How to correctly fill out a passenger customs declaration: sample and step-by-step instructions

Crossing the state border is always accompanied by bureaucratic procedures, and one of the most important is filling out passenger customs declaration. This document records goods, currency and valuables moved across the border, helping customs services control the legality of import/export. Errors in the declaration can lead to fines, confiscation of property or even criminal liability.

Many travelers encounter difficulties when filling out the form: unclear wording, fear of indicating too much or, conversely, missing something important. This topic is especially relevant for those who carry large sums of money, equipment, jewelry or gifts. In 2026, the declaration rules underwent changes - now even some personal belongings are required to be indicated if their value exceeds established limits.

In this article you will find current sample of filling out the passenger customs declaration, analysis of each item of the form, as well as tips on how to avoid common mistakes. We will explain in detail what must be declared and what can be omitted in order to save time at customs.

Who must fill out the passenger customs declaration in 2026

Not all travelers are required to fill out a declaration. In most cases this is only required when moving across the border goods, currency or valuables in excess of established limits. However, there are exceptions where a declaration is required regardless of the amount or value.

According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation (Federal Law No. 311-FZ “On Customs Regulation”), the declaration necessarily fill in:

• 💰 Persons transporting cash currency (rubles, dollars, euros, etc.) or traveler's checks in the amount from 10,000 USD (or equivalent in another currency).
• 📱 Those who carry goods for personal use worth over 10,000 euros (upon import) or over 25,000 rubles (during export).
• 💎 Passengers transporting precious metals, stones or jewelry (even if their value is below the limit).
• 📄 Persons importing cultural property (paintings, antiques, icons, etc.), regardless of their value.
• 🔫 Those who transport weapons, ammunition or special technical equipment (for example, walkie-talkies, drones).

If you do not fall into these categories, but are unsure whether you need to fill out a declaration, it is better to check with the customs inspector up to passing control. For example, some EAEU countries (Belarus, Kazakhstan) have their own rules, and there a declaration may be required even when moving small amounts.

⚠️ Attention: On January 1, 2026, new rules for declaring cryptocurrency came into force. If you are carrying keys to crypto assets recorded on media (flash drive, phone) for an amount exceeding 600,000 rubles, this is also subject to declaration as “other financial assets”.

Where to get a passenger customs declaration form and how to fill it out

The declaration form can be obtained in several ways:

• 📄 In paper form - at information desks in the customs control area (usually near border checkpoints).
• 🖥️ Electronically - on the website Federal Customs Service of Russia (section "Passenger customs declaration").
• 📱 Through the mobile application "Customs of the Russian Federation" (available for iOS and Android).

Valid from 2023 unified form TD-6, which is used for all types of passenger movements. The form consists of two sheets:

• 📝 Sheet 1 - main declaration (filled out by everyone).
• 📝 Sheet 2 — additional (needed only when declaring currency, precious metals or cultural property).

You can fill out the declaration by hand (legibly, in block letters) or on a computer with subsequent printing. Corrections and strikethroughs not allowed - If you make a mistake, you need to take a new form.

Step-by-step instructions: how to fill out a declaration (sample 2026)

Let's look at filling out the declaration point by point using an example. Sheet 1 (main). For convenience, we will provide a screenshot of the current form with explanations.

You can download the blank TD-6 form here.

Item number	What to indicate	Filling example
1. Full name	Last name, first name, patronymic Latin alphabet (as in a foreign passport).	IVANOV IVAN IVANOVICH
2. Date of birth	In format DD.MM.YYYY.	15.05.1985
3. Citizenship	Country code (for example, 643 for the Russian Federation).	643
4. Passport details	Series and number of the international passport, by whom and when issued.	70 12345678, issued by the Moscow Federal Migration Service on January 10, 2020
5. Address in the Russian Federation	Actual address of registration or residence.	Moscow, st. Lenina, 1, apt. 123

Pay special attention to the sections "Product information" (point 6) and "Currency information" (point 7). This is where mistakes are most often made.

All personal data matches the passport|

The amount of currency is indicated in US dollars (even if you are bringing euros)|

Items are listed with price and quantity|

Signed in the presence of a customs officer|-->

What must be declared (list 2026)

Many travelers mistakenly believe that only large sums of money need to be declared. In fact, the list of items required to be declared is much wider. Here full list for 2026:

• 💵 Cash currency - if the amount exceeds 10 000 USD (or equivalent). In this case, you need to declare all amount, not just the excess.
• 💎 Precious metals and stones - even if it's a family heirloom or wedding ring. Exception: jewelry for personal wearing (earrings, chain), if their total weight does not exceed 50 grams.
• 🎨 Cultural values - paintings, icons, antiques, books over 50 years old. They require separate permission from the Ministry of Culture.
• 📱 Electronics - if its cost exceeds 10,000 euros (for example, professional photographic equipment or several laptops).
• 💊 Medicines - if these are narcotic or psychotropic drugs (even with a prescription). Regular tablets (aspirin, vitamins) do not need to be declared.
• 🐕 Animals and plants — a veterinary/phytosanitary certificate is required.

Important: From 2026, the declaration must indicate not only the goods that you are taking with you, but also those that were ordered online and sent separately (for example, by parcel). If the value of such purchases over the last month exceeds 200 euros, they must also be declared.

