Can I bring tamales from Mexico to US?

“The most popular question asked of TSA during the holidays is, can I bring tamales in my carry-on,” said Mancha. “Tamales can be carried on and placed in an airplane's overhead bin. Just make sure that any salsa packed with those tamales is packed in a container measuring 3.4 ounces or less.”



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Meats, Livestock and Poultry: The regulations governing meat and meat products are stringent. You may not import fresh, dried or canned meats or meat products from most foreign countries into the United States. Also, you may not import food products that have been prepared with meat.

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If the container is completely empty it is allowed to bring it on board.

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Banned items The following items are completely banned from aircraft, and should not be brought to the airport: Explosive and incendiary materials. Flammable items. Gasses and pressure containers.

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Mexico has gifted the world with numerous foods: annatto, avocado, amaranth, peanut, cocoa, pumpkin, sweet potato, capulin cherry, chayote, chia, sapodilla, chile, chipilin, cherimoya, epazote, ant eggs, beans, turkey, soursop, jicama, tomato, agave, corn, mamey, nance, prickly pear cactus, pitahaya, hawthorn, vanilla, ...

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Coffee (Roasted, Green, Whole, Seeds, Plant Parts) Roasted Coffee: Travelers are permitted to bring unlimited quantities of roasted coffee in their luggage without restriction through any U.S. port of entry. However, as with all agricultural products, you must declare the product at entry.

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Explosives and flammable items, such as fireworks, gas, and aerosols. Poisonous and toxic substances, including pesticides and certain chemicals. Lithium batteries and other hazardous materials, as these can pose a safety risk if not handled properly.

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For example, TSA guidance is very clear: If prohibited items are found during security checks, they won't be returned to their owners. That may vary in other countries, but the general rule is that confiscations are permanent.

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Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.

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Creamy and spreadable cheeses fall under the TSA's “3-1-1 liquids rule”, which requires that all liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage be stored in 3.4-ounce or smaller containers — all of which must fit into one quart-sized plastic bag.

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Organic Materials
While you are allowed to bring food and other organic matter through security in US airports, it is likely to be examined by security officers. Most scanning machines can detect biological material (think fruits and vegetables) pretty clearly.

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You must declare all food products. Failure to declare food products can result in up to $10,000 in fines and penalties. The following are generally admissible: Condiments: ketchup (catsup), mustard, mayonnaise, Marmite and Vegemite and prepared sauces that do not contain meat products.

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You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

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In most cases, travelers are permitted to bring up to $800 worth of merchandise back to the United States without having to pay duty. (Numerous exceptions apply.) Keep in mind that only one liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 100 cigars may be included in this exemption.

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