Holiday Travel Food Declaration Rules:
What You Can (and Can’t) Bring Across Borders

Holiday travel often means transporting family meals, traditional dishes, and special ingredients across borders. Understanding food declaration rules prevents delays, confiscation, and potential penalties that can ruin your holiday plans.

The holiday travel season is approaching. SafelyArrived helps eliminate stress by automatically notifying your family and friends when you’ve crossed the border safely or cleared customs & immigration at the airport.

The #1 Holiday Border Crossing Mistake

More travelers are fined, delayed, and flagged for violations related to food than any other single issue during holiday travel.

Why Food Causes So Many Problems:

The Assumption: “It’s just food for family dinner. They won’t care about grandma’s pie.”

The Reality: Agricultural inspection is one of the most strictly enforced border regulations. Officers care deeply about that pie.

The Consequence:

  • Minimum $300 fine for first offense
  • All food was confiscated and destroyed
  • 2-4 hour delay in secondary inspection
  • Future crossings flagged for additional scrutiny
  • Possible denial of entry for serious violations

The Simple Rule That Prevents All This:

DECLARE EVERYTHING. EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Even if you think it’s allowed. Even if it’s homemade. Even if you brought it last year. Even if your friend said it was fine.

When in doubt, declare it. The worst that happens is the officer says, “That’s fine, go ahead.” The best that happens is you avoid a $500 fine and having your Thanksgiving turkey confiscated.

Understanding Food Declaration Requirements

What Must Be Declared:

ALL FOOD ITEMS. Without exception.

This includes:

  • Prepared meals and dishes
  • Raw ingredients
  • Baked goods
  • Snacks and candy
  • Beverages (including alcohol)
  • Homemade food
  • Restaurant leftovers
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat and poultry
  • Dairy products
  • Condiments and sauces
  • Spices and herbs
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Pet food
  • Baby food and formula

What “Declare” Actually Means:

Not just checking a box. Declaration means:

  1. Tell the officer explicitly what food you have
  2. Be specific about what it is
  3. Be prepared to show the items if asked
  4. Answer questions about origin and preparation
  5. Allow inspection if required

Example of Proper Declaration: “Yes, we have food. We’re bringing a fully cooked turkey, two pumpkin pies, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. All prepared at home in Toronto.”

Example of Inadequate Declaration: “Yeah, some food” or “Just dinner stuff”

Thanksgiving Food: Can You Bring It?

The Thanksgiving Turkey:

Cooked Turkey: ✅ USUALLY ALLOWED (Canada → U.S.) ✅ USUALLY ALLOWED (U.S. → Canada)

Requirements:

  • Must be fully cooked (no pink, no raw parts)
  • Must be declared
  • Must be prepared commercially OR at home
  • May be inspected

Raw Turkey: ❌ PROHIBITED in most cases

  • U.S. → Canada: Generally NO
  • Canada → U.S.: Generally NO
  • Risk of disease transmission
  • Will be confiscated

Frozen Turkey: ⚠️ DEPENDS

  • If fully cooked then frozen: Usually YES
  • If raw and frozen: Usually NO
  • Must declare and let officer decide

Turkey Parts:

  • Cooked drumsticks, breast, etc.: Usually YES
  • Raw parts: NO
  • Deli turkey slices: YES
  • Ground turkey (raw): NO

Pies and Baked Goods:

✅ GENERALLY ALLOWED

Pumpkin Pie:

  • Homemade: YES (declare it)
  • Store-bought: YES (declare it)
  • Bring whole or by slice: YES

Apple/Fruit Pies:

  • Baked pies: YES
  • Must be declared
  • An officer may inspect

Pecan Pie:

  • YES (declare it)
  • Nuts are generally allowed when baked into goods

Other Baked Goods:

  • Cakes: YES
  • Cookies: YES
  • Bread: YES
  • Rolls: YES
  • Brownies: YES
  • Muffins: YES

Important Note: Just because it’s allowed doesn’t mean you should skip declaring it. Declare ALL baked goods.

