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MIF International Money Fair

Customs & Immigration

EU declaration threshold

€10,000

“It is not illegal to bring €10,000 or more into or out of the EU. It is only illegal if you don’t declare it.”

Travelling to Maastricht with cash or gold? Here is what to arrange before you leave.

Before you travel

  1. Check your visa

    If you do not know if you need a visa to enter the Netherlands, please check with the embassy or consulate in your country.

    Like any other country, the Netherlands have their customs regulations. If you arrive from outside the EU/Schengen countries you may not only need a visa but also will have to declare goods.

  2. Check what you carry

    Money or gold worth €10,000 or more must always be declared when you travel into or out of the EU.

    This applies to currency and gold from any country, not only euros. What matters is whether the total value, converted into euros, is €10,000 or more.

    Carrying several currencies?

    It is recommended to produce a specification of the currencies and their equivalent value in euros before your arrival, and to attach this specification to your declaration.

  3. Declare where you enter or leave the EU

    You must always declare this at the place where you enter or leave the EU.

    A copy of the declaration is given to the declaring party, in some countries stamped, in others not. When leaving the EU the same procedure is followed.

What counts as cash?

  • Banknotes and coins

    Including currency out of circulation that can still be exchanged at a central bank.

  • Bearer instruments

    Such as cheques.

  • Gold coins

    With at least 90% gold content.

  • Gold bars

    With at least 99.5% gold content.

The threshold applies per person, also when travelling in a group.

Source: EU Cash Controls (opens in a new tab)

Good to know

At Schiphol (Amsterdam) Airport, money dogs trained to find cash are on patrol. Undeclared amounts can be seized for investigation and reported to government bodies that deal with terrorism, money laundering, prohibited drugs and tax evasion.

This information is meant to help you avoid problems at the border that could disrupt your trip to Maastricht.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to travel to the MIF in Maastricht?

Check with the embassy or consulate in your country whether you need a visa to enter the Netherlands. If you arrive from outside the EU/Schengen countries, you may also have to declare goods.

Do I need to declare cash or gold?

Yes, if you travel into or out of the EU with money or gold worth €10,000 or more. You must always declare this at the place where you enter or leave the EU.

Is it illegal to bring €10,000 or more into or out of the EU?

No. It is not illegal to bring €10,000 or more into or out of the EU. It is only illegal if you don't declare it.

Where do I declare at Schiphol Airport?

If you are departing from Schiphol, declare at Customs in departure hall 3 (Tax refund office), before you check in your luggage and go through security. Allow 1-2 hours extra for the process.

I carry several currencies. How do I declare them?

What matters is whether the total value, converted into euros, is €10,000 or more. It is recommended to produce a specification of the currencies and their equivalent value in euros before your arrival, and to attach it to your declaration.

I am travelling from another EU country. Do I need to declare?

If you travel directly between the Netherlands and another EU country, you do not need to declare cash or gold to Dutch Customs. Other EU countries may have their own rules, so check with Customs in the country where you depart or arrive.

Please check the rules before you leave. It is your own responsibility. The MIF organisation cannot and will not be involved in problems resulting from not declaring goods.