SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wt-duty-free-48-hours

To use the US duty-free exemption, you generally must be abroad at least how long?

48 hours, except trips to Mexico or the US Virgin Islands.

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  1. 24 hours
  2. One week
  3. 48 hours ✔

Why: The exemption applies when you return from an overseas stay of at least 48 hours. That time limit does not apply when coming back from Mexico or the US Virgin Islands.

Huh, didn't know that: If in doubt, declare it: anything you should have declared but didn't can be forfeited.

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References

Answer: 48 hours. The exemption applies when you return from an overseas stay of at least 48 hours. That time limit does not apply when coming back from Mexico or the US Virgin Islands.

  1. Know Before You Go: traveling abroad (CBP) www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/know-you-go-traveling-abroad
    You are returning from an overseas stay of at least 48 hours.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. Know Before You Go: traveling abroad (CBP) www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/know-you-go-traveling-abroad
    This time limit does not apply if you are returning from Mexico or from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  3. Know Before You Go: traveling abroad (CBP) www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/know-you-go-traveling-abroad
    If you do not declare something that should have been declared, you risk forfeiting the item. If in doubt, declare it.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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