurately declare the value of items you're bringing into the country. Underestimating or failing to report goods could result in penalties.

4. Not Declaring Food Products: Many travelers are unaware that all food products, regardless of their nature, must be declared. Even seemingly innocuous items like chocolates or snacks count and must be included.

5. Forgetting to Sign and Date: It might seem like a small oversight, but forgetting to sign and date the form invalidates it. A signature is a declaration that the information provided is true and accurate.

6. Using Non-English Characters: The CBP 6059B form must be completed in English. Using other languages or non-English characters can lead to misunderstandings or the need to re-submit the form.

Avoiding these mistakes not only helps streamline the customs process but also ensures compliance with U.S. laws and regulations. With careful attention to detail, travelers can fill out the form correctly and contribute to a smoother entry process.

When entering the United States, travelers are required to complete several forms and documents to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations enforced by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Among these, the CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is one of the most recognized. This form is crucial as it helps CBP officers determine if any duty is owed and if any items need to be inspected or are prohibited. Alongside the CBP 6059B, there are other important documents that travelers may need to fill out or carry, which serve various purposes and requirements.

• Passport - A passport is an essential travel document that identifies the holder's nationality for international travel. It is often required to be presented with the CBP 6059B form upon entering the United States.
• Visa - Visitors to the U.S. might need a visa, which is a document placed within a passport. The type of visa required depends on the nature of the visit. It must be obtained before entering the U.S. and is necessary for entry in addition to the CBP 6059B form for those from countries not part of the Visa Waiver Program.
• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) - For travelers under the Visa Waiver Program, an ESTA approval is required for entry into the United States. This online authorization needs to be secured before travel and supplements the information provided on the CBP 6059B form.
• I-94 Form - The Arrival/Departure Record, known as the I-94 form, tracks the arrival and departure dates of visitors. This document is crucial for determining the length of permitted stay in the U.S. and is often required for visitors who are not using the Visa Waiver Program.
• Global Entry Card - For pre-approved, low-risk travelers, the Global Entry card facilitates quicker clearance upon arrival in the United States. While not a substitute for the CBP 6059B form, it complements it by offering expedited processing through CBP.

In conclusion, while the CBP 6059B form is a key document for travelers entering the United States, several other forms and documents are also integral to the entry process. These documents facilitate various aspects of the entry procedure, from identification to determining the length of stay. Carrying the correct documentation can ensure a smoother process at the border and help travelers comply with U.S. laws and regulations.

• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): Similar to the CBP 6059B form, ESTA is a requirement for travelers who wish to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Both forms gather information to pre-approve travelers for entry, focusing on eligibility and security aspects.

• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: This document, akin to the CBP 6059B, records a traveler's entry and exit dates in the United States. While the CBP form is more about declaring goods and providing basic entry information, the I-94 is focused on tracking the duration of stay and maintaining accurate entry and exit records.

• Customs Declaration Form of Other Countries: Many countries have their own version of a customs declaration form, similar to the United States' CBP 6059B. These forms typically require information on the traveler's identity, travel details, and any goods being brought into the country, aiming to control what enters the country and assess duties and taxes where applicable.

• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System): Similar to the ESTA and indirectly to the CBP 6059B, ETIAS is a requirement for visitors to the Schengen Area countries. It gathers information prior to travel to assess eligibility and security risks, demonstrating a parallel in purpose with the CBP form's objective of evaluating travelers before entry.

• Global Entry Application: This form is used for travelers seeking expedited clearance upon arrival in the United States. Like the CBP 6059B, it requires personal and travel information to assess the traveler's eligibility. However, Global Entry focuses on frequent travelers and includes a thorough background check process.

• APIS (Advance Passenger Information System) Data: Required by various countries, including the United States, APIS data is collected by airlines before travel. Similar to the CBP 6059B, it includes personal and travel details to assess and enhance security measures, ensuring that only eligible travelers board flights bound for the country.

• Visa Application Forms: While focusing on authorization to enter for longer stays or specific purposes, visa applications share similarities with the CBP 6059B form by requiring detailed personal, travel, and background information to assess eligibility and security risks of the individuals seeking entry into the country.

When traveling to the United States, filling out the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, also known as the "Customs Declaration Form," is a critical step in the process. This form helps CBP officers understand what you're bringing into the country. Here are eight essential do's and don'ts to ensure you complete the form accurately and efficiently.

