ATLANTA — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport seized $372,264 in unreported currency from 24 travelers during the first three months of 2026.
The following were the three largest seizures in value and an illustration of consequences that travelers face when violating federal currency reporting laws.
- CBP officers seized $44,432 from a U.S. citizen departing March 22 to San Salvador after an alert from CBP currency detector dog “Pub”
- CBP officers seized $32,700 from a citizen of India destined to United Arab Emirates on Jan. 31
- CBP officers seized $30,417 from a family departing to Doha, Qatar on Feb. 4 after an alert CBP K9 “Pub.” During this inspection, CBP officers gave the family multiple opportunities to amend their initial declaration of $6,000, but the family declined
Travelers can travel with any amount of currency and other monetary instruments that they choose, but any amounts over $10,000 must be reported to the U.S. Treasury. Travelers can complete the currency reporting form, also known as the International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments form, or FinCEN 105, online before heading out to the airport, or they can ask CBP officers to assist them in completing the form at the departure gate.
In each seizure, CBP officers recited the currency report law and verified that the travelers understood. Officers allowed these travelers multiple opportunities to truthfully report all currency in their possession, both verbally and in writing, before officers inspected the travelers’ carryon bags and personal items.
Additionally, CBP officers encountered passengers who initially denied carrying over $10,000, but then during questioning truthfully reported all their currency. Officers helped these travelers to complete the FinCEN 105. During the first three months of 2026, CBP officers helped travelers complete FinCEN 105s that totaled nearly $3 million.
“Travelers must understand that failing to declare currency can result in serious consequences, including seizure of funds and possible criminal charges,” said CBP Atlanta Area Port Director Zachary Thomas, “Our officers remain committed to enforcing all of our nation’s laws, including currency reporting, and hold violators accountable.”
Currency enforcement operations focus on detecting unreported and bulk currency smuggling, which has been shown to be proceeds of illicit activity, such as from narcotics and human smuggling, and fraud and other financial crimes that prey on our nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
For more information about currency reporting requirements, visit www.cbp.gov
