Mozambique

You're traveling to Tofo with a GoPro Hero 12, its dive housing, and a few accessories (value ~€600). Even if the gear seems insignificant, digital cameras must be declared in Mozambique, and the general allowance (~5,000 MZN, or 80 USD) is easily exceeded. Upon arrival (Maputo or Vilankulo), go to the Alfândega (Customs) counter and request a temporary import permit: list the GoPro and housing with serial numbers. The document is valid for 30 days, renewable. Keep it with your passport and present the equipment upon departure. Risks: Without declaration, a random check could result in taxation of approximately 38% (20% duties + 16% IVA + 2.5% surcharge) or seizure of the equipment. The process takes a few minutes and fully protects you.

With a Sony A6700 in an Ikelite housing, two strobes, and a macro lens (value ~€3,800), you significantly exceed the Mozambican allowance. Since the ATA Carnet is NOT accepted in Mozambique, the only legal route is the temporary import permit issued upon entry by the Autoridade Tributária (Tax Authority). Before departure, prepare a detailed list: camera body, housing, port, strobes, lenses, with serial numbers and values. Upon arrival, voluntarily declare at the Alfândega, get the form stamped, and photograph it. The permit is valid for 30 days; if it expires during your stay, request a renewal at a customs office. Risks: Undeclared equipment discovered during inspection = ~38% taxation of the CIF value; discrepancy upon exit (missing item) = fine plus duties. Keep invoices and permits together throughout your stay.

You're off to photograph whale sharks and manta rays with a Canon R5 in a Nauticam housing, two Retra strobes, aluminum arms, a fisheye, and a macro lens (value ~€14,000). At this level, declaration upon entry is imperative: with no ATA Carnet accepted, only the temporary import permit (30 days, renewable) covers you. Prepare a bilingual inventory (Portuguese/English) with serial numbers, values, and photos of the equipment. In Maputo, allow ample time at the customs post: every item must be listed on the form. For a stay of several weeks or editorial work, inquire about potential professional status with the AT before departure. Major risks: ~38% taxation (approx. €5,300) on undeclared equipment, a bond may be required in some cases, fines upon exit if a declared item is missing. It is absolutely essential to re-export all listed equipment.

Does the ATA Carnet work in Mozambique?

No, Mozambique does not accept the ATA Carnet. The only valid procedure is the temporary import permit issued by the Alfândega (Customs) upon entry, based on a detailed declaration of your equipment. It is valid for 30 days and renewable at a customs office. Keep this document until you leave the country.

What happens if I don't declare my housing and strobes upon arrival?

In case of an inspection, the Autoridade Tributária (Tax Authority) can apply the full rate: approximately 20% customs duties, 16% IVA (VAT), and 2.5% surcharge, resulting in an effective rate close to 38% of the equipment's value, with the possibility of a fine or equipment seizure. The allowance (~5,000 MZN, or 80 USD) does not cover any underwater photo equipment.

My stay exceeds 30 days, what should I do about my temporary import permit?

The permit issued upon entry is valid for 30 days but is renewable. Before its expiration, present yourself at an Alfândega (Customs) office with the original document, your passport, and the equipment if requested. All declared equipment must be re-exported with you: a missing item upon departure can lead to a fine and taxation.