Cayman Islands

You're traveling with a GoPro Hero 12 and its original housing, plus a few accessories (selfie stick, red filters), total value around €600. Upon arrival at Owen Roberts (Grand Cayman), this equipment is considered personal effects: proceed through the green channel of the CBC without special formalities, provided the equipment is visibly used and intended to leave with you. Be cautious if your action cam is brand new, purchased just before departure: its value exceeds the CI$350 (~430 USD) allowance for new goods. Keep the receipt and packaging out of the box to prove personal use. Low risk: Caymanian customs officers see thousands of divers. If in doubt, declare it proactively, stating 'personal dive camera, leaving with me.' No duties should be levied for tourist equipment being re-exported.

Your kit: Sony A6700 in an Ikelite housing, two strobes, a macro lens — value approximately €3,500. This amount far exceeds the new goods allowance but remains exempt as temporary personal effects. Before departure, prepare a printed list (make, model, serial number, estimated value) and your purchase receipts. Upon arrival, proactively declare your equipment to the CBC, stating that it is personal underwater photography gear that will be leaving with you. Ask the officer to stamp your list if they accept: this facilitates departure and any potential return. Risks: Without proof of prior ownership, an overzealous officer could suspect an import (duties of 22-27%; there is no VAT in the Caymans, but rates are high). Keep the list in your gear bag throughout your stay.

Expert kit: Sony A7R V, Nauticam housing, two Retra strobes, aluminum arms, fisheye and macro lenses — value approximately €15,000. At this level, the CBC may require a formal customs declaration or a temporary import permit. Contact the CBC before your trip (customs@gov.ky) to clarify the procedure, as the acceptance of an ATA Carnet in the Caymans is not confirmed. Upon arrival, proactively present: a detailed list with serial numbers, invoices, and proof of re-export (return ticket). It is imperative to specify recreational use: commercial filming triggers separate procedures (production permits). Risks: requirement for a refundable security deposit upon re-export, or duties of 22-27% if the equipment is deemed imported. Keep all stamped documents for departure, and photograph your equipment before departure as proof of prior ownership for your return customs.

Is the ATA Carnet accepted in the Cayman Islands?

It is not officially confirmed: the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, are not clearly listed within the ATA chain. Do not rely on it. Prioritize proactive declaration to the CBC with a detailed list of equipment (serial numbers, values) and invoices. For very expensive equipment, contact the CBC before departure to inquire about the applicable temporary import procedure.

Do my strobes and housing count towards the CI$350 allowance?

No, if they are your personal effects already owned: they are exempt as temporary personal use equipment being re-exported. The CI$350 (~430 USD) allowance only applies to new goods purchased abroad that you would be importing. A new housing still in its packaging purchased just before the trip could raise questions: take it out of the box and keep the receipt.

What are the risks if Caymanian customs deems the equipment imported and not temporary?

Duties of 22% to 27% depending on the tariff category — high because the Cayman Islands have no VAT and fund themselves through customs duties. On a €10,000 kit, this would amount to over €2,000. To avoid this: have a list of equipment, invoices, return ticket, and make a proactive declaration stating that everything will be leaving with you.