U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized more than $11,000 in unreported currency from a Nigerian man departing the U.S. for London on September 22 in a private aircraft. CBP warns that using charter does not relieve people of proper reporting. While there are no limits on the amount of currency a traveler can bring in or out of the U.S., federal law requires reporting if the total exceeds $10,000.

CBP officers discovered during an examination of a passenger manifest for a charter trip that the Nigerian man aboard had previous currency-reporting violations and had also failed to report any currency on this trip. CBP did not identify the man, because charges had not been filed, but noted he did not complete a required financial reporting form. A subsequent compliance examination revealed he had U.S. dollars, British pounds and euros valued at $11,647. While the money was seized, the man was released and permitted to continue to travel.

“Chartering a private flight does not alleviate travelers from the responsibility of complying with applicable U.S. laws and regulations, including federal currency reporting requirements,” said Dianna Bowman, CBP area port director for the Port of Baltimore. “This seizure should remind all travelers that Customs and Border Protection border security authority covers all departing and arriving international travelers, whether on commercial or private aircraft.”

CBP noted that, on a typical day, the agency seizes close to $300,000 in undeclared or illicit currency along the borders.