Living In USA

Some items that may not be brought into the United States without special permits are listed below.

Medications. If you must bring in a special prescription, be sure to get a permit in advance. Inquire at a U.S. consulate for details.

Plants. No fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, cuttings, or plant products may be imported without writing ahead for permission. The reason for this regulation is that the United States is attempting to prevent insects or plant diseases from being brought into the country. Contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/).

Meats and hides. To avoid importing animal diseases, permission is needed to bring in meats (including dried fish, sausages, salamis, etc.) and untanned furs or hides. If you wish to bring any of these to the United States, write to

Animal Health Division
U.S. Agricultural Research Service
Hyattsville, MD 20782
www.usda.gov/

Goods from certain countries. One cannot import goods of any kind originating in certain countries. Inquiries should be made to

Foreign Assets Control
Department of the Treasury
Washington, DC 20220
www.ustreas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/

Gold. There are tight restrictions regarding gold, gold coins, gold-coin jewelry, or medals.

Firearms and ammunition. Guns and ammunition are regulated by the Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco Bureau (www.atf.gov/firearms/feib/). No ammunition, pistols, or revolvers may be shipped in the U.S. mail.

If you have questions on customs regulations that cannot be answered by your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, write

Customs and Border Patrol
Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20226
www.customs.gov/