U.S. Customs Declaration: Form 6059B

If you are a Guatemalan citizen traveling to the United States, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the customs declaration process, a step mandatory for all travelers entering the country. Form 6059B is the official document you must complete to inform U.S. customs authorities about the goods and items you are bringing with you.

Here, we will explain what Form 6059B is, how to complete it, what you must declare, and some useful tips to avoid issues upon your arrival in the United States. Additionally, you will have access to Guatemalan consulates for contact purposes, consular appointment requests, and available procedures at the consulates. Finally, we will provide solutions to common issues and tips that will be very helpful.

What is Form 6059B?

The Form 6059B is the customs declaration document that all travelers must fill out upon entering the United States. This form is used by customs authorities to understand the goods you bring into the country, such as gifts, personal purchases, or items subject to restrictions. Moreover, the form is essential to ensure compliance with U.S. government import and security regulations.

By completing this form, you declare any products, cash, or valuable items that may be subject to taxes or restrictions. The information provided is used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine if taxes apply or if any of your items are prohibited or restricted.

How to Complete Form 6059B?

The Form 6059B is relatively simple to fill out, but it is crucial to complete it accurately. Below, we explain step by step how to fill out the form:

Personal Information

• Full name: Write your name exactly as it appears in your passport.
• Date of birth: Provide your exact date of birth.
• Passport number: Ensure the number matches the one on your Guatemalan passport.

Travel Details

• Flight or vessel number: Indicate the flight number or, if arriving by sea, the name of the vessel.
• Country of residence: Specify that your country of residence is Guatemala, if applicable.

Declaration of Goods

In this section, you must declare the goods you are bringing with you that might be subject to taxes, restrictions, or prohibitions. Key points include:

• Agricultural products: If you are carrying food, plants, seeds, or other agricultural products, you must declare them.
• Cash: If you are bringing more than $10,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it on the form. Failure to do so may result in fines or confiscation.
• Items for sale: If you are bringing merchandise for sale or commercial use, ensure you declare it.

Sign and Submit

Once you have completed the form, you must sign it and present it to the customs officer at the checkpoint upon arrival at the airport or port of entry. The officer will review the information and ask if you have anything to declare before proceeding with the inspection process.

What Must You Declare When Entering the United States?

When traveling to the United States, certain items and goods must be declared obligatorily. Some of the most common include:

• Cash: As mentioned earlier, if you are carrying more than $10,000 in cash or its equivalent in another currency, you must declare it. Failing to declare large sums of money may result in confiscation or penalties.
• Agricultural products: Any food products such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, or meat must be declared. The U.S. has strict regulations to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.
• Commercial or resale items: If you are carrying items intended for sale or commercial use, they must be declared on the form.
• Gifts or personal purchases: Any gifts or purchases made abroad exceeding the personal exemption limit must be declared. This limit varies depending on the value and quantity of the items.
• Medications and personal use products: Some medications or personal use products may be subject to regulations or restrictions in the United States. If you are carrying controlled medications, ensure you have a prescription and declare these items.

Available Services at the Guatemalan Consulate

The main services are as follows:

Appointment for the Guatemalan Consulate

Below is a button for you to request an appointment from your computer to carry out the procedures you need.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

During the customs declaration process, certain issues may arise if you are not well-informed. Below are some common issues and how to avoid them:

• One of the most serious errors is failing to declare goods or cash. This can result in significant penalties, including the confiscation of goods or money. The solution is simple: if you are unsure whether to declare something, it is better to do so and ask the customs officer.
• A common mistake is providing incorrect information on the form, such as omitting details about transported goods. To avoid this, double-check all the information before signing and submitting the form.
• Some products, such as food or plants, are completely prohibited in the United States, while others are restricted.

Tips for a Fast and Hassle-Free Customs Declaration Process

Form 6059B is a fundamental part of the entry process to the United States for Guatemalan and other travelers. Ensure that you complete it correctly, declare any items subject to inspection, and follow the customs officers’ instructions. For a smoother and problem-free customs declaration process, here are some tips:

• Fill out the form before landing: On many flights, airlines distribute Form 6059B during the flight. Fill it out calmly before landing to avoid rushing in the immigration line.
• Always declare any doubts: If you are unsure whether something needs to be declared, declare it. It is better to clarify doubts with a customs officer than to face fines or penalties for omitting information.
• Check import regulations: Before traveling, review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website for rules and restrictions on permitted and prohibited products.
• Bring copies of your purchase receipts: If you purchased valuable items, carry the receipts to show their value if requested.

With proper information and a little preparation, the customs process will be quick and hassle-free. Travel safely and enjoy your arrival in the United States!

Guatemalan Consulates in the USA

If you have questions about your form, you can contact one of the Guatemalan Consulates. Below, we provide all the consulates so you can contact them and find their location: