Travelers entering or leaving the EU and carrying €10.000 or more in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies or easily convertible assets such as cheques drawn on a third party) have to make a declaration to the customs authorities.
This follows the entry into force of a new European Regulation aimed at fighting money laundering, and the financing of terrorism. Customs authorities are empowered under the Regulation to undertake controls on individuals, their baggage and their means of transport and detain cash that has not been declared.
Travelers must be aware that all Member States apply penalties in the event of failure to comply with the obligation to declare as laid down in the Regulations.