Cranberry Sauce:

Canned/Jarred: ✅ YES

  • Commercial or homemade
  • Must be declared
  • Original labeling helps

Homemade: ✅ YES

  • Cooked sauce in a container
  • Must be declared
  • Be prepared to describe it

Fresh Cranberries: ⚠️ OFTEN PROHIBITED

  • Fresh produce restrictions
  • Varies by origin
  • Usually not worth the risk

Stuffing/Dressing:

✅ YES (if prepared)

  • Cooked stuffing: YES
  • Must be declared
  • Can be inspected

Mashed Potatoes:

✅ YES (if prepared)

  • Cooked potatoes: YES
  • Instant potato mix: YES
  • Raw potatoes: ⚠️ RESTRICTED (usually NO)

Gravy:

✅ YES

  • Homemade or store-bought
  • Declare it
  • In a sealed container

Vegetables (Side Dishes):

Cooked Vegetables: ✅ USUALLY YES

  • Green beans, corn, etc.
  • Must be cooked/prepared
  • Declare everything

Raw/Fresh Vegetables: ❌ OFTEN PROHIBITED

  • High agricultural risk
  • Most fresh produce restricted
  • Will likely be confiscated

Sweet Potatoes/Yams:

Cooked: ✅ YES

  • Candied yams: YES
  • Sweet potato casserole: YES

Raw: ❌ USUALLY NO

  • Fresh sweet potatoes are restricted
  • High pest risk

Cheese and Dairy:

Hard Cheese: ✅ USUALLY YES

  • Cheddar, parmesan, etc.
  • Must be declared
  • Original packaging helps

Soft Cheese: ⚠️ RESTRICTED

  • Brie, camembert, etc.
  • May be prohibited
  • Depends on pasteurization

Milk/Cream: ⚠️ RESTRICTED

  • Generally not worth bringing
  • Dairy restrictions vary
  • High scrutiny

Butter: ✅ USUALLY YES

  • Declare it
  • Keep in original packaging

Wine and Alcohol:

For Thanksgiving Dinner: ✅ YES (within limits)

Limits:

  • Quantity restrictions apply
  • Must be of legal drinking age
  • Must be declared
  • Duty-free allowances vary

U.S. Travelers:

  • Adults 21+ can bring alcohol
  • Limits vary by state
  • Declare all alcohol

Canadian Travelers:

  • Adults 19+ (18+ in some provinces)
  • Specific quantity limits
  • Declare all alcohol

Christmas/Winter Holiday Foods

Ham and Holiday Meats:

Cooked Ham: ✅ USUALLY YES

  • Fully cooked
  • Commercially prepared preferred
  • Homemade usually acceptable
  • Must be declared

Raw Ham: ❌ PROHIBITED

  • Fresh ham is not allowed
  • Cured but uncooked: restricted
  • Will be confiscated

Roast Beef/Prime Rib: ✅ YES (if fully cooked)

  • Must be cooked thoroughly
  • Declare it
  • May be inspected

Holiday Sausages:

  • Cooked sausages: Usually YES
  • Raw sausages: NO
  • Summer sausage (cured): Usually YES

Holiday Baking:

Cookies: ✅ YES

  • Homemade or store-bought
  • All types allowed
  • Must declare

Fruitcake: ✅ YES

  • Traditional fruitcake: YES
  • Alcohol-soaked: YES (declare alcohol content)
  • Nuts and dried fruit baked in: YES

Gingerbread: ✅ YES

  • Houses, cookies, etc.
  • All allowed
  • Declare it

Holiday Breads: ✅ YES

  • Stollen, panettone, etc.
  • All allowed
  • Declare it

Chocolate and Candy:

✅ YES

  • All chocolate: YES
  • All candy: YES
  • Homemade or commercial: YES
  • Must still declare

Note: Just because it’s candy doesn’t mean a declaration isn’t required.

