Micronesia

You're traveling to Chuuk or Yap with a GoPro Hero 12, a manufacturer's housing, and a few accessories (total value around €600, or ~$650 USD). This equipment clearly falls under the category of 'reasonable personal effects' admitted duty-free by the FSM Division of Customs. Upon arrival (often via Guam or Honolulu), complete the customs declaration form, checking that you are carrying temporary personal equipment. Keep your purchase receipt or a photo of it on your phone. The risk is almost nil: FSM agents are accustomed to divers, especially in Chuuk (Truk Lagoon wrecks). Just ensure the equipment leaves with you. No deposit or bond is required at this value level. A superficial baggage check is possible but rarely problematic for an action cam.

With a Sony A6700, an Ikelite housing, two strobes, and a macro lens (value ~€3,500, or ~$3,800 USD), prepare a detailed list in English before departure: each item with brand, model, serial number, and estimated value. Upon arrival in Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, or Kosrae, spontaneously declare the equipment to the FSM Division of Customs agent and request that your list be stamped. Keep this document to prove upon departure that everything is leaving with you. The 'personal effects' allowance normally covers a passionate diver's equipment, but the absence of published rules leaves room for the agent's discretion. Risks: an overzealous agent might question the high value or number of items; the stamped list and invoices generally clear up any doubts. Avoid new, packaged equipment, which suggests commercial import.

With a full-frame camera body, Nauticam housing, two high-end strobes, aluminum arms, and lenses (value €12,000, or ~$13,000 USD), caution is advised: the FSM does not accept an ATA Carnet. Contact the FSM Division of Customs and Tax Administration before departure (via the Department of Finance and Administration) to confirm the temporary admission procedure. Prepare a complete inventory in English with serial numbers, values, and photos of the equipment. Upon arrival, declare everything and request that the document be stamped. If your trip has a professional nature (filming, assignment), a security deposit or bond may be required, refundable upon departure with the equipment. Risks: discretionary assessment by the agent, possible taxation (3–25% depending on classification) if the equipment is deemed commercial. A letter explaining personal use or the filming contract facilitates passage.

Is the ATA Carnet accepted in the Federated States of Micronesia?

No. The FSM is not a member of the ATA system. For professional equipment, the solution is a detailed declaration upon arrival with a list in English (serial numbers, values), possibly accompanied by a refundable security deposit upon departure. Contact the FSM Division of Customs before departure for the exact procedure, as rules are not published online.

Do I need to declare my underwater photo equipment upon arrival in Micronesia?

For beginner equipment (action cam), a simple mention on the form is sufficient. For equipment exceeding $2,000–$3,000 USD, spontaneously declare it with a detailed list in English and have it stamped. This document proves upon departure that the equipment is leaving with you and avoids any suspicion of taxable commercial import (estimated rates from 3 to 25%).

Is there a risk of taxation for two camera bodies and multiple lenses?

In practice, no, if the entire setup remains credible as 'reasonable personal effects' of a diver-photographer for the duration of the stay. No maximum number of items is officially published. Avoid new, packaged equipment, and bring invoices and a stamped list. Agents in Chuuk and Yap regularly see well-equipped underwater photographers and are familiar with this type of traveler.