Honduras

You're traveling with a GoPro Hero 12 and its original housing, a spare battery, and a floating hand grip (total value ~€500). In Honduras (Roatán, Utila), this kit enters without issue as personal effects: the CAUCA (Art. 112-114) allows 1 camera + 1 video camera with accessories duty-free. Upon arrival at Roatán or San Pedro Sula airport, use the green channel “nada que declarar” – no declaration is required for this level of equipment. Keep the purchase invoice (paper or photo on your phone) in case an agent from the Administración Aduanera questions you. Risk is almost zero: the equipment is visibly recreational and its value remains modest. Tip: remove the GoPro from its new packaging before departure to show it's used personal equipment, not merchandise for resale.

You're heading to Utila with a Sony A6700, an Ikelite housing, two strobes, and a macro lens (value ~€3,500). Good news: Honduran duty-free allowance for personal effects covers 1 camera + accessories, including housing and underwater strobes, with no specific monetary cap – the $500 threshold only applies to goods other than personal effects. Prepare a detailed list in Spanish (brand, model, serial number, value) with copies of invoices. At customs, proceed normally; if an agent opens your luggage, present the list and explain that it's “equipo personal para buceo recreativo” (personal equipment for recreational diving). Moderate risk: a kit of this value might raise questions about potential commercial use. Remain courteous, emphasize the tourist nature of your trip (with dive reservations as proof), and that the equipment will be re-exported upon your return.

You're bringing a Canon R5, a Nauticam housing, two Retra strobes, aluminum arms, macro and fish-eye lenses (value ~€14,000). Honduras does NOT accept the ATA Carnet. If your use is strictly recreational, claim the personal effects allowance (1 camera + 1 video camera + accessories): prepare a detailed bilingual inventory with serial numbers, values, and invoices. Real risk: at this value level, the Administración Aduanera might suspect professional use and demand a security deposit (~20-21% of the value, refundable upon re-exportation). If your trip has a professional dimension (filming, commissioned work), plan ahead: request temporary import under RECAUCA Art. 425 at least 20 days before arrival, through the Tegucigalpa headquarters or the San Pedro Sula office, with a guarantee. Keep all receipts for departure from the territory.

Do my strobes and underwater housing count towards the $500 limit in Honduras?

No. The $500 limit only applies to goods other than personal effects. Your camera, video camera, and their accessories (housing, strobes, LED lights, arms) are classified as personal effects under CAUCA Art. 112-114 and RECAUCA Art. 578-583, thus admitted duty-free without an explicit monetary limit, as long as the use is personal and recreational.

Does Honduras accept the ATA Carnet for my professional photo equipment?

No, Honduras is not part of the ATA Carnet system. For professional equipment (production, filming), use the temporary import regime under RECAUCA Art. 425: submit an application at least 20 days before arrival to the Administración Aduanera (Tegucigalpa or San Pedro Sula), with a refundable guarantee equivalent to the applicable duties.

What happens if Honduran customs deems my equipment excessive for a tourist?

The agent may demand a security deposit equivalent to the duties (~5% DAI + 15% ISV, totaling about 20-21% of the value), refundable upon re-exportation, or tax the excess value. To avoid this: present a detailed list with serial numbers and invoices, prove the recreational nature of your stay (dive reservations), and demonstrate that the equipment will leave with you.