Nuts and Dried Fruits:

Commercially Packaged: ✅ USUALLY YES

  • Original packaging
  • Declare them

Bulk/Homemade Mixes: ⚠️ MORE SCRUTINY

  • May be inspected
  • Declare and explain

Whole Nuts in Shell: ⚠️ OFTEN RESTRICTED

  • Agricultural concerns
  • May be prohibited
  • Declare and ask

Traditional Cultural Foods:

Tamales: ✅ USUALLY YES (if cooked)

  • Fully cooked: YES
  • Must declare
  • May be inspected

Pierogi: ✅ USUALLY YES (if cooked)

  • Fully cooked: YES
  • Declare them

Cultural Breads: ✅ YES

  • All breads allowed
  • Declare them

Cultural Sweets: ✅ USUALLY YES

  • Most allowed
  • Declare them

What’s ALWAYS Prohibited

Never Attempt to Bring:

Fresh Fruits: ❌ ALMOST ALWAYS NO

  • Apples, oranges, bananas, etc.
  • High pest risk
  • Will be confiscated
  • Potential fine

Fresh Vegetables: ❌ MOSTLY PROHIBITED

  • Tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, etc.
  • Agricultural restrictions
  • Few exceptions
  • Will be confiscated

Raw Meats: ❌ PROHIBITED

  • Beef, pork, chicken, lamb
  • Fresh/frozen raw meat
  • Disease transmission risk
  • Serious penalties

Unpasteurized Dairy: ❌ PROHIBITED

  • Raw milk
  • Unpasteurized cheese
  • Health risk
  • Will be confiscated

Fresh Herbs: ❌ OFTEN PROHIBITED

  • Fresh cilantro, parsley, etc.
  • Plant material restrictions
  • Pest concerns

Live Plants: ❌ PROHIBITED

  • Potted plants
  • Cuttings
  • Seeds (mostly)
  • Agricultural risk

Bush Meat: ❌ ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED

  • Wild game from Africa
  • Disease risk
  • Serious criminal penalties

Eggs (Fresh): ❌ RESTRICTED

  • Fresh eggs are usually prohibited
  • Disease risk
  • Cooked eggs in dishes: usually OK

Direction Matters: U.S. vs. Canada Rules

Canada → United States:

Generally More Permissive:

  • Cooked foods are usually allowed
  • Canadian agricultural products face fewer restrictions
  • Still must declare EVERYTHING

Common Canadian Foods Coming to U.S.:

  • Maple syrup: ✅ YES
  • Poutine (prepared): ✅ YES
  • Canadian chocolate/candy: ✅ YES
  • Tim Hortons coffee: ✅ YES
  • Ketchup chips: ✅ YES
  • Butter tarts: ✅ YES

United States → Canada:

Similar Rules:

  • Cooked foods are generally allowed
  • Fresh produce is mostly prohibited
  • Must declare EVERYTHING

Common U.S. Foods Going to Canada:

  • BBQ (cooked): ✅ YES
  • Cajun dishes: ✅ YES
  • American chocolate/candy: ✅ YES
  • Regional specialties (cooked): Usually YES

Mexico Border Crossings:

Different Rules:

  • More restrictions generally
  • Fresh produce is heavily restricted
  • Meat products are heavily scrutinized
  • Research specific crossing requirements

How to Properly Declare Food

At Land Border Crossings:

Step 1: When Officer Asks “Do you have any food?”

❌ WRONG: “No” (when you do) ❌ WRONG: “Just some snacks” ❌ WRONG: “Nothing important”

✅ RIGHT: “Yes, we have food to declare.”

Step 2: Be Specific

Provide a clear list of items: “We have a cooked turkey, two pumpkin pies, cranberry sauce in a jar, cooked stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a bottle of wine.”

Step 3: Answer Follow-Up Questions

The officer may ask:

  • “Where was this prepared?”
  • “Is the turkey fully cooked?”
  • “How much is the wine?”

