Aruba
Key advice
Your dive photography gear (housing, cameras, strobes) is exempt from duties if it's pre-existing personal effects that you'll be taking back with you. Carry invoices or warranty certificates as customs may request proof. The ATA Carnet is not officially recognized but may be accepted as a courtesy.
- Customs authority
- Departamento di Aduana (Douane d'Aruba)
- Personal duty-free allowance
- 503
- ATA Carnet
- Not accepted
- Official website
- douane.aw ↗
Practical scenarios
You're traveling to Aruba with a GoPro Hero 11 and its original housing, valued at approximately €600. At Aruba customs, declare it as pre-existing personal equipment. Show it if requested. Keep your purchase invoice or proof of ownership to demonstrate it's not a new purchase. The risk is minimal, as its value is well below the allowance for new items and it's clearly a personal effect.
You arrive in Aruba with an APS-C mirrorless system (e.g., Sony a6700) in an Ikelite housing, with a total value of approximately €3,500. Declare it as personal equipment. Have purchase invoices or warranty certificates readily available to prove legitimate ownership and that it's not a new purchase. The risk is low if you can prove prior possession, as this type of equipment is generally considered a traveler's personal effects.
You land in Aruba with a full-frame system (e.g., Canon R5) in a Nauticam housing, with lenses and arms, valued at €12,000. Present it as professional/personal equipment. Customs may be more attentive due to the high value. It's imperative to have all invoices, serial numbers, and proof of ownership. Although the ATA Carnet is not officially recognized, presenting it might smooth things over. The risk is a thorough inspection and the need to prove you will re-export the equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare my underwater photography equipment to Aruba customs if I'm taking it back with me?
Yes, it's always recommended to declare your equipment, especially if it has significant value. Specify that these are pre-existing personal effects that you will be re-exporting. This avoids any confusion with goods imported for sale or new purchases.
What is the allowance for new photography equipment purchases in Aruba?
The allowance for new purchases brought into Aruba is 900 Aruban Florins (Afl), which is approximately 503 USD. If the value of your new purchases exceeds this amount, import duties of approximately 12% may apply to the excess.
Where can I find official information on Aruba's customs regulations?
For more information, consult the official website of the Departamento di Aduana (Aruba Customs) directly: https://www.douane.aw/en/. There you will find details on allowances, procedures, and contacts.