Fill Out Your CBP 6059B Form

Steps to Using CBP 6059B

Upon entering the United States, travelers are required to declare their belongings to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by filling out form 6059B. This form helps the CBP keep track of goods entering the country, ensuring compliance with U.S. laws and regulations. The process can seem daunting, but following these step-by-step instructions will simplify the task, allowing for a smoother entry process.

1. Start by printing your last name, first name, and middle initial in the designated area.
2. Enter your birth date (month/day/year) and the number of family members traveling with you.
3. Fill in your U.S. passport number or other identification number, and the country of issuance.
4. Write your country of residence and the countries you visited before arriving in the U.S.
5. Provide the address where you will be staying in the U.S., including street, city, state, and zip code. If you're in transit, indicate your final destination.
6. In the section asking about items you are bringing with you, check the appropriate box for yes or no responses. This includes food, plants, animals, cultures, soil, and items intended for sale.
7. Declare whether you have been in close proximity to livestock or are carrying more than $10,000 in currency.
8. List all commercial merchandise you're bringing into the U.S., including samples for trade shows or items for sale.
9. Sign and date the bottom of the form, confirming that the information provided is true and complete. If you are a family traveling together, only one family member needs to sign the form.

Once the form is completely filled out, keep it with your travel documents to present to the CBP officer at your point of entry. Being prepared and having the form ready can expedite the inspection process, letting you enjoy your visit with less hassle.

1. What is the CBP 6059B form?

   The CBP 6059B form, also known as the Customs Declaration form, is a document that all passengers arriving in the United States must complete. This form is used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to identify travelers, gather information about their visit, and determine the admissibility of goods entering the United States.

2. Who needs to fill out the CBP 6059B form?

   Every traveler entering the United States, regardless of nationality, must complete the CBP 6059B form. This includes U.S. citizens, residents, and visitors. Families traveling together can submit a single form if they all live in one household and are related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

3. What information is required on the CBP 6059B form?

   The form requires specific information from travelers, including personal details, travel itinerary, the purpose of the trip, and a detailed list of goods being brought into the United States. This includes items for personal use, gifts, and items being brought in for sale or other commercial purposes.

4. How can one obtain the CBP 6059B form?

   The form is available on flights and vessels arriving in the United States. It can also be found at land border crossings and is provided by CBP officers. Additionally, the form and instructions for completing it can be downloaded from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

5. Is it possible to complete the CBP 6059B form electronically?

   Yes, an electronic version of the CBP 6059B form, known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), can be completed by travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries. Meanwhile, some airports offer Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks where travelers can submit their customs declaration electronically upon arrival.

6. What happens if one makes a mistake on the CBP 6059B form?

   If a mistake is made while completing the form, it is important to inform a CBP officer upon arrival. Minor errors are often easily corrected during the inspection process without significant delays. However, failing to declare items accurately can lead to penalties, including fines and confiscation of undeclared items.

7. Are there any items that must be declared on the CBP 6059B form?

   All items being brought into the United States must be declared on the CBP 6059B form. This includes food, plants, animals, medications, and goods exceeding allowed exemptions or that are intended for sale. Failure to declare such items can result in penalties.

8. What are the consequences of not correctly filling out the CBP 6059B form?

   Not correctly filling out the CBP 6059B form can lead to delays during the customs process, inspections, fines, and in some cases, confiscation of undeclared items. It is crucial to provide accurate and complete information to ensure smooth entry into the United States.

Filling out the CBP Form 6059B, or Customs Declaration form, is a requirement for travelers entering the United States. It's vital to complete this form accurately to avoid delays or legal issues. Here are ten common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not using blue or black ink when filling out the form. This is a simple but often overlooked requirement.

2. Entering inaccurate personal information. Ensure your name, date of birth, and passport number match exactly what's on your travel documents.

3. Leaving sections blank. If a section doesn't apply, it's better to mark it as "N/A" (not applicable) than to leave it empty.

4. Not declaring all items you are bringing into the country. Remember, this includes items you purchased abroad as well as gifts.

5. Incorrectly valuating items. Be sure to declare the accurate value of all items in U.S. dollars.

6. Failing to declare food items. All food, whether packaged or unpackaged, must be declared.

7. Forgetting to declare currency. If you're bringing more than $10,000 USD in currency or monetary instruments, it must be declared.

8. Overlooking agricultural products. Many travelers don’t realize that plants, seeds, and animals need to be declared.

9. Misunderstanding duty-free exemptions. Know the exemptions and be precise in declaring goods that exceed your exemption.

10. Not signing the form. Your signature is required to verify the accuracy of the information provided.

Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure a smoother process when entering the United States. Take your time to read each section carefully and double-check your answers before submitting the form.