Answer clearly and honestly:

  • “Prepared at home in Toronto”
  • “Yes, completely cooked, no raw parts.”
  • “One bottle, 750ml”

Step 4: Allow Inspection if Required

  • The officer may want to see the items
  • Don’t argue or refuse
  • Items should be easily accessible
  • Stay calm and cooperative

At Airports:

Customs Declaration Card:

  • Check YES for food items
  • Don’t lie on the card
  • Severe consequences for false declarations

At Inspection:

  • Same process as the land border
  • Be specific about what you have
  • Items may need to be in carry-on for inspection
  • Some items are prohibited in carry-on (liquids over 3.4oz)

TSA vs. Customs:

  • TSA (security): Concerned with safety threats
  • Customs (after international arrival): Concerned with agricultural/contraband
  • Different rules, both important

Packing Food for Border Crossing

Organization is Key:

Best Practices:

✅ Keep food together

  • All food in one area
  • Easy to access
  • Easy to show the officer

✅ Original packaging when possible

  • Helps identify contents
  • Shows commercial preparation
  • Includes ingredients list

✅ Label homemade items

  • “Pumpkin pie – baked 11/25”
  • Helps the officer identify
  • Shows organization

✅ Receipts for expensive items

  • Proves value for customs
  • Shows commercial origin
  • Helps with declarations

✅ Secure liquids

  • Prevent spills in the vehicle
  • Sealed containers
  • Ziplock bags as backup

What NOT to Do:

❌ Hide food

  • Under seats
  • In the trunk covered by blankets
  • Mixed with non-food items

❌ Unclear packaging

  • Mysterious containers
  • No labels
  • Can’t explain the contents

❌ Questionable condition

  • Improperly refrigerated
  • Leaking containers
  • Spoiled appearance

Common Food Declaration Scenarios

Scenario 1: “Mom Packed Me Food”

The Situation: Your mother sent you back to university with homemade meals, leftovers, and snacks.

The Rule: ALL must be declared. Homemade food is still food.

Proper Declaration: “My mother gave me homemade lasagna, cookies, and some sandwiches for the trip.”

Common Mistake: “It’s just leftovers from home” (thinking this exempts you)

Scenario 2: “Restaurant Leftovers”

The Situation: You had a nice Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant and have leftovers.

The Rule: Restaurant food must be declared.

Proper Declaration: “We have restaurant leftovers – turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie from [restaurant name].”

Why It Matters: Still subject to agricultural inspection regardless of source.

Scenario 3: “Bringing Ingredients to Cook”

The Situation: You’re bringing ingredients to prepare a holiday meal at the destination.

The Rule:

  • Raw ingredients face MORE restrictions
  • Many will be prohibited
  • Cooked/prepared items are safer

Strategy:

  • Ship ingredients ahead if possible
  • Buy at destination
  • Bring only clearly allowed items

Scenario 4: “Family Asked Me to Bring [Food]”

The Situation: Your aunt wants you to bring her a special ingredient not available where she lives.

The Rule: You’re responsible for what YOU declare, regardless of who asked for it.

Proper Declaration: Declare it like any other food you’re carrying.

Risk Assessment:

  • Is it worth a potential fine?
  • Can it be shipped instead?
  • Is it actually allowed?

Scenario 5: “Traditional Cultural Food”

The Situation: Bringing traditional food from your culture for a holiday celebration.

The Rule: Same rules apply – must be declared and must be allowed.

Considerations:

  • Cultural foods are not exempt
  • May need to explain the preparation
  • Some traditional foods may be prohibited
  • Respect for culture doesn’t override agricultural law

Strategy:

  • Research a specific item ahead of time
  • Be prepared to explain
  • Have recipe/ingredients list
  • Professional, respectful approach

Penalties for Non-Declaration

First Offense:

Typical Penalties:

  • Minimum fine: $300-500 USD
  • Food confiscation: Everything undeclared is destroyed
  • Secondary inspection: 1-4 hours additional processing
  • Record created: Future crossings flagged

Process:

  • Sent to secondary inspection
  • All belongings were searched thoroughly
  • Statement taken
  • Fine issued on the spot or by mail
  • Food disposed of

Subsequent Offenses:

Escalating Penalties:

  • Second offense: $500-1,000+ fine
  • Third offense: $1,000-5,000+ fine
  • Pattern of violations: Criminal charges possible

Additional Consequences:

  • NEXUS/Global Entry revocation
  • Increased scrutiny on all future crossings
  • Possible denial of entry
  • Criminal record (serious cases)

“But I Didn’t Know” Defense:

Doesn’t Work.

