Gold jewelry and bullion make fantastic souvenirs and gifts.
If you’re looking at buying some gold for either of these purposes, it’s only natural that you’ll wonder if you can take it on your flight.
You can take gold on a plane, but there are restrictions on how much you can carry in most cases. Both the airline and your destination can be determining factors regarding the exact quantity of gold you can carry.
You should always declare that you have gold or silver bars or coins with you to the customer officer. You can ask to be taken into a separate room to show them what you have with you.
These checks usually go very well when you are forthcoming about having gold or silver on your person. The agents may only be interested in having a look and learning more about why you are stacking the gold and silver.
Read on to find out more about traveling with gold – there are some important do’s and don’ts to be aware of.
Please be aware that this article is intended for informational purposes only. The laws around carrying precious metals are complex and often change, so you should always make inquiries with entities directly involved with your needs before setting off on your journey. Also, we are not lawyers and this is not legal advice. Learn more in our disclaimers.
Can You Travel With Gold?
It is important that you consult with the customs laws governing how much and what types of gold you can take into or out of the country.
Keep in mind that the information provided here is intended as a general guideline – the airline you are traveling with will likely be able to offer you more concrete information.
You can travel with gold domestically and internationally, but there are limits and important considerations to keep in mind. When traveling internationally, you are required to declare any gold in your possession. Be mindful of the laws of the country you are traveling to before you set out.
Bringing gold into the US is perfectly fine, so long as it has not been manufactured in Sudan, Iran, or Cuba.
This holds true even if, for example, you bought a gold piece in Dubai that happens to have been manufactured in Iran.
Customs and Duty on Gold Entering the US
Fortunately, there is no payable duty on gold when entering the US, but you are required to declare any gold items you’re carrying to customs.
When in doubt, it is best to declare something rather than attract unwanted attention from customs officials.
There are some further requirements for gold coins that are considered currency (that is, used as money in their country of origin) over the value of $10,000 – you will be required to fill out and submit a FINCEN 105 form in these cases.
Examples of gold coins that are considered legal tender are South African Krugerrands and British Gold Sovereigns.
In the case of the Krugerrand, the value is not displayed on the coin itself.
However, they are still considered legal tender in accordance with the South African Reserve Bank Act (SARBA) and thus will incur payable duty upon entry into the US.
Traveling Within the US With Gold
Whether you are flying, taking a train, or traveling on the road within the US, you are allowed to take gold with you.
There aren’t any restrictions on how much gold you can carry, so the main concern you will have in this case is safety.
The most important thing when traveling within the US with gold is keeping your investment safe and secure.
Traveling with large amounts of gold may raise some eyebrows, and you might find that different airlines have different rules about carrying gold, so it is best that you contact them before heading to the terminal.
Use your good sense and sound judgment when traveling with gold, and keep it on your person if possible.
Transporting large quantities of this precious metal can be risky, even if you take every precaution.
Can I Fly With Gold?
The legality of flying with gold typically depends on your destination.
You won’t have a problem leaving the US with your gold, and the customs officials will likely have very limited knowledge of the laws governing your destination.
How Much Gold Can You Carry On an International Flight?
The amount of gold you can take on an international flight will be dictated by the airline you are flying with, as well as the laws of the country you are flying to. Be sure to check with the airline in advance – they should be able to advise you accordingly.
Each country has different laws around gold.
For example, if you are traveling to China with gold, you can only leave with the gold you declared on arrival.
Buying gold in China is illegal unless you have special permission from the government.
Can I Take Gold Coins on a Plane?
If you are planning to buy and transport gold coins, you will naturally want to protect your investment.
You are allowed to take gold coins on a plane, provided the airline has no restrictions in this regard. Be sure to contact your carrier in advance to confirm if they have any restrictions or not.
The only thing you should be aware of regarding entering the US with gold coins is that copies of gold coins are prohibited unless explicitly marked as such by the manufacturer.
Otherwise, they could be deemed as counterfeit goods.
Important: Make sure you only transport your gold with your hand luggage an never with your checked bags. It may not happen often but airlines sometimes lose checked luggage.
Can You Bring Gold Jewelry on a Plane?
Traveling with bullion is one thing since you will likely have it in your carry-on luggage.
Gold jewelry is a different beast, but there are similar considerations, and it usually comes down to the quantity thereof.
Taking gold jewelry on a plane is generally permitted, especially when worn on your person. You may attract unwanted attention if you are wearing excessive amounts of it or even carrying more than a few pieces in your luggage.
Even if you are wearing your gold jewelry, it is best that you declare it at customs.
For gold jewelry in your luggage, you can ask for a private screening so as not to attract the wandering eyes of other passengers should the customs officials decide to scrutinize it.
Most of the time, you can take gold on a plane without any trouble so long as you confirm with the airline that you will be taking that there are no rules against it.
You should also do some research on the gold laws in your destination country to make sure you don’t get a nasty surprise when you arrive at customs.
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