San Juan, Puerto Rico is one of the highest-volume currency seizure ports in the United States — consistently ranking among the top three nationally. The San Juan CBP Field Office enforces federal currency reporting requirements at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), the Port of San Juan, and other ports of entry in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, travel between Puerto Rico and the continental United States is domestic — but travel between Puerto Rico and foreign countries, including the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean nations, is international and subject to full CBP currency reporting requirements.
If CBP seized your cash at the San Juan airport, at the seaport, or anywhere in the San Juan Field Office area, do not try to handle this yourself. Contact us immediately for a free currency seizure consultation.
Why San Juan Has Among the Highest Seizure Rates in the Nation
Puerto Rico’s geographic position as a hub between the U.S. mainland, the Caribbean, and Latin America creates a high volume of international travel — and with it, a high rate of currency enforcement activity. The San Juan CBP Area Port sees significant movement of travelers and cargo to and from the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Panama, and other countries in the region, and officers there are highly active in enforcing both inbound and outbound reporting requirements.
San Juan is also notable for cargo seizures. CBP’s use of scanning technology at the Port of San Juan has resulted in significant discoveries of bulk cash concealed in containers, including cases involving hundreds of thousands of dollars. If your cash was seized from a cargo shipment rather than personal travel, the same legal framework and deadlines apply.
A Key Point for Puerto Rico Residents and Travelers
Travel between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland is domestic and does not trigger the FinCEN 105 reporting requirement. However, travel between Puerto Rico and any foreign country is international and subject to the same $10,000 reporting requirement that applies at any other U.S. port of entry. Many travelers are unaware of this distinction, and CBP at San Juan enforces it actively. Carrying more than $10,000 on a flight to Santo Domingo without filing a FinCEN 105 is a federal violation — regardless of whether you are a U.S. citizen or Puerto Rico resident.
Common Reasons CBP Seizes Cash at San Juan
Under 31 U.S.C. § 5316, any person traveling internationally with more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments must file a FinCEN 105 form with CBP. At San Juan, the most common violations include:
- Failure to report on outbound travel — Passengers departing San Juan for Caribbean or Latin American destinations without declaring currency over $10,000.
- Bulk cash smuggling — Currency concealed in luggage, cargo containers, or on the person with intent to evade the reporting requirement.
- Structuring — Dividing currency among travel companions to keep individual amounts below $10,000.
- Inbound failure to report — Travelers arriving at SJU from foreign countries who fail to declare currency over $10,000 at arrival.
What Happens After a San Juan Cash Seizure
At the time of seizure, CBP will issue a Custody Receipt for Seized Property. Within 60 days, the FP&F office will send a Notice of Seizure and Information to Claimants along with the Election of Proceedings form. Your options for contesting the seizure are:
- Administrative Petition for Remission or Mitigation — An internal CBP review requesting full or partial return of the funds.
- CAFRA Seized Asset Claim — A formal challenge demanding federal court proceedings and placing the burden of proof on the government.
- Offer in Compromise — A proposed settlement for partial recovery.
Read our guide to the Election of Proceedings form and our analysis of which option is best.
Act Before the Deadline
You generally have 30 days from the Notice of Seizure to file an Election of Proceedings. Miss that deadline and CBP can proceed with administrative forfeiture — no court review, no recovery. Do not contact CBP without counsel. Read our guide on why you must remain silent.
What Evidence Will You Need
You will need to demonstrate that the money had a legitimate source and a lawful intended purpose. Supporting documentation typically includes bank records, tax returns, business records or contracts, remittance records, purchase agreements, and any documentation specific to your situation. Read our full guide to evidence and documentation.
Our Results at San Juan and Nationwide
Great Lakes Customs Law has represented clients with currency seizures at San Juan and at ports across the country. Jason Wapiennik has handled more than 700 currency seizure cases and recovered more than $11 million for clients nationwide. We represent clients at every major U.S. port of entry regardless of location — you do not need a Puerto Rico-based attorney.
See our currency seizure case results.
Get a Free Consultation Today
If CBP seized your cash at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the Port of San Juan, or anywhere in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, contact us now for a free currency seizure consultation.
Read our full CBP Money Seizure Lawyer’s Guide or reach out using the contact options on this page.