Customs

What you can bring home from Kosovo and Albania (US customs)

Coming back to the US with a suitcase of food and gifts from family? These are the rules from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). When in doubt, declare it.

Updated 2026-10-15

Food

CBP says you may bring bakery items and certain cheeses, and many prepared foods are admissible.

Almost anything containing meat products is not admissible. That includes homemade sausage or suxhuk, dried meat, and soup mixes or bouillon with meat.

Some fruits, vegetables and other animal products are restricted. CBP points travellers to the USDA APHIS traveller tips for the details.

Rakia, wine and other alcohol

Alcohol can be brought in, but only very limited amounts fit inside your duty-free personal exemption. Declare every bottle; anything above the allowance may be taxed.

Gifts worth more than $5 that contain alcohol can't be counted in the gift exemption, per CBP.

Gifts and shopping

Your personal exemption is $200, $800 or $1,600 depending on the countries visited. All gifts you received or bought abroad must be declared.

Goods from a duty-free shop are not automatically duty-free when you land in the US.

Cash: the $10,000 rule

Federal law requires you to report amounts over $10,000 to CBP when entering or leaving the United States. Bringing it in is legal; failing to report it is not. The limit counts all currency and monetary instruments you carry, not only dollars.

CBP: money and monetary instruments

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring homemade suxhuk or dried meat to the US?

No. CBP says almost anything containing meat products is not admissible.

Can I bring cheese from Kosovo or Albania?

Certain cheeses are allowed, per CBP. Declare it and check the USDA APHIS traveller tips for your type of cheese.

Can I bring rakia on the plane home?

US customs allows alcohol for personal use, but only a very limited amount is duty-free. Declare it. Airline and airport security rules on liquids in carry-on also apply.

Do I have to declare more than $10,000 in cash?

Yes. Amounts over $10,000 must be reported to CBP when entering or leaving the US.

Sources

Checked 15 Oct 2026. Rules change; always confirm with the official source before you travel.