Calexico, Calif. - On Valentine's Day, travelers may wish to bring flowers with them from Mexico into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials want residents and visitors to know what to expect when they cross the border.
Chrysanthemums, gladiolas, and orange jasmine from Mexico, are prohibited through the passenger ports of entry. So travelers cannot bring arrangements with those flowers into the country through a passenger port of entry, like the Calexico border crossing.
Roses, carnations, and most other flowers are allowed into the U.S. after they pass inspection. However, plants potted in soil cannot be brought from Mexico. Travelers must declare all flowers and plants to CBP officers.
"We work to protect U.S. agricultural resources from harmful pests, so we thoroughly inspect agricultural products brought across the border," said Pete Flores, CBP San Diego's director of field operations. "We want travelers to know ahead of time what they can and cannot bring into the country so there are no surprises at the port of entry."
Throughout the year, and especially around Valentine's Day, CBP agriculture specialists are busy making sure that flower imports are free from insects and diseases that could harm the agricultural and floral industries of the United States. They are specially trained to inspect plant and animal products for signs of insects or disease. Their careful attention to detail ensures that even microscopic pests are detected and prevented from being introduced into the United States where they could cause significant economic or environmental harm.
With the current restrictions, CBP is trying to prevent funguses called "Chrysanthemum White Rust" and "Gladiolus Rust" from entering the U.S. Additionally, some cut greenery, which are the plants used to fill a bouquet, may have pests or diseases. For example, Murraya (common name "orange jasmine") is a host for Asian citrus psyllid, a dangerous pest of citrus. If any portion of a bouquet has pests, the entire bouquet will be confiscated.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
FAQs
Chrysanthemums, gladiolas, and orange jasmine from Mexico, are prohibited through the passenger ports of entry. So travelers cannot bring arrangements with those flowers into the country through a passenger port of entry, like the Calexico border crossing.
Can you bring flowers back from Mexico to the US? ›
Travelers are allowed to bring cut flowers into the United States if the flowers are free of stems, roots, fruit, berries, and plant pests.
Are flowers allowed in CBP? ›
Roses, carnations, and many other flowers are allowed into the United States after they pass inspection. However, plants potted in soil cannot be brought from Mexico. Travelers must declare all flowers and plants to CBP officers.
Can you bring flowers on a plane to Mexico? ›
Touristic entry of the below items is strictly prohibited if the importer does not meet the requirements set forth on the SENASICA website: Propogation materials (seeds, bulbs, slips, buds, stakes, etc.) Flowers, plants, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Can you take flowers through customs? ›
Travelers must declare all flowers and plants to CBP officers. If a traveler declares a bouquet that has prohibited flowers and greenery, it will be seized. If it does not, CBP agriculture specialists will inspect the bouquet for pests and diseases.
What can you not bring from Mexico to us? ›
Examples of prohibited items are dangerous toys, cars that don't protect their occupants in a crash, bush meat, or illegal substances like absinthe and Rohypnol. Restricted means that special licenses or permits are required from a federal agency before the item is allowed to enter the United States.
Are you allowed to bring plants from Mexico to the US? ›
All travelers entering the United States are Required to Declare meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, as well as plant and animal products (including soup or soup products) they may be carrying. The declaration must cover all items carried in checked baggage, carry-on luggage, or in a vehicle.
Are flowers allowed in check in baggage? ›
Checked Bags: Yes
Fresh flowers are allowed through the checkpoint without water. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
What not to bring to Mexico? ›
You are prohibited from bringing the following items into Mexico
- Narcotic drugs.
- Electronic cigarettes.
- Used clothing that is not part of your personal luggage.
- Some over-the-counter medicines commonly used in the United States, including inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications.
If you enter or leave Mexico, you must declare any sum of money equaling US$10,000 or more that you bring in cash, checks, money orders, other cashable documents or a combination of them. Failing to declare carries a fine ranging from 20% to 40% of the exceeding amount.
CBP agriculture specialists inspect each flower shipment that enters the United States to prevent the introduction of insects, pests and diseases into the United States.
How do you travel with a bouquet of flowers? ›
The optimum method to transport anywhere from one bouquet, two bouquets, or too many to count is in a bucket filled with water. That way, they will be hydrated and can remain in an upright position.
Can you pass flowers through TSA? ›
Fresh flowers are allowed through the checkpoint. Just skip the water in the vase. We suggest wrapping the stems in damp paper towels and plastic wrap or foil to keep them hydrated while you travel.
Can I take flowers through TSA? ›
Fresh flowers are allowed through the checkpoint. Just skip the water in the vase. We suggest wrapping the stems in damp paper towels and plastic wrap or foil to keep them hydrated while you travel.
Can I cross roses from Tijuana to San Diego? ›
Roses, carnations, and many other flowers can enter the United States after being inspected.. However, harvest plants require a permit to enter and soil cannot be imported from Mexico.
Can I bring preserved flowers to the USA? ›
Dried or preserved flowers or foliage
All dried and preserved cut flowers and foliage must be inspected on arrival to verify that they are free from exotic pests and diseases and ensure that they are dried or preserved and are not fresh.
How to travel with fresh flowers? ›
The optimum method to transport anywhere from one bouquet, two bouquets, or too many to count is in a bucket filled with water. That way, they will be hydrated and can remain in an upright position.
