Antigua and Barbuda

You're traveling to Antigua and Barbuda with a GoPro Hero 11 and its waterproof housing, valued at approximately €600. Upon arrival, declare it as pre-existing personal effects. Show it to the customs officer if requested, explaining it's for your personal use and will be leaving with you. Given its modest value and personal effects status, you shouldn't have any taxes to pay. The risk is minimal, unless the officer doubts its temporary status.

You arrive with an APS-C mirrorless system (e.g., Sony a6700) in an Ikelite housing, with a total estimated value of €3,500. Declare this equipment as temporary professional gear or personal effects. Prepare a detailed list with serial numbers. Although customs duty on cameras is 0%, a Customs Service Tax (CST 5-10%) and ABST (15%) could be applied if the customs officer considers it a permanent import. Emphasize its temporary nature and that the equipment will be leaving with you to avoid these taxes. The risk is a strict interpretation of temporary import rules.

You're traveling with expert equipment: a full-frame camera (e.g., Canon R5) in a Nauticam housing, several lenses, arms, and a dome, valued at €12,000. Declare the entire setup as temporary professional equipment. Have proof of purchase or prior ownership. An ATA Carnet, if accepted, would be ideal. Without an ATA Carnet, you'll need to convince customs of its temporary status to avoid the CST (5-10%) and ABST (15%) on the CIF value. The main risk is that customs may demand these taxes, considering the equipment an import, even though the customs duty on cameras is 0%.

Do I need to declare my underwater photo and video equipment upon arrival in Antigua and Barbuda?

Yes, it's always recommended to declare your equipment, especially if it has significant value. This helps prove it's personal effects or temporary equipment and avoids potential issues upon your departure or taxes upon arrival.

What taxes apply to my photo equipment if I temporarily import it into Antigua and Barbuda?

For cameras, the customs duty is 0%. However, if your equipment is considered a permanent import (purchase), a Customs Service Tax (CST of 5-10%) and ABST (15%) will apply to the CIF value. For temporary personal equipment, these taxes are generally avoided.

Where can I find official information on Antigua and Barbuda's customs regulations?

For more information, consult the official website directly: https://customs.gov.ag/. It's always best to check for the latest updates before your trip.