Flying for the first time in your life, and you are not exactly sure about the rules regarding airport security, especially where jewelry is concerned?
This article is for you.
We’ll start off by saying that we understand exactly how you are feeling, the uncertainty, and the anxiety that come into play when taking flights, especially after watching or hearing about some of the horrors of airports and airport security.
Although it all seems like a lot and you feel numb as you try to think about the flight, we’d like to reassure you that it’s not all bad.
In fact, you are going to enjoy the most seamless experience because we’ll guide you through all you need to know about traveling with jewelry, what to do and what to avoid doing.
So, let’s get started!
Can I bring personal jewelry to the USA?
Yes, you can bring your personal jewelry to the USA. Personal jewelry is regarded as a personal effect, and it doesn’t fall in the duty-free import category. So, you don’t have to pay duty on the jewelry.
That said, and depending on the country you are traveling from, you may be required to declare the jewelry, especially when you have fine jewelry, watches, and all other valuables you travel to the US with.
This is not the case often, though, and the only time you’d have to declare your fine jewelry when getting into the USA is if you have an excess amount of jewelry and you look more or less like the Queen of England. In other words, you can travel with your few pairs of earrings, watches, rings, and necklaces.
To be on the safer side, we recommend asking some of these questions at the embassy or the consulate.
Do I have to declare jewelry at US Customs?
If you are traveling to the US and purchased jewelry while abroad, US Customs require you to declare the pieces of jewelry. This is a standard requirement, and it has nothing to do with taxes.
So, in other words, you will not have to pay any taxes on the declared jewelry. In fact, most of the people traveling into the US qualify for the CBP exemptions.
What this means is that if you travel into the US from places like Guam, Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, you will qualify for a huge exemption of up to $800.
So, if you land in the US with any three of the insular possessions, you’d qualify for an exemption of up to $1600. But again, you must declare or list all the jewelry or watches you purchased while abroad.
That said, there are cases where you will have to declare your jewelry abroad. This is a situational requirement that varies from one country to the other.
But even with the variable rules, the general rule applicable requires the declaration of the jewelry in these countries for avoidance of hang-ups or confusion.
And though you will not declare the jewelry you had on when you left home, all jewelry you have bought and plan on gifting your loved ones must be declared.
How much jewelry can I bring on the airplane to the USA?
Now that you know that you’d have to declare the jewelry you’re bringing into the US, how much is too much, or rather, what is the limit for how much jewelry you can carry with you on the plane?
US Customs will allow you to bring jewelry worth up to $10,000, but anything worth more than that will require a different kind of processing, and you would have to fill out a different form with the Customs and Border Control guys.
In as much as most people note that there is no limit to how much jewelry you can carry in the airplane, you should know it is a requirement for declaration because the jewelry will most certainly set off the metal detectors.
In most EU countries, however, you have a 10,000 Euros limit, and anything above this must be declared.
How can I carry gold Jewellery in flight to the USA?
While there is no duty on your gold jewelry or even gold coins and bullions, you must declare the gold jewelry with the Customs and Border Protection Officer. Also, the piece carried should be authentic and listed as such and shouldn’t be counterfeits passed off as genuine pieces.
In terms of carrying the gold jewelry that you cannot wear, you should stash them in the jewelry travel case then put them in your handbag or carry-on.
Never put your jewelry and smaller valuables in your luggage or anything that has to go through the conveyor belts. What this means is that you must invest in one of the best quality padded jewelry bags or cases to ensure that the pieces are safe at all times.
6 Tips for carrying jewelry in light to the USA
By now, you know that you must pack light, and this doesn’t apply to your outfits only, your jewelry too. Below are the other tips that will ensure seamless travel into the US with your jewelry.
1. Create a list
You need a list to guide you visually and to ensure that you keep things practical by only carrying what you must carry or what you will need.
The list is also important when it comes to the maintenance of inventory because it allows you have a reference point if you lose your bags or just the jewelry.
Keep one copy of the list in your bag, with the jewelry, leave another one at home, and you should also make sure that you keep a digital copy in your phone.
2. Invest in a good quality jewelry travel case
The right travel jewelry case or organizer will safely hold your earrings, necklaces, rings, pendants, and bracelets, among other accessories, without any tangling while keeping all the pieces well organized, clean, and visible.
To do all these, these cases are perfectly compartmentalized and also well-padded to protect the jewelry from damage.
On top of all that, the case must be small and just the right size to hold the few pieces of essential jewelry you need, nothing too big or heavy to make things heavier.
The interior should also be plush and lined to protect the jewelry further.
3. Keep the jewelry in your carry-on
As mentioned above, you should never keep your jewelry in the checked baggage but in the carry-on bag.
4. Keep the bag with you
Never leave your carry-on and the rest of the baggage unattended. Carry the jewelry on you when traveling, even when staying in a hotel, because it is easy to lose these pieces.
5. Get jewelry insurance
If you are traveling with fine jewelry, you should invest in jewelry insurance for the protection of your valuables when traveling.
Anything can happen, even when you are very cautious, and insurance protection will give you peace of mind and financial reprieve in case of a loss.
6. Don’t be flashy
You shouldn’t be flashy about your jewelry whenever you’re out and about, and if you are afraid that you may attract unwanted attention, you could always ask for a private screening by the TSA agents.
Conclusion
And there you have it – if you weren’t sure about traveling with jewelry, we hope you now know what to do and what to expect.
Read more useful tips here or here!
Tiger is a fashion&jewelry lover. He is also a fashion jewelry manufacturer that help thousands of small business to grow and also do business with some big fashion jewelry brands. He is a truly metal expert and he will share some information you are looking for.