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REQUIRED All of Belgium

Can I carry 10.000 € or more in cash when I travel to or from a country outside the EU?

In short

Yes, but you must declare it to customs. When you enter or leave the EU, you must declare cash of 10.000 € or more (including foreign currency and investment gold).

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This rule in 45 seconds
Video transcript

Travelling to a country outside the EU, you have 12.000 € in cash with you. Required: Cash of 10.000 € or more must be declared to customs. Foreign currency and investment gold count too. The right way: Declare it. Carry a document showing where the money comes from. If you don't declare: The money: Can be seized; Also: Risk of a fine; Unclear source: Money laundering inquiry.

What is not allowed, what is required?

  • When you enter or leave the EU, you must declare cash of 10.000 € or more to customs.
  • The limit includes non-euro currency (dollars, pounds, etc.), bearer or endorsed documents such as cheques, gold coins with at least 90% gold, and gold bars at least 99.5% pure; everything is added together. Jewellery and bracelets are not part of this definition, but customs may still ask about them.
  • Declaring does not stop you from carrying the money; it is simply recorded.
  • Carry documents that show where the money comes from (a bank withdrawal slip, a sales contract).

Penalty and indirect consequences

PENALTY NOTICE
Fine / payment
Undeclared money can be seized; you also risk a fine.

Legal basis:Europese Commissie – EU-controles op liquide middelen

Court / prison
If you cannot explain where the money comes from, a money laundering investigation can be opened (new Criminal Code art. 502, level 3: 3–5 years in prison).

Legal basis:Kamer DOC 55 3518/011, art. 502 + DOC 55 3374/010, art. 36

What really matters: the indirect consequences

What do these terms mean?

Criminal record
The state register of convictions handed down by a court. The extract asked for a job, residence or nationality application comes from it. Municipal GAS fines are not entered in it.

All terms: glossary →

Why does this rule exist?

This rule fights money laundering and the movement of criminal proceeds. Declaring also protects honest travellers: a person with documents can easily show that the money is theirs.

Check your own situationSuitcase and customsComing back from outside the EU? Pack your suitcase and see what gets you into trouble at customs.

Where can you go?

  • CustomsIf in doubt, go through the red channel at the airport and ask
  • Food safety agency (FAVV / AFSCA)Rules for bringing in food and plants
  • Social interpreterAt the municipality, the OCMW/CPAS, school and hospital, you can ask for an interpreter in your language; it is often free.

This site does not handle individual cases; it points you to the right service. All help addresses

Source and reliability

Official source
Source check
8 / 8 statements in an official source
Checked: 02.11.2026
Last checked
02.11.2026
Rules can change
Show the 8 checked statementsopen

The checked statements are in Turkish, as in the source text. This check does not replace legal advice.

General information, not legal advice. For your own situation, ask a lawyer or free legal aid. How was this information prepared?

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