Customs & "paying duty" - Dallas Ft Worth

[Jamstina 1]

Hi, my fiance is currently in flight with his approved K-1 Visa. While filling out the customs forms he IM'd me worried that he doesn't remember everything he packed in his suitcase and is worried they will not let him in the country because the list will not be accurate. How serious is this customs "duty" form where you fill out what you're bringing with you? Is it not just a general idea of the things you're bringing with you? Aren't they going to search it anyway?

Also, I was reading through the reviews of Dallas Ft Worth POE and the general census was you hand your luggage and paperwork to someone, they go into a room and you wait while they search everything and eventually they let you in the country. There was no mention of paying fees or anything for what customs found. The "duty" etc. Do you have to pay? How is the fee decided? Is it a percentage of what you're bringing? He's just bringing clothes and his laptop basically.

Thank you.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Houston airport CBP told me don't itemize anything on the form unless it is a new item like a duty free purchase or gift. His general stuff is "household goods" and free entry. Our form looked something like this.

Household goods n/a

Cheddar cheese $10

Harrod's toy $20

The cheese and toy were free because less than the allotted $100

Edited July 1, 2014 by Nich-Nick

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Also wanted to say usually you process immigration papers in a room prior to picking up luggage. Then pass by a customs desk (podium) and turn in the form. They do not routinely search each immigrant's luggage at most airports.

[kehills 217]

Dallas POE must be really bored.

(Husband POE'd at SFO; they had a separate line in immigration for those immigrating, but otherwise it was a normal customs experience. I can't imagine that Dallas POE is going to be doing things one-off from everyone else.)

[Girl from Celebes 588]

Hi, my fiance is currently in flight with his approved K-1 Visa. While filling out the customs forms he IM'd me worried that he doesn't remember everything he packed in his suitcase and is worried they will not let him in the country because the list will not be accurate. How serious is this customs "duty" form where you fill out what you're bringing with you? Is it not just a general idea of the things you're bringing with you? Aren't they going to search it anyway?

Also, I was reading through the reviews of Dallas Ft Worth POE and the general census was you hand your luggage and paperwork to someone, they go into a room and you wait while they search everything and eventually they let you in the country. There was no mention of paying fees or anything for what customs found. The "duty" etc. Do you have to pay? How is the fee decided? Is it a percentage of what you're bringing? He's just bringing clothes and his laptop basically.

Thank you.

I did not remember all stuff that I brought. My husband (then-fiance) and I brought 5 large boxes, 3 suitcases, backpack, handbag, and 2 carriers of my cats. I did not have to pay anything even though I had extra excess baggages. Be aware to bring fresh products like meat, fruits, etc. They will open your bags and boxes if they found inside. It will delayed your process to the next flight (if you have connecting flight).

[phd1974 17]

As long as it is not anything that could be considered a weapon or drugs, then he is fine.

Normally, they would just confiscate any other items and let them through. Depending on the severity, a fine could be placed as well, but from my experiences and from watching a Customs Border Patrol reality series a few weeks ago, they would just confiscate the item and let them through.

[C-ma'am 684]

**Post moved from K1 to Off Topic. Question is not related to a K1 PP.