  • Ignorance is not an excuse
  • Signs posted at borders
  • Questions asked at inspection
  • Expected to know the rules

Officer Response: “It’s your responsibility to know what you can bring.”

Trying to Hide Food:

Severe Consequences:

This is NOT just failure to declare – it’s deliberate concealment.

  • Minimum $500 fine
  • Possible criminal charges
  • Denial of entry
  • All food confiscated
  • Permanent record
  • Potential ban from crossing

Don’t even think about it.

Special Considerations

Dietary Restrictions:

Special Diets:

  • Gluten-free
  • Diabetic
  • Vegan
  • Kosher/Halal
  • Allergy-related

Accommodation:

  • Officers understand medical/dietary needs
  • Bring documentation if questioned
  • Commercial packaged items are easier
  • Still must declare EVERYTHING
  • Medical necessity doesn’t exempt from rules

Baby Food and Formula:

✅ ALLOWED

  • Commercial baby food: YES
  • Formula: YES
  • Homemade baby food: Declare and explain

Considerations:

  • Reasonable quantities
  • Original packaging preferred
  • Medical documentation if large quantities

Pet Food:

⚠️ RESTRICTED

  • Rules vary significantly
  • Many types prohibited
  • Commercial in original packaging is better
  • Declare and ask

Strategy:

  • Buy at the destination if possible
  • Research specific brand/type
  • Original packaging essential

Medication in Food Form:

Supplements/Medical Food:

  • Must declare
  • Original packaging
  • Prescription if required
  • Documentation helpful

Food for Religious Purposes:

Religious Items:

  • Communion wafers: YES
  • Blessed bread: YES
  • Other religious foods: Usually YES

Still must declare. Religious purpose doesn’t exempt from declaration.

Tips for Stress-Free Food Declaration

Before You Pack:

  1. Make a list of ALL the food you’re bringing
  2. Research questionable items ahead of time
  3. Keep it simple – fewer items = easier declaration
  4. Consider shipping expensive or questionable items
  5. Original packaging, when possible

When Packing:

  1. Organize food together in an accessible location
  2. Label homemade items clearly
  3. Seal liquids properly
  4. Keep receipts for expensive items
  5. Make a food list to read to the officer

At the Border:

  1. Be upfront – declare immediately when asked
  2. Be specific – clear descriptions of items
  3. Be organized – have a list ready
  4. Be patient – inspection takes time
  5. Be respectful – officers are doing their job

General Philosophy:

When in doubt, declare it.

The 30 seconds it takes to say “we have a pumpkin pie” is infinitely better than:

  • $500 fine
  • 3-hour secondary inspection
  • Confiscated Thanksgiving dinner
  • Ruined holiday
  • Future crossing problems

Alternatives to Bringing Food

Ship It:

Pros:

  • No border declaration hassle
  • Can send larger quantities
  • Arrives before you
  • No risk of confiscation

Cons:

  • Shipping costs
  • Timing uncertainty
  • Perishables challenging
  • Packaging requirements

Best For:

  • Non-perishables
  • Expensive items
  • Large quantities
  • Questionable items

Buy at Destination:

Pros:

  • Zero border hassle
  • No declaration needed
  • Fresh ingredients
  • Support local businesses

Cons:

  • Cost
  • Availability
  • Not your family recipe
  • Time to shop

Best For:

  • Common items
  • Raw ingredients
  • Standard holiday foods
  • When the budget allows