⚠️ Attention: If you are carrying used items (clothes, shoes, gadgets), but their total value exceeds 10,000 euros, they also need to be indicated in the declaration. Customs may request receipts or estimates of value.

Typical mistakes when filling out a declaration and how to avoid them

Even experienced travelers sometimes make mistakes that lead to delays at customs. Here are the most common:

1. Invalid currency. Many people write the amount in rubles or euros, although according to the rules All funds must be converted into US dollars at the Central Bank exchange rate on the day of crossing the border.
2. Skip an additional sheet (Sheet 2). If you are declaring currency or precious metals, you must fill out both sheets, otherwise the declaration will be considered invalid.
3. Inaccurate product data. For example, indicating “electronics” instead of a specific model (iPhone 15 Pro, 256 GB). Customs may require clarification.
4. No signature. A declaration without a signature has no legal force. You must sign in the presence of a customs inspector.
5. Corrections to the form. Any blots or strikethroughs will invalidate the document and you will have to fill out a new one.

To avoid problems, follow a simple rule: declare everything that is in doubt. It’s better to play it safe than to prove the legality of import later.

What happens if you do not declare the goods?

If customs detects undeclared goods or currency, you face:

- Fine from 50% to 100% of the cost of the goods (but not less than 1,000 rubles).

- Confiscation of an item (for example, a phone or money).

- In extreme cases - criminal liability (if we are talking about smuggling or large sums).

If the mistake was accidental, you can try to prove it by presenting receipts or explaining the situation. But customs does not always cooperate.

Sample of a completed passenger customs declaration (TD-6)

Below is an example of a correctly completed declaration for a hypothetical passenger who:

• Lucky 12 000 USD in cash.
• Has with him MacBook Pro laptop (cost 2,500 euros) and gold earrings (weight 10 grams).
• Imports medications (insulin) according to the recipe.

You can download the completed sample in PDF follow this link.

Sheet 1 (main):

[PHOTO OF SAMPLE WITH EXPLANATIONS]
1. FAMILY NAME / FIRST NAME / MIDDLE NAME: PETROV ALEKSEY SERGEEVICH
2. DATE OF BIRTH: 23.11.1990
3. CITIZENSHIP: 643 (RF)
4. PASSPORT No.: 71 98765432, issued by the Federal Migration Service of St. Petersburg, 06/15/2019
5. ADDRESS IN RUSSIA: St. Petersburg, Nevsky pr., 100, apt. 5
6. GOODS:
- Apple MacBook Pro laptop, 2023, price 2,500 EUR
- Gold earrings (weight 10 g, sample 585)
- Medicine "Insulin" (prescription No. 12345 dated 01/01/2026)
7. CURRENCY: 12,000 USD (cash)
[SIGNATURE]

Sheet 2 (additional, for currencies and precious metals):

[SAMPLE PHOTO]
1. Type of currency: USD (code 840)
2. Amount: 12,000
3. Form of import: cash
4. Precious metals: gold, weight 10 g, standard 585
[SIGNATURE]

Please note: in the column with goods indicated specific names, rather than general categories (“electronics,” “jewelry”). This simplifies verification and reduces the risk of additional questions.

Frequently asked questions about passenger customs declaration

Do I need to declare money on a bank card?

No, funds on bank cards (debit/credit) do not need to be declared. Mandatory declaration is subject only to cash currency and traveler's checks. However, if you have a large amount in your account (over 10,000 USD), customs may ask you to confirm its origin (for example, with a bank certificate).

Can I fill out the declaration in advance at home?

Yes, you can fill out the form in advance, but it must be signed in the presence of a customs inspector. Also make sure that the data is current on the day of crossing the border (for example, the exchange rate may change).

What should I do if I made a mistake when filling out?

If you have already submitted the declaration and notice an error, immediately inform the customs officer about it. In most cases, you will be allowed to fill out a new form. If an error is found after passing control, contact the customs hotline: 8 800 555-55-55 (the call is free).

Do gifts need to be declared?

Gifts are declared if their value exceeds 10,000 euros (upon import) or 25,000 rubles (during export). For example, if you are bringing as a gift iPhone worth 1,200 euros, it does not need to be declared. But if there are several gifts and their total value exceeds the limit, you will have to fill out a declaration.

Can I refuse to fill out a declaration if I have nothing?

If you are not carrying currency, goods or valuables in excess of the limits, you not obliged fill out the declaration. However, the customs officer may ask you to confirm this verbally or present your luggage for inspection.

Conclusion: how to get through customs without problems

Filling out a passenger customs declaration is a procedure that requires care, but is not difficult if you know the basic rules. Here are the key points to help you avoid mistakes:

• 📌 Always check current limits on the FCS website before your trip - they may change.
• 📌Declare all cash currency, if its amount exceeds 10,000 USD (even if you are transporting it in transit).
• 📌 For jewelry and equipment, please indicate exact specifications (weight, model, cost).
• 📌 If you are in doubt whether you need to declare an item, ask the customs officer - this will save you from fines.

Remember: customs rules are not created to make life difficult for travelers, but to prevent the illegal circulation of goods and currencies. An honest declaration will save your time and nerves.

If you travel often, save link to current FCS forms and instructions - this will help you stay up to date with the latest changes.