Curaçao
Key advice
Curaçao accepts ATA Carnets for professional equipment. Your underwater photo gear, as personal effects, is exempt if you take it with you when you leave. Any new purchases exceeding NAF 200 (~112 USD) must be verbally declared to customs.
- Customs authority
- Douane Curaçao
- Personal duty-free allowance
- 112
- ATA Carnet
- Accepted
- Official website
- douane.cw ↗
Practical scenarios
You're traveling to Curaçao with a GoPro Hero 10 and its manufacturer's housing, with a total value of approximately €600. This equipment is considered pre-existing personal effects. Upon arrival, you don't need to take any specific steps, unless you've made new purchases abroad just before your departure for Curaçao. You'll pass through customs without a written declaration, but be prepared to answer verbally if an agent asks about the origin of your equipment. The risk is minimal, as this is standard personal gear.
You're arriving in Curaçao with an APS-C mirrorless camera (e.g., Sony a6600) in an Ikelite housing, valued at approximately €3,500. This equipment is considered personal effects. You don't need to formally declare it upon entry if you're re-exporting it. However, in case of an inspection, be prepared to justify that the equipment is yours and that you will be taking it back with you. If you purchased part of this equipment just before your trip and its value exceeds NAF 200 (~112 USD), a verbal declaration is required. The risk is low if you have no new purchases.
You're heading to Curaçao with a complete system: a full-frame camera (e.g., Canon R5) in a Nauticam housing, several lenses, and arms, with a total value of €15,000. Given the value and potential professional nature of the equipment, using an ATA Carnet is highly recommended. Present it to customs upon arrival and departure. If you don't have an ATA Carnet, be prepared to verbally declare the equipment as personal effects intended for re-export. Without an ATA Carnet, there's a higher risk of being questioned about the equipment's value and intent, potentially leading to delays or inquiries about possible duties if permanent importation is suspected.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare my underwater photography equipment upon arrival in Curaçao?
If your equipment is pre-existing personal effects that you are re-exporting, no written declaration is generally required. However, be prepared for a verbal declaration if an agent questions you. If you have purchased new equipment just before your trip and its value exceeds NAF 200 (~112 USD), a verbal declaration is mandatory.
Does Curaçao accept ATA Carnets for my professional photo equipment?
Yes, Curaçao accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary import of professional equipment. This is highly recommended for high-value gear to facilitate customs procedures and avoid potential security deposits or customs duties.
What happens if the value of my new purchases exceeds the allowance in Curaçao?
If the value of your new purchases exceeds the NAF 200 (~112 USD) allowance, you must verbally declare it to customs. Customs duties and/or taxes may be applied to the excess value, calculated according to the item's customs classification. For more information, consult the official website directly: https://douane.cw/