Prepare at Destination:

Pros:

  • No border food issues
  • Freshest possible
  • Family cooking together
  • Part of holiday tradition

Cons:

  • Time required
  • Kitchen access needed
  • Equipment availability
  • Skill/recipe requirements

Best For:

  • Extended stays
  • Family gatherings
  • When time allows
  • Traditional recipes

Resources and Information

Official Resources:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):

  • Website: CBP.gov
  • Phone: Contact your nearest port of entry
  • Specific questions: Ask before travel

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA):

  • Website: CBSA-ASFC.gc.ca
  • Phone: 1-800-461-9999 (Canada)
  • Automated service: 1-204-983-3500 (outside Canada)

USDA (Agricultural Questions):

  • APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)
  • Specific food questions
  • Disease/pest concerns

Pre-Travel Research:

Before bringing questionable items:

  1. Check official government websites
  2. Call border services ahead
  3. Ask at the previous crossing (if applicable)
  4. Consult a customs broker (expensive items)

Document your research:

  • Save official responses
  • Print relevant web pages
  • Note who you spoke with
  • Keep for reference at the border

Holiday Food Declaration: Quick Reference

ALWAYS DECLARE:

  • ✅ ALL food items
  • ✅ Homemade or commercial
  • ✅ Cooked or raw
  • ✅ Snacks and meals
  • ✅ Beverages (including alcohol)
  • ✅ Pet food
  • ✅ Baby food

GENERALLY SAFE TO BRING (Must Still Declare):

  • ✅ Cooked turkey (fully cooked)
  • ✅ Baked goods (pies, cookies, cakes)
  • ✅ Prepared side dishes (mashed potatoes, stuffing)
  • ✅ Commercial sauces/condiments
  • ✅ Chocolate and candy
  • ✅ Bread and baked items
  • ✅ Hard cheeses
  • ✅ Nuts (roasted, in baked goods)

USUALLY PROHIBITED (Don’t Bring):

  • ❌ Fresh fruits
  • ❌ Fresh vegetables
  • ❌ Raw meats
  • ❌ Fresh herbs
  • ❌ Unpasteurized dairy
  • ❌ Fresh eggs
  • ❌ Live plants
  • ❌ Soil or plant material

WHEN IN DOUBT:

  1. Research it before packing
  2. Declare it at the border
  3. Let the officer decide if it’s allowed
  4. Accept their decision without argument

SafelyArrived: Because Food Declarations Are Stressful Enough

Focus on Holiday Food, Not Check-In Texts:

The Problem:

  • Declaring food is already stressful
  • Long border waits during holidays
  • Family is worried about your crossing
  • Trying to text while managing food inspection

The Solution: SafelyArrived automatically notifies your family when you’ve crossed successfully—no manual check-in needed.

How It Helps: ✅ Family knows you made it across (even during long food inspections) ✅ No need to text while dealing with officers ✅ Automatic notification despite delays ✅ Peace of mind for everyone

One less thing to worry about during your holiday border crossing.

Sign Up for SafelyArrived | Learn More

Final Food Declaration Wisdom

The Bottom Line:

Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, thousands of travelers:

  • Get fined $300-500
  • Have their holiday food confiscated
  • Spend hours in secondary inspection
  • Miss family gatherings
  • Create problems for future crossings

All because they didn’t declare food properly.

Don’t Be That Traveler:

The 30 seconds it takes to say:

“Yes, we have food. We’re bringing a cooked turkey, two pies, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a bottle of wine for Thanksgiving dinner”

…is infinitely better than the consequences of trying to hide it or “forgetting” to mention it.

The Holiday Gift to Yourself:

Declare everything. Every single time.

No fines. No confiscation. No delays. No stress.

Just smooth crossing and more time with family.

That’s the holiday gift you give yourself through proper food declaration.

Related Holiday Travel Resources:

Declare your food. Enjoy your holiday. Simple as that. 🦃🥧🎄