Reunion Island
Key advice
Reunion Island is a French outermost region of the European Union: if you reside in another EU country, no customs checks apply to your underwater photo/video equipment — complete free movement, without declaration or taxes. British travelers (post-Brexit): the EU personal allowance (~430 EUR) technically applies, but in practice, used personal photo equipment passes without inspection in almost all cases.
- Customs authority
- Direction Régionale des Douanes et Droits Indirects de La Réunion (DRDDI Réunion)
- Personal duty-free allowance
- N/A pour résidents UE / ~475 USD (~430 EUR) pour voyageurs non-UE
- ATA Carnet
- Not accepted
- Official website
- douane.gouv.fr ↗
Practical scenarios
A beginner diver arrives in Reunion Island from mainland France with a GoPro Hero 11 Black and its manufacturer's housing, with a total value of approximately 600 €. Given that Reunion Island is a French overseas department and therefore an integral part of the European Union, no customs procedures are required. The equipment benefits from the free movement of goods within the EU. No risk, no declaration, no taxes.
An advanced photographer, residing in Belgium, travels to Reunion Island with an OM System OM-1 mirrorless camera, an Isotta housing, and a macro lens, for a total value of approximately 3,500 €. As with the beginner profile, the free movement of goods within the EU applies. There are no customs formalities to complete, no declaration to make, and no taxes to pay. The risk is zero; the equipment is considered personal effects circulating freely.
An expert photographer, residing in the United Kingdom (outside the EU), arrives in Reunion Island with a Nikon Z8, a Nauticam housing, two lenses (macro and fisheye), and aluminum arms, for a total value of approximately 12,000 €. Although the personal allowance for non-EU travelers is around 430 €, used professional photo equipment is generally admitted without taxation for temporary use. It is advisable to keep purchase invoices to prove ownership and age of the equipment in case of inspection. The risk is low if the equipment is clearly used and intended for temporary personal/professional use.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare my underwater photo equipment when arriving in Reunion Island if I'm coming from mainland France?
No, absolutely not. Reunion Island is a French department and part of the European Union. There are no customs formalities for goods circulating between mainland France and Reunion Island, nor between any other EU country and Reunion Island. Your equipment is considered personal effects in free circulation.
What is the customs allowance for underwater photo equipment if I'm coming from a country outside the European Union (e.g., the United Kingdom)?
For travelers coming from non-EU countries, the personal allowance is approximately 430 EUR. However, used personal photo equipment, especially if intended for temporary use, is very rarely subject to taxation. It is recommended to keep purchase invoices to prove ownership and age of the equipment in case of inspection.
Where can I find official information on customs regulations in Reunion Island?
For more information, consult the official website directly: https://www.douane.gouv.fr/particuliers/voyageurs/vous-voyagez-destination-dun-dom. This page provides details on customs formalities for overseas departments, including Reunion Island.