Bringing cash into the UK
If you bring Â10,000 or more in cash, or the equivalent in another currency, to the UK from outside the European Union (EU) you must declare it.
Cash includes:
- notes and coins
- bankers’ drafts
- cheques of any kind (including travellers’ cheques)
If you’re travelling as a family you need to declare cash over Â10,000.
Declaring cash to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
Download and complete form C9011 ÂCash declaration (PDF, 56KB) or get a copy at the port or airport.
Make a copy – if you fill in the form at the port or airport, it automatically makes a carbon copy, if you download and complete the form, print 2 copies.
Leave a copy in the drop-box at the port or airport and keep the other to show Custom Officers.
Penalties
You could face a penalty of up to £5,000 if you don’t declare your cash or give incorrect information.
Your declared cash can be seized by Customs Officers if they have reasonable grounds to suspect a crime. They can keep the cash for 48 hours – after that they need a court order.