What to Expect When You Return (2024)

Complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B

You have several entry options once you return from your trip. All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products.

Here are your options:

  1. Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise.
  2. Complete the online form at a Global Entry kiosk. (Only preapproved Global Entry members are allowed to use these kiosks.)
  3. Complete the online form at an Automated Passport Control kiosk.

Keeping all your purchase receipts handy in an envelope in your carry-on bag will ease this process. If warranted, the CBP officer will calculate the duties to pay on your newly acquired goods.

Paying Duties

Personal exemptions that do not require the traveler to pay duty will be $200, $800 or $1600 depending on the countries you visited.

The duty-free exemptions ($200, $800, or $1600) apply if:

  • The items are for your personal or household use or intended to be given as gifts.
  • Merchandise is in your possession, that is, it accompanies you when you return to the United States. Items to be sent later may not be included in your duty-free exemption. (Exceptions apply for goods sent from Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands.)
  • Merchandise is declared to CBP. If you do not declare something that should have been declared, you risk forfeiting the item. If in doubt, declare it.
  • You are returning from an overseas stay of at least 48 hours. This time limit does not apply if you are returning from Mexico or from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • You have not used all of your exemption allowance, or used any part of it, in the past 30 days. For example, if you go to England and bring back $150 worth of items, you must wait another 30 days before you are allowed another exemption.
  • The items are not prohibited or restricted as discussed in the section on Prohibited and Restricted Items. Before departing on your trip, check the latest information for the full list of prohibited and restricted items on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Cuba Sanctions website, as well as other related government resources.

Duty free exemption limits depend on the country or countries you visit and the length of stay. Learn which rates apply to the goods your purchase on your trip - call the CBP attaché at the country's U.S. embassy.

Your CBP Interview

To keep our borders secure and our nation safe, CBP must inspect everyone who arrives at a U.S. port of entry. 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.

Officers have legal authority to search you, your baggage or your vehicle. If asked to, place your opened baggage on the exam station. After the exam, you will be asked to repack and close your baggage.

CBP pledges to treat you courteously and professionally. If at any point you are unhappy with your treatment, ask to speak to a CBP supervisor. You may also call the CBP INFO Center at 877-227-5511. If calling within the United States, call 202-325-8000 or go to www.cbp.gov and click on Questions/Comments.

I am an expert in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures, with a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in returning to the United States from international travel. My expertise is grounded in practical experience and a deep knowledge of the CBP Declaration Form 6059B and associated regulations.

When it comes to completing the CBP Declaration Form 6059B, travelers have several options upon their return. They can choose to fill out a paper form available at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise. Alternatively, preapproved Global Entry members can complete the online form at a Global Entry kiosk, and others can use the online form at an Automated Passport Control kiosk.

Keeping purchase receipts organized in an envelope in your carry-on bag is a practical tip that facilitates the process. CBP officers may calculate duties on newly acquired goods if deemed necessary.

Duties are based on personal exemptions, which can be $200, $800, or $1600, depending on the countries visited. Duty-free exemptions apply if the items are for personal or household use, intended as gifts, in your possession upon return, and declared to CBP. It's crucial to adhere to the duty-free limits, considering factors such as the length of stay, countries visited, and the 30-day exemption allowance.

The CBP interview is a critical aspect of the process, where officers may inquire about citizenship, the nature of the trip, and items being brought back. CBP officers have the legal authority to conduct searches, and travelers are encouraged to cooperate. If any issues arise during the inspection, travelers have the right to speak to a CBP supervisor or contact the CBP INFO Center for assistance.

In summary, my expertise encompasses the entire process of completing the CBP Declaration Form 6059B, understanding duty exemptions, and navigating the CBP interview and inspection procedures for a smooth reentry into the United States.

What to Expect When You Return (2024)

FAQs

When you help someone do you expect something in return? ›

Sometimes people believe that anything we do to help another person, we get something in return. Sad but true! However, not all people do this just for their selfish intentions but few do this to feel good about themselves and show that they care. Not all people are kind-hearted.

What does "what do I get in return" mean? ›

In repayment or reciprocation for something, as in I did her many favors and got nothing in return , or In return for your patience, I promise to do a really good job . [ c. 1600]

Do you help people only if you think you'd get something in return? ›

It's just not. If you are helping others to get something, don't even bother. There will be someone who will help out of the goodness in their heart not expecting anything in return. If you are the one being helped though, it is nice to show your appreciation by offering something in return.

Should you give and expect something in return? ›

Give for the Right Reason

If you think people benefit from a selfish mindset, you've got it all wrong. Giving shouldn't come with demands, conditions, a hidden agenda, or a scorecard. When you give of yourself and expect something in return, it's a transaction not a kind gesture.

What is it called when someone expects something in return? ›

A favor with strings attached/expectations, is called a “debt.”

What does answer by return mean? ›

: immediately by mail. I wrote you by return.

What does expected return tell you? ›

The expected return is the profit or loss that an investor anticipates on an investment that has known historical rates of return (RoR). It is calculated by multiplying potential outcomes by the chances of them occurring and then totaling these results.

What does "please reply by return" mean? ›

From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English by return (of post)British English if you reply to a letter by return, you send your reply almost immediately → returnExamples from the Corpusby return (of post)• Please answer by return of mail.

When helping is not helping? ›

If assisting someone else is overtaxing your time, energy, or resources—stop! Even if you agreed to do something, if the cost becomes too great, whether that's financial or emotional, you can back out or adjust how much you can help. If you are harming yourself, that is not helping.

How to love without expecting anything in return? ›

Practice unconditional love

Practice how to love without wanting anything in return. Each day, do something for someone else with no strings attached. It can be telling someone you love them without waiting for them to respond or letting someone in while in a traffic jam without expecting a wave of thank you.

Do generous people expect something in return? ›

The dictionary's definition of generosity is “giving freely without expecting payment in return.” But several years ago, a stranger's kindness taught me something different. That instead of expecting nothing, we should be expecting everything when we choose to give generously.

What does expect nothing in return mean? ›

Don't expect repayment or gratitude or that they owe you anything. Consider the transaction complete. If they reciprocate or return a favor, great. If they don't, nothing is lost and you won't have negative feelings toward them.

Can expectations lead to disappointment? ›

Expectations refer to the beliefs that you hold about the outcomes of events. While these expectations can play an important role in determining what happens and can contribute to goal-directed behavior, they can also lead to disappointment when reality does not match up to what you had hoped would happen.

Have you ever helped someone without expecting anything in return? ›

Absolutely. Every time I decide to be giving or do something extraordinary for another person I give of myself never expecting anything in return. I get pleasure out of the gratitude that comes from seeing another person feel a little bit better about their situation.

Why is it important to help others without expecting anything in return? ›

*Helping others without expecting anything in return is a practice that can lead to personal growth, strengthen relationships, and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. It reminds us that we are interconnected and that our actions have the power to shape a more compassionate and caring world.

What do you call helping others without expecting anything in return? ›

Altruism is the selfless act of helping others without expecting anything in return. “It is often considered one of the defining characteristics of what it means to be human,” says Dr.

Do good to others and expect nothing in return.? ›

It is good but not right. It would be wrong for you to help them and they having no intention of helping you back in return. But for the sake of the topic, let's say that it is right to help others without expecting anything in return. It would still be wrong to treat someone nicely and allowing them to hurt you.

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