🇺🇸 United States · FOOD ENTRY
Can I bring jerky into United States?
Dried jerky still requires meat origin and disease checks.
Personal travel from overseas. Hawaii and other destinations may have additional conditions.
Last checked · Official sources
Before you pack
- Check origin restrictions for cattle, pig, sheep or goat products
Vacuum packaging or a small quantity does not establish eligibility.
Confirm the applicable exception or required documents before packing.
Which products does this cover?
Dried meat is still meat. Identify beef, pork or poultry and the manufacturing country.
You can find this guide using: jerky · biltong · beef jerky.
Check your actual package
- Species and manufacturing country
- Original seal and shelf stability
- Total weight
Packaging conditions
- Manufacturer label identifying origin
United States food declaration
Declare food and agricultural products to CBP. Keep the original packaging and origin information for inspection.
U.S. food declaration guidance ↗Common questions
Can I bring jerky into United States?
Dried jerky still requires meat origin and disease checks. Check origin restrictions for cattle, pig, sheep or goat products
Do I need to declare jerky?
△ Declare. Declare food and agricultural products to CBP. Keep the original packaging and origin information for inspection.
Does putting it in checked baggage change food-entry rules?
Food-entry checks still apply to baggage entering the country. Follow the conditions above; airline and airport-security baggage rules are a separate check.
What distinction matters for this food?
Vacuum packaging or a small quantity does not establish eligibility.
Official rule & review date
USDA APHIS · U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Check official rules ↗USDA APHIS — Meats, Poultry and SeafoodLast checked: 2026.10.03
Entry rules can depend on ingredients, origin, processing and current biosecurity conditions. The destination authority makes the final decision.