• Do ensure that you have the form filled out before you reach the customs officer. This not only helps speed up the process but also demonstrates preparedness.
• Do print clearly in English, using capital letters. This improves readability and reduces the risk of misunderstandings or processing delays.
• Do declare all items purchased or acquired abroad, including gifts for others or items you intend to sell. Honesty in declaring these items is crucial.
• Do carefully read each question and accompanying instructions on the form to ensure that your answers are accurate and complete.
• Don't leave any sections blank. If a section does not apply to you, it's recommended to write "N/A" for "Not Applicable." This indicates that you didn't overlook the question.
• Don't underestimate the value of the items you are declaring. If unsure about the exact amount, provide a reasonable estimate that errs on the side of caution.
• Don't forget to sign and date the form, as an unsigned form is considered incomplete and could lead to delays or further inquiries.
• Don't include personal, sensitive information unless specifically requested. The form is designed to collect only the information necessary for customs purposes.

Remember, the primary goal of the CBP Form 6059B is to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and regulations. Following these tips can help make your entry process smoother and more straightforward. If you have any doubts about how to fill out the form or what to declare, don't hesitate to ask for help from a CBP officer. They are there to assist you and ensure that your entry into the U.S. is lawful and hassle-free.

Many travelers encounter the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B, often known as the "Customs Declaration Form," when entering the United States. There are several misconceptions about this form that can lead to confusion. Below, we clarify some common misunderstandings to help travelers navigate the process more smoothly.

• Misconception 1: The form is only for items you're planning to sell in the U.S.

  Actually, the CBP 6059B form must be filled out for all goods entering the U.S., regardless of their intended use. This includes items for personal use, gifts, or items to be sold.

• Misconception 2: You don't need to declare items that you're taking back home.

  Even if you are bringing items back to the U.S. that you originally took abroad, you must declare them. This is particularly important if the items were altered or repaired outside of the U.S.

• Misconception 3: Every family member must fill out their own form.

  In fact, one form per family is usually sufficient, assuming all family members reside in the same household and are traveling together.

• Misconception 4: You only need to complete the form if you exceed certain value thresholds.

  All travelers entering the U.S. need to complete the form, regardless of the value of the items they are carrying. There are questions on the form that pertain to other considerations aside from value.

• Misconception 5: Declaring items will always lead to having to pay duties.

  While declaring items can sometimes result in duties, not all items are taxable, and there are exemptions based on the total value of goods. Being honest on the form is crucial to avoid penalties.

• Misconception 6: The information you provide is only used for customs purposes.

  The information on the CBP 6059B can also be used by other agencies to enforce laws and regulations beyond customs. Accuracy and honesty are important to ensure compliance across the board.

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 6059B form, known as the Customs Declaration, plays a critical role in the process of entering the United States. Travelers must fill out this form to declare what they are bringing into the country. Understanding how to properly complete and use this form can facilitate a smoother entry process. Here are six key takeaways regarding the CBP 6059B form:

• Accuracy is paramount: Every traveler is required to provide truthful and accurate information on the CBP 6059B form. Falsifying information or failing to declare items can lead to penalties, fines, or more severe consequences.
• Every member of a family must be included: If traveling as a family, the head of the household can complete a single form for all family members residing in the same household and traveling together. It's crucial to include each family member's information accurately.
• Declare all items acquired abroad: Travelers must declare all items they are bringing into the United States from abroad, including gifts for others, items you purchased for yourself, and items you received as gifts. This declaration helps CBP officers determine if any duties are owed.
• Understand exemptions and duty-free allowances: There are exemptions and duty-free allowances for certain goods, such as a limited amount of alcohol and tobacco, for personal use. Travelers should familiarize themselves with these exemptions to avoid unnecessary duties.
• Food and agricultural products require careful consideration: Many food items and agricultural products have restrictions or are prohibited from entering the United States without prior approval. Declaring these items is required, and they will be inspected by CBP officers.
• Keep the form accessible until you pass through Customs: After filling out the CBP 6059B form, travelers should keep it readily accessible along with their identification and travel documents. You will need to present it to a CBP officer upon your arrival in the United States.

By attentively filling out the CBP 6059B form and understanding its requirements, travelers can contribute to ensuring a smooth and compliant entry process into the United States. Compliance with these guidelines not only helps maintain the integrity of U.S. borders but also protects the health and safety of the country.