When packing your bags for a trip to the US, one thing you must keep in mind – to NOT bring items that can get you in trouble. Sharp objects, large containers of liquid and weapons are a no-brainer – those should not, in any case, be brought to an airport.
However, the list of goods prohibited by US airports appears to be even longer – sometimes including items that are usual for certain people, (let’s say drums) while, at times, even everyday items (like specific phones) that do not appear to pose any threat.
To help avoid any last-minute surprises at security, VisaGuide.World presents a list of 15 items you can’t bring when traveling to the US.
1. Dog & Cat Fur
According to the US Customs and Border Protection, it is illegal in the US to transport products that contain dog or cat fur, as the Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000 regulates. In addition, the import, export or merchandise of such products is prohibited.
Failing to respect this rule can have serious consequences; a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each knowing violation; $5,000 for each grossly negligent violation and $3,000 for negligent violations.
2. Haitian Animal Hide Drums
Haitian animal hide drums, which are traditional percussion instruments, are prohibited at US airports due to their material. Since this musical instrument is made from animal skin, there are health concerns in regard to outbreaks, diseases or pests.
“Haitian goat hide drums have been previously linked to a case of cutaneous anthrax, and the CDC restricts entry of animal hide drums from Haiti if they have not been processed in a way that renders them non-infectious. Travelers should be aware that untanned animal hide drums from Africa may pose a similar but low risk for cutaneous anthrax,” the website of the US Customs and Border Protection reads.
3. Cultural Artifacts & Cultural Property
For those who like to collect or bring souvenirs from abroad to their loved ones in the US, here is some bad news; it is not allowed to transport cultural artefacts to the airport unless you have documentation that proves that you are the legal owner of the item. That includes a receipt or export permit.
In addition, articles of stolen cultural property from facilities of countries that are members of the UNESCO Convention, should not be brought to the US.
Here is a list of other artefacts and antiquities that are not allowed to be brought into the US:
- Monumental and architectural sculpture and murals of pre-Columbian civilisation, originating from Central and South American countries.
- Native American artefacts from Canada.
- Mayan pre-Columbian archaeological objects that are from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Peru.
- Archaeological objects from Mali (terracotta statues).
- Colonial period objects from Peru (paintings and ritual objects).
- Byzantine period objects from Cyprus (icons).
- Archaeological sculpture from Cambodia (Khmer stone sculptures.
- Recreations of objects removed from the Iraq National Museum, the National Library and other locations in this country, are also not allowed to be imported to the US.
4. Samsung Note 7
Despite the fact that Americans are iOS die-hard fans, there is another reason why a Samsung Note 7 can have you banned from the airport.
In 2016, The US Department of Transportation (DOT), with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), announced that owners of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 are not allowed to transport the device due to concerns over fire hazards.
“We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority. We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk,” Anthony Foxx, Former Transportation Secretary had said.
5. Magic 8 Ball
Billiard fans, you have to hear this one out; unfortunately, the Magic 8 Ball is not allowed to be brought on carry-ons when travelling to the US.
But this might be for the best as the reason for this ban is related to the violation of the liquid rule. The item contains more than 3.4 ounces of alcohol – which is the maximum amount of liquid allowed to carry on a plane. However, it is allowed to bring Magic 8 Balls in checked bags.
6. English Christmas Crackers
The traditional festive item, which is a wrapped cardboard that makes a “crack” noise when pulled apart from two people, is prohibited from US airports.
Travellers are not allowed to bring these objects in carry-on or checked bags either as they are flammable and fall under the same category as firecrackers.
7. Heating pad (Gel)
Regardless of how harmless carrying a gel-filled heating pad might appear, it is prohibited to bring this item to US airports in carry-on bags. However, you can bring along this pain relief product in your checked bags.
8. Strike-Anywhere Matches
TSA guidelines state that strike-anywhere matches are not permitted in either, carry-on bags or cabin baggage. They are considered dangerous materials and can pose a serious threat during travelling.
9. Soil
Despite being an unusual material to bring during your trip, soil is also prohibited by the law. Travellers are prohibited from carrying soil, as the material typically is composed of disintegrated rock mixed with organic matter and soluble salts.
10. Fruits & Vegetables
One might think that fresh produce can be a great gift to show gratitude to someone but such products might not be the ideal gift to travel with.
There are many fruits and vegetables that are prohibited from the US airports, including apples and some types of tomatoes. This measure originates from the 1980s when there was an outbreak of the Mediterranean fruit fly.
“The civil penalty for failing to declare agricultural items at U.S. ports of entry will cost first-time offenders $300. The penalty for the second violation goes up to $500. To avoid receiving a penalty all agricultural items and present them to Customs and Border Protection for inspection so that an agriculture specialist can determine if it is admissible,” is written on the website of the US Customs and Border Protection.
11. Gold
Items made of gold, such as coins and medals, that originate in or are purchased from Iran, Burma (Myanmar), Cuba and some parts of Sudan, are not allowed to be brought into the US. Bringing such items used to be forbidden entirely until recent years.
12. Cooking Spray
As the UpgradedPoints reports, bringing cooking spray on your carry-on or checked luggage is against the law and will be denied entry to the United States.
13. Bowling Pins
Travellers are not permitted to carry bowling pins in their hand luggage but are allowed to bring the items in checked baggage.
14. Darts
Yes, bringing darts on a plane is prohibited but it is possible to transport the items by cabin luggage. Planning ahead of your trip is always a great idea.
15. Walking sticks
According to UpgradedPoints, it is not allowed to bring walking sticks in your carry-ons at the US airports. However, the US authorities are not that harsh – walking sticks are allowed to be brought on checked bags but in those and those alone.