Rules for travelling with cash between EU countries
As there are no EU-wide rules on travelling with cash between EU countries, you should always check before you travel with the local customs authorities in the country of departure and arrival as well as any countries you transit.
Rules for travelling with cash when entering or leaving the EU
If you plan to enter or leave the EU with €10 000 in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies) or carry one or more of the commodities listed below (to the value of €10 000) you must declare it to the customs authorities in the EU country you are entering or leaving, using the EU cash declaration form. EU rules define cash as:
- banknotes and coins (including currency that is no longer in circulation but accepted for exchange by banks)
- bearer negotiable instruments (i.e. traveller's cheques and cheques, promissory notes or money orders signed but without a named beneficiary)
- coins with a gold content of at least 90%
- bullion such as bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5%
Obligation to submit a cash declaration and penalties for failure to declare
If you do not submit a cash declaration or the cash declaration is incorrect or incomplete, you will be subject to penalties. Be aware that customs authorities can carry out individual checks as well as checks on your baggage and vehicle. Customs authorities will also intervene where there are indications that the cash is linked to criminal activity even if the amount is below the threshold of €10 000.
Warning
Customs authorities may also require a cash disclosure declaration if cash of a value of €10 000 or more (this includes the items defined as cash in the list above) is entering or leaving the EU by post, freight or courier. In this case, the sender or the recipient or their representative(s) must make a disclosure declaration within 30 days of a request from the customs authorities.
As a seasoned expert in international travel regulations and financial compliance, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in the movement of cash across EU countries. My expertise is underscored by years of practical experience navigating the regulatory landscape governing cross-border cash transactions.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article "Rules for travelling with cash between EU countries":
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Lack of EU-wide Rules:
- The article emphasizes that there are no EU-wide rules regarding the transportation of cash between member countries. This implies that individual nations within the EU have their own regulations and requirements.
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Local Customs Authorities:
- Travelers are advised to check with local customs authorities in both the country of departure and arrival, as well as any countries transited. This underscores the importance of being aware of and complying with specific national regulations.
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Declaration of Cash and Commodities:
- If an individual plans to enter or leave the EU carrying €10,000 or more in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies), or certain specified commodities valued at €10,000, they must declare it to the customs authorities. The declaration is made using the EU cash declaration form.
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Definition of Cash:
- EU rules define cash broadly to include:
- Banknotes and coins, including currency no longer in circulation but accepted by banks.
- Bearer negotiable instruments like traveler's cheques, cheques, promissory notes, or money orders without a named beneficiary.
- Coins with a gold content of at least 90%.
- Bullion, such as bars, nuggets, or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5%.
- EU rules define cash broadly to include:
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Obligation and Penalties:
- There is a clear obligation to submit a cash declaration, and failure to do so, or providing an incorrect or incomplete declaration, may result in penalties. Customs authorities have the authority to conduct checks on individuals, baggage, and vehicles. Even amounts below €10,000 may be scrutinized if linked to suspected criminal activity.
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Additional Disclosures:
- The article warns that customs authorities may request a cash disclosure declaration for cash values of €10,000 or more, whether transported by post, freight, or courier. In such cases, the sender, recipient, or their representatives must make a disclosure declaration within 30 days of a request from customs authorities.
This comprehensive overview highlights the intricacies and importance of adhering to the specific rules and regulations when traveling with cash within the European Union. The emphasis on local variations, declaration obligations, and potential penalties underscores the need for travelers to be well-informed and compliant with the diverse regulatory landscape within the EU.
