How much are you allowed to bring with you?

One liter (33.8 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages may be brought in duty free if:
- You are 21 years of age or older;
- It is for your own use or for use as a gift;
- It is not in violation of the laws of the state in which you arrive.

Most states restrict the quantity of alcoholic beverages you may import, and you must meet state alcoholic beverage laws in addition to federal ones. If the state in which you arrive permits less liquor than you have legally brought into the United States, then that state's laws prevail.

Information about state restrictions and taxes should be obtained from the state government as laws vary from state to state. Alcoholic beverages in excess of the one-liter limitation are subject to duty and internal revenue tax.

In summary, visitors and residents - over 21 are allowed to bring in 1 liter of alcohol duty-free. Duty begins to be payable in excess of 1 liter.

* Duty rate for beer - approx. 0.6 US cents per liter
* Duty rate for wine - 3.8 to 23.1 US cents per liter
* Duty rate for whisky - 0.9 to 1.2 US cents per proof liter
* Duty rate for rum - approx. 17.4 to 25.9 US cents per proof liter
* Duty rate for gin - approx. 2.7 US cents per proof liter
* Duty rate for brandy - 1.8 to 15.7 US cents per proof liter


All alcoholic beverages, whether produced domestically or imported, are subject to a Federal Excise Tax, in addition to any duties levied on them.