Bringing an engagement ring

[ILikeBread 43]

Hello all,

I'm a French citizen travelling soon to the US, where I plan to propose to my American GF.

Our plan is to get married next year in France and live there.

I'm a little anxious about the entry in the US with a ring. I plan to declare it and pay duty on it.

But I'm worried I'll get denied by the officer at the POE. I'll bring the following with me: letter of employment signed by my manager with company stamp, my apartment lease, and French visa paperwork for my GF that I have pre filled to help her out (papers mentioning mariage intent in France) .

I truly have no intention of overstaying in the US.

I hope those papers will prove that I have ties to France.

What do you think?

Thanks!

[ILikeBread 43]

Additional infos: I'll be in the US for 2 weeks, and I already have a return ticket.

Additional question: do I need to update my ESTA ? Last time I went to the US was in Colorado now I'm going to Missouri.

[Michael and Ganna 104]

I would not worry about the ring. I would not declare it, and if you are worried, put it on a chain and wear it around your neck. Or put it on your key ring.

[mallafri76 1,012]

I wouldn't declare or worry about the ring either.

Your ESTA is valid for multiple entries over a two year period.

When asked why you're coming to the US, it's to visit your girlfriend, pure and simple. No need to worry or get anxious. I've visited my boyfriend, then fiance, then husband dozens of times during the last four and a half years without issues. You have good proof of ties to France with you, although I doubt they'll ask for it.

Just relax, have a wonderful visit in the US and good luck with the proposal.

[Mike-eeh and Odie 193]

You don't have to declare the ring. You would not declare your own watch or necklace, would you?

[ILikeBread 43]

Thanks for the answers guys! I won't declare the ring and just be chill when I go through immigration. And I'll have my papers ready in case.

[NikLR 13,227]

You are actually required to declare the value of the ring since its staying in the USA. You wouldn't declare personal jewelry because it leaves with you. All this advice to lie to the CBP is erroneous.

[ILikeBread 43]

Oh, I see

[hopeful 4 XMas 19]

technically if it is going to stay in the US, you must declare it. now whether or not you plan to leave it here or not is only known by you.

Not going to say anymore,

[JFH 12,190]

You're not suggesting that he should claim it's his own personal property and then "forget" to take it home? Not a good idea.

[TBoneTX 45,522]

Customs & Border Protection thrives on the truth. Test this at your peril.

Because participants are advising otherwise, this thread is closed to further comments.

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