Frequently Asked Questions

Cash declarations are required to help authorities combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. By requiring travelers to declare large amounts of cash, authorities can better monitor the movement of funds across borders and identify potentially suspicious activities.

The declaration requirement does not restrict your right to travel with cash, but it does create transparency about the movement of significant cash amounts across EU borders.

The EU cash declaration requirements apply to all 27 member states of the European Union:

Note that some non-EU countries like Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland may have similar requirements, but these are governed by their own national regulations.

The €10,000 threshold applies per person. Each individual traveler carrying cash or bearer-negotiable instruments worth €10,000 or more must submit their own declaration.

However, it's important to note that customs authorities may consider the total amount carried by a group traveling together if they suspect that the group is attempting to circumvent the declaration requirement by distributing cash among multiple people.

For example, if a family of four is traveling together and each person is carrying €9,000, authorities might question why the cash is distributed in this manner and may investigate further.

Currently, the EU cash declaration requirements do not explicitly cover electronic money or cryptocurrencies. The declaration obligation applies specifically to physical cash and bearer-negotiable instruments.

This means that funds held in the following forms generally do not need to be declared:

• Bank cards (credit or debit cards)
• Mobile payment apps
• Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
• Electronic bank transfers

However, regulations in this area are evolving, and some countries may have additional requirements. We recommend consulting with our experts for the most current information regarding your specific situation.

To calculate whether your cash amount meets or exceeds the €10,000 threshold when carrying other currencies, you should use the official exchange rates published by the European Central Bank (ECB) on the date of travel.

For example, if you're carrying:

• 5,000 EUR
• 3,000 USD (equivalent to approximately 2,700 EUR at a sample exchange rate)
• 2,500 GBP (equivalent to approximately 2,900 EUR at a sample exchange rate)

The total would be approximately 10,600 EUR, which exceeds the threshold and would require a declaration.

Our online calculator tool can help you determine whether your cash requires declaration based on current exchange rates.

The EU Cash Declaration form requires the following information:

1. Direction of travel: Whether you are entering or leaving the EU
2. Personal details: Your full name, nationality, date and place of birth, ID/passport details, and contact information
3. Ownership information: Whether you are the owner of the cash or acting on behalf of someone else
4. Cash details: The exact amount, currency, and type of cash or bearer-negotiable instruments
5. Origin and intended use: Where the cash came from and what it will be used for
6. Transport details: Your travel route, means of transport, and reference numbers (flight number, etc.)
7. Signature: Your signature confirming that the information provided is accurate

If you are not the owner of the cash or not the intended recipient, you will also need to provide details about these individuals or entities.

While the declaration form requires you to state the origin of the cash, you are not always required to provide documentary evidence at the time of declaration. However, customs authorities have the right to request supporting documentation if they have concerns about the declared information.

It is advisable to carry documentation that can verify the source of the funds, such as:

• Bank withdrawal receipts
• Sale contracts (if the cash is from selling property or other assets)
• Inheritance documents
• Business documents (for business-related cash)
• Loan agreements

Having this documentation readily available can help expedite the process if customs officials request verification.

No, there is no fee charged by customs authorities for making a cash declaration. The declaration process is a regulatory requirement, not a paid service.

However, if you use our professional services to assist with your declaration, our service fees will apply based on the package you select. These fees cover our expertise, guidance, and support throughout the declaration process.

Yes, customs authorities have the legal power to:

• Ask you to declare any cash you are carrying
• Request to see the cash to verify the amount
• Search your person, luggage, and vehicle if they have reasonable suspicion
• Detain undeclared cash pending further investigation

These searches can occur as part of routine customs checks or targeted controls. Customs officials may use various methods to detect cash, including questioning, physical searches, and in some cases, cash-detection dogs or scanning equipment.

It's important to note that even if you're not selected for a physical check, making a false declaration or failing to declare when required is still an offense that can be discovered later through other means.

If your cash is detained by customs authorities, follow these steps:

1. Stay calm and cooperative: Hostile behavior will only complicate the situation
2. Request documentation: Ask for official documentation regarding the detention, including the reason, amount detained, and the procedure for recovery
3. Provide explanation: Clearly explain the origin and purpose of the cash
4. Present supporting documents: If available, provide any documentation that proves the legitimate source and intended use of the funds
5. Take notes: Record the names and badge numbers of the officials involved, as well as details of the interaction
6. Seek legal assistance: Contact our legal support team or another legal professional experienced in customs matters

Our legal support service can help you navigate this process, communicate with authorities, and work toward the release of your funds. The sooner you seek assistance, the better your chances of a favorable resolution.

We offer three main service packages to meet different needs:

We also offer custom solutions tailored to specific needs. Contact us for a personalized quote.

Getting started with our services is simple:

1. Initial Contact: Fill out our contact form, call us, or start an online chat to discuss your needs
2. Consultation: We'll schedule a consultation (in-person, phone, or video) to understand your specific situation
3. Service Selection: Based on your needs, we'll recommend the most appropriate service package
4. Documentation: We'll request necessary documents and information to begin the process
5. Implementation: Our team will begin working on your declaration needs according to the agreed timeline

For urgent cases, we offer expedited service with same-day assistance. Our 24/7 support line is available for emergency situations.

Yes, customs authorities can share your declaration information with other relevant agencies under specific circumstances:

• Information may be shared with financial intelligence units (FIUs) for anti-money laundering purposes
• Data may be exchanged with tax authorities if there are indications of tax evasion
• Information can be shared with law enforcement agencies if there is suspicion of criminal activity
• Data may be exchanged with customs authorities in other EU member states

This information sharing is governed by EU data protection regulations, including GDPR, which places limits on how your data can be used and requires appropriate safeguards for personal information.

However, making a proper declaration does not automatically trigger investigations by other agencies. Most routine declarations are processed without further action if there are no suspicious circumstances.

Once you have properly declared your cash and entered or exited the EU, there are generally no specific restrictions on how you can use the funds based solely on the declaration. However, several important considerations apply:

• Local regulations: Individual countries may have their own regulations regarding cash transactions, such as limits on cash payments for certain goods or services
• Anti-money laundering rules: Businesses and financial institutions are required to conduct due diligence on large cash transactions, which may include asking about the source of funds
• Banking regulations: Banks may have their own policies regarding large cash deposits and may require additional documentation
• Tax implications: Large cash transactions may have tax reporting requirements in certain jurisdictions

It's advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations of the country where you plan to use the cash. Our compliance consulting service can provide guidance on these matters.