Chile

You're traveling with a GoPro Hero 12 and its original housing, plus a compact video light (total value ~€600). In Chile, this equipment enters duty-free as a tourist's personal effects – no formal declaration is required upon arrival in Santiago before your flight to Rapa Nui. Use the green channel at SCL airport. However, keep your purchase receipts on your phone: in case of a random check by the SNA, they prove personal use and the origin of the equipment. The risk is almost zero at this value level. Be aware though: on Easter Island, your tourist stay is limited to 30 days (Law 21.070) and you must present the Rapa Nui entry form, accommodation booking, and a return ticket. Photo equipment is not subject to any additional customs checks there, as the flight is domestic.

You're carrying a Sony A6700 in an Ikelite housing, two Ikelite DS162 strobes, a macro lens, and a dome port (value ~€3,800). This equipment generally qualifies as duty-free personal effects, but its value warrants a precaution: complete the free online DATET declaration at aduana.cl before your arrival. It exempts you from duties and IVA for 90 days and avoids any discussion with the SNA agent in Santiago. Print the confirmation and keep a list of your equipment with serial numbers and invoices. Upon departure from Chile, complete the D.S.T.E.T. (exit declaration) to close the procedure. Risk if no declaration and a check occurs: taxation at ~25% (6% duties + 19% IVA), or even +3% for used equipment, if the agent disputes personal use. The Santiago–Rapa Nui flight is domestic, so no additional customs formalities on the island.

You're arriving with a full-frame camera in a Nauticam housing, a 230mm dome port, aluminum arms, two Retra Pro strobes, and macro/fisheye lenses (value ~€14,000). At this level, the DATET declaration on aduana.cl before arrival is essential: it's free, valid for 90 days, and provides total exemption from duties + IVA. A strong alternative if you're visiting multiple countries: the ATA Carnet – Chile is the only Latin American country to accept it (managed by the Cámara de Comercio de Santiago on the Chilean side). Prepare a detailed inventory with serial numbers and unit values. Present yourself at the red channel at SCL with your documents. Upon departure, ensure your D.S.T.E.T. or Carnet is stamped, otherwise, you risk a later claim for taxes (~25.14%, +3% if used). Reminder: maximum 30-day stay on Rapa Nui, plan your dives in Hanga Roa accordingly.

Do I need to complete customs formalities again when arriving on Easter Island from Santiago?

No. The Santiago–Rapa Nui flight is a domestic Chilean flight: customs clearance is only done upon your entry into Chile (SCL airport). However, Easter Island imposes specific immigration formalities (Law 21.070): a Rapa Nui entry form, return ticket, justified accommodation, and a tourist stay limited to 30 days.

Does the USD 675 allowance apply to my underwater housing and strobes?

No, this allowance only applies to purchases made in duty-free shops. Your personal underwater photo equipment enters duty-free as 'efectos personales del turista' (personal effects of the tourist), with no explicit monetary ceiling, as long as personal use is credible. For expensive equipment, the free DATET declaration on aduana.cl secures exemption from duties and IVA for 90 days.

What happens if I leave Chile without closing my DATET declaration?

You must complete the D.S.T.E.T. (temporary exit declaration) upon departure. Failing to do so, the Servicio Nacional de Aduanas may consider the equipment as permanently imported and claim approximately 25.14% in taxes (6% duties + 19% IVA on CIF value), plus 3% for used equipment. Allow sufficient time at the airport for this formality.