If you're going traveling, you might be thinking about purchasing souvenirs to bring back home as gifts for friends and family and to remind you of your trip. Both Brazil and the U.S. have restrictions on the kinds of items that can be brought in and out of the country so be aware of these to avoid trouble at either country's borders.

Brazilian Souvenirs

You can purchase many different types of souvenirs in Brazil that reflect Brazilian culture. These include jewellery, ceramics, wooden carvings and other handmade items and might be tempting as prices in Brazil can be cheaper than those in the US. However, just because you can buy certain souvenirs in Brazil doesn't mean you'll necessarily be able to take them back to the U.S. so be aware of restrictions before you start buying.

Restricted Souvenirs

The Brazilian government places restrictions on certain items you can export. If you want to transport artwork or antiques from Brazil to the U.S., you might have to purchase a permit. Brazilian authorities might enforce temporary restrictions on any biological material taken out of the Amazon so be careful if you are buying souvenirs from this region. The U.S. government enforces restrictions on the types of food you can bring back into the country from Brazil. Condiments, honey and spices are allowed but any products containing meat are not allowed.

Prohibited Souvenirs

Both the Brazilian and U.S. customs ban certain items from leaving or entering their respective countries. You cannot transport firearms or weapons from Brazil or into the U.S. The Brazilian government also bans the export of any fresh fruit or vegetables, plants or seeds. According to travel information website Visa HQ, you cannot take any alcohol or cigarettes of Brazilian origin out of the country and travellers must declare if they are carrying more than 10,000 BRL when entering or leaving the country.

Baggage Allowance

When bringing souvenirs back from Brazil to the U.S., pay attention to your airline's baggage restrictions. You could be charged extra to fly with items that are very heavy or do not fit in your suitcase. If you are buying fragile souvenirs, check your airline's hand baggage restrictions to find out whether you will be able to take them on the plane with you. If you have particularly bulky or heavy items, consider shipping them back to the U.S.

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