Traveling to the United States involves a series of procedures, including the completion of various forms and documents to ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements. One key document is the CBP Form 6059B, which is the Customs Declaration form every traveler must fill out when entering the United States. However, depending on the nature of your visit or the items you are bringing, there may be additional documents required. Here is a list of other forms and documents that are often used in conjunction with the CBP Form 6059B.

• Passport: An essential document for international travel, confirming your identity and nationality. It must be valid for the duration of your stay.
• Visa: Required for citizens of certain countries, a visa grants permission to enter and sometimes stay in the U.S. for a specific period.
• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: This document records a traveler's entry and departure dates from the United States. Though now automated, a paper version may still be required under certain circumstances.
• ESTA Authorization: For citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required for travel to the U.S.
• I-20 Form: Essential for international students, this form issued by the educational institution confirms enrollment in a SEVP-certified school.
• DS-2019 Form: Required for participants in the Exchange Visitor Program (e.g., scholars, interns), it allows individuals to apply for a J-1 visa.
• Global Entry Card: For pre-approved, low-risk travelers. While not required, it facilitates quicker clearance through customs and border protection.
• Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles (CBP Form 3299): This form is needed for declaring personal and household items being shipped to the U.S. without the owner's accompaniment.

Understanding and preparing the necessary documents for travel can significantly streamline the customs and immigration process when entering the United States. While the CBP Form 6059B is a primary requirement for all travelers, the additional forms and documents listed above may also be essential based on individual circumstances. Ensuring you have the correct paperwork can help avoid delays and ensure a smoother entry into the country.

The CBP 6059B form, familiar to travelers entering the United States, encapsulates information about personal belongings and items subject to duty or restrictions. Similarly, the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record provides essential data, albeit focusing on the visitor's travel history, visa status, and duration of stay. Both forms gather critical information at entry points, facilitating lawful and documented entry into the U.S., but while the CBP 6059B zeroes in on tangible goods, the I-94 hones in on the individual's travel credentials and permission to stay.

Equally, the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) shares a comparable purpose with the CBP 6059B, aiming to vet travelers before they arrive in the United States. While the CBP 6059B is a declaration of personal items, the ESTA application involves providing personal information and answering eligibility questions for travel under the Visa Waiver Program. Both are preventive measures to evaluate entry suitability, yet ESTA does so at a preliminary stage, based on biographical information rather than contents of luggage.

The Customs Declaration form used in many other countries mirrors the CBP 6059B form in its function. It seeks to inform customs authorities about the nature, quantity, and value of goods being brought into a country, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations, much like the U.S. form's declaration of goods for duty assessment. Each country's customs declaration contributes to border security and economic integrity, though specific items of interest or restriction may vary by jurisdiction.

The Agriculture Declaration, often a separate document or integrated into broader customs forms in various countries, shares the CBP 6059B's concern for controlling the entry of potentially harmful substances. However, it specifically addresses the importation of plant and animal products which could introduce pests or diseases. Both documents serve the overarching goal of protecting the country's environmental and economic health by regulating the import of risky items.

Flight manifests, detailing passengers and crew aboard an aircraft, complement the CBP 6059B by providing a comprehensive overview of those entering the country, albeit from an airline's perspective. While the CBP 6059B deals with the belongings of each traveler, flight manifests account for the individuals themselves, ensuring that authorities are aware of everyone who enters the national borders, thereby enhancing security and facilitating immigration processing.

Similarly, the Ship’s Cargo Declaration is akin to the CBP 6059B, though it focuses on the items being transported by ships rather than by individual travelers. It ensures customs authorities are duly informed about goods entering the country, facilitating the assessment of duties and the enforcement of import restrictions. Both documents play crucial roles in regulating international trade and maintaining the integrity of national borders.

The Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB) document parallels the CBP 6059B form in its focus on items entering the U.S., specifically addressing goods imported for a limited period without payment of duty under certain conditions. While the CBP 6059B declares personal belongings, the TIB covers goods intended for exhibitions, repairs, or other temporary purposes, targeting a different aspect of cross-border movement but similarly regulating the flow of goods.

The Passenger Arrival Card, used by several countries including Australia and New Zealand, shares similarities with the CBP 6059B in that it collects information from travelers upon their arrival. While focusing on biosecurity to prevent the entry of hazardous pests and diseases, it similarly requires travelers to declare goods for customs inspection. Both seek to safeguard the country's health and security through controlled entry points.

