Fiji

You're traveling to Nadi with a GoPro Hero 12 and its dive housing, plus a compact video light (total value ~€600, or about FJ$1,400). This equipment, purchased before departure and for personal use, falls under the category of personal effects admitted duty-free by the FRCS. Upon arrival, tick 'nothing to declare' on the landing card if everything is clearly used and personal. Nevertheless, keep your receipts in your carry-on: in case of inspection, they prove prior purchase. The risk is almost zero at this value level, which is even below the general FJ$2,000 threshold. Just be careful with new equipment in its original packaging, which could be considered a commercial import or a gift, and thus taxable. Unpack and use your gear before you leave.

You're arriving with a Sony A6700 in an Ikelite housing, two Sea&Sea YS-D3 strobes, and two lenses (total value ~€4,000, or about FJ$9,500). This value significantly exceeds the general FJ$2,000 threshold, but the equipment is still admissible duty-free as personal effects 'owned and used prior to arrival'. Key point in Fiji: proactively declare the equipment on the landing card in Nadi or Suva, as the FRCS may question a traveler carrying visibly expensive gear. Present original invoices and photos of the equipment in prior use. If possible, request a document certifying temporary import to facilitate departure. Risks: if you cannot prove prior ownership, the agent might demand duties (5–32%) + 9% VAT or a refundable bond. Insure your equipment: recourse in case of customs disputes is slow.

You're carrying a Canon R5 in a Nauticam housing, two Retra Pro Max strobes, aluminum arms, 100mm macro and 8-15mm fish-eye lenses (value ~€15,000, or about FJ$35,000). At this level, the FRCS may suspect professional or commercial use: commercial goods exceeding FJ$1,000 require a formal Import Entry and a financial guarantee (bond) may be requested for temporary admission. Contact the FRCS in writing before departure (info@frcs.org.fj) to obtain confirmation of treatment as personal effects and keep this response. Prepare a detailed inventory with serial numbers, invoices, and photos. As the ATA Carnet is not confirmed in Fiji, do not rely on it. Declare everything upon arrival and request a stamp or receipt for departure. Main risk: a high bond required on the spot if no prior preparation, or taxation (up to 32% + 9% VAT).

My underwater photo equipment exceeds FJ$2,000: do I have to pay duties upon arrival in Fiji?

No, in principle. The FJ$2,000 threshold applies to general goods (purchases, gifts). Your equipment, purchased and used before your trip, intended for strictly personal use, is admitted duty-free without an explicit value ceiling. Condition: you must be able to prove prior ownership (invoices, signs of use). New equipment in its original packaging or intended for resale/gifting remains taxable (5–32% + 9% VAT).

Is the ATA Carnet accepted in Fiji for my professional equipment?

The status of the ATA Carnet in Fiji is not confirmed, and the FRCS does not publish any specific temporary import procedures for photo/video equipment. For high-value equipment or professional filming, contact the FRCS before departure: a formal declaration (Import Entry) and a refundable financial guarantee may be required. Obtain a written response to present upon arrival.

How can I prove to the FRCS that my equipment is not for sale?

Prepare a file: original purchase invoices from before your trip, a list with serial numbers, photos of you using the equipment while diving, and possibly proof of insurance. Declare the equipment on the landing card if its value is significant and request a receipt: this facilitates departure from the territory and avoids any suspicion of commercial import. Visibly used equipment rarely poses a problem.