Each individual arriving into the United States must complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B. Explanations and a sample declaration form can be found on the Sample Customs Declaration Form.

As of 2026, a customs declaration is mandatory for every international traveler, but the format of the declaration has largely moved from paper to digital. Most major airports in the USA, UK, Canada, and the EU now use automated kiosks or mobile apps (such as the "MPC" app in the US or the "ArriveCAN" legacy systems) where you answer questions about what you are bringing into the country. You must declare any items that exceed the "duty-free" allowance, such as large amounts of alcohol, tobacco, or commercial goods. Most importantly, you must declare any agricultural products (fruits, meats, seeds) and cash amounts exceeding $10,000 (or equivalent). Even if you have "nothing to declare," you are still technically making a legal declaration by passing through the "Green Channel" at the airport. If a customs officer stops you and finds undeclared items that should have been listed, you can face immediate fines, confiscation of the goods, and the loss of trusted traveler status (like Global Entry). While the physical "blue form" is disappearing, the legal requirement to report your luggage contents remains a strict part of international border security.