Lastly, the ATA Carnet is a notable comparison, functioning as a passport for goods by allowing the temporary importation of commercial samples, professional equipment, or goods for exhibitions and fairs, free of duty and tax. Like the CBP 6059B, it is concerned with the movement of items across borders, but specifically facilitates the temporary import and export of goods in a manner that streamlines administrative processes for business and cultural activities.

When completing the CBP 6059B form, it's important to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure the process goes smoothly. Below are the do's and don'ts to follow:

• Read instructions carefully before filling out the form to avoid making mistakes.
• Use blue or black ink for clarity and to comply with scanning requirements.
• Be honest in all your responses. Misrepresentation can lead to serious consequences.
• Declare all items you're bringing with you, including gifts for others and items you purchased abroad.
• Sign and date the form to confirm the accuracy of the information provided.

• Leave blank spaces. If a section doesn't apply to you, write "N/A" to indicate this.
• Overlook agricultural items. Declare all food, plants, and animals to avoid penalties.
• Rush through the form. Take your time to ensure all information is correct and complete.

The CBP 6059B form, commonly known as the Customs Declaration Form, is a document required by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for all travelers entering the United States. People often hold misconceptions about the purpose, requirements, and procedures related to this form. Below are six common misunderstandings and their clarifications.

• Myth 1: Digital submissions negate the need for a physical form. Many travelers believe that if they submit their information through an app or online, they won't need to complete a physical CBP 6059B form. While digital submission is growing in popularity and acceptance, travelers may still be asked to complete a physical form upon arrival, depending on the port of entry or if there are technical issues with digital platforms.

• Myth 2: All travelers in a family need to fill out separate forms. A common misconception is that each family member must complete an individual form. In reality, one form per family residing in the same address is sufficient, as long as they are traveling together.

• Myth 3: It’s unnecessary to declare items you’re bringing in for personal use. Many travelers assume that personal items do not need to be declared. However, all items purchased or acquired abroad, intended for personal use or not, must be declared. Failure to do so may result in fines or even confiscation of these items.

• Myth 4: The form is only required for travelers with something to declare. Another misconception is that travelers who believe they have nothing to declare don't need to fill out the form. Every traveler entering the United States must complete it, regardless of whether they have goods to declare. The form also includes questions about agriculture products and cash amounts, which require answers from everyone.

• Myth 5: Declarations on the form have no legal consequences. Some individuals might think that the declarations made on the CBP 6059B form are not legally binding or serious. This is incorrect. Declarations are a legal statement. Providing false information or omitting details about items you're bringing into the U.S. can lead to penalties, including fines or prosecution.

• Myth 6: Food items don't need to be declared. A lot of people think food items, especially if intended for personal consumption, don't need to be declared. However, all food items, regardless of quantity or purpose, must be declared. The U.S. has strict regulations on agricultural products to prevent pests and diseases from entering the country.

When it comes to navigating customs and border protection as you enter the United States, the CBP Form 6059B is a critical document that ensures your compliance with U.S. regulations. Here are key takeaways to guide you through filling out and using this form:

• Understanding the Form: CBP Form 6059B is the official declaration form used by travelers to declare items they are bringing into the United States. Everyone entering the U.S. needs to complete it, whether you're a citizen or a visitor.
• One Form Per Family: A single form can be used for members of a family traveling together. This makes the process more straightforward, as long as everyone resides at the same address.
• Listing Items: You must list all items you're bringing into the U.S. that you acquired abroad and are carrying with you. This includes gifts, merchandise, or any items intended for sale.
• Value of Goods: Be prepared to report the total value of all goods you're bringing in, in U.S. dollars. If you're not sure about the value, make a reasonable estimate.
• Declaration of Currency: If you're carrying more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments, you need to declare this on your form. This includes foreign currency that exceeds this amount as well.
• Agricultural Items: Special attention is needed when declaring plants, food, or other agricultural items. These goods may require additional inspection to protect U.S. agriculture from pests and diseases. Always declare these items to avoid penalties.
• Items to Declare Separately: Certain items, such as soil, biological materials, or items from embargoed countries, require separate declaration and potentially special handling.
• Accuracy is Key: Providing false or incomplete information on CBP Form 6059B can result in delays, fines, or even seizure of undeclared items. Always double-check your information for accuracy.
• Keep the Form Accessible: Once you've completed the form, keep it handy along with your identification and other travel documents. You'll need to present it to the CBP officer upon arrival.
• Amendments Are Possible: If you realize you've made an error or forgotten to declare an item, you can amend your declaration before going through customs. Inform the CBP officer, and they will assist you in making the necessary corrections.

Completing the CBP Form 6059B correctly plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth entry process into the United States. Being thorough and honest in your declarations not only helps protect U.S. borders but also ensures your compliance with the law, making your travel experience as pleasant as possible.