Seychelles

Typical gear: GoPro Hero 12 with manufacturer's dive housing, red filters, and a floating hand grip. Declared value: approximately 500–700 USD (~7,000–10,000 SCR). You remain below the 15,000 SCR allowance, so the green channel at Mahé airport should, in principle, be sufficient. However, be aware: the SRC only mentions 'a single electronic item' in its official definition. If you are also carrying a smartphone and a tablet, keep your GoPro invoices handy. The equipment should appear visibly used and for personal use. Risks: low, but an agent might question the combination of a GoPro + phone + laptop. If in doubt, go to the red channel and declare voluntarily – good faith is your best protection. Keep proof of purchase (even digital) and a simple list of your camera bag's contents.

Typical gear: Sony A6700 or OM System OM-5, Ikelite or Isotta housing, one macro lens, one or two strobes (not counted in the threshold but carried). Declared value: 2,500–4,000 USD (~35,000–56,000 SCR), well above the 15,000 SCR allowance. Procedure: you must go through the red channel in Mahé, presenting a detailed inventory with serial numbers and invoices. The ATA Carnet is not accepted in Seychelles. Request temporary import status (IM 5 form), explaining that the equipment will leave with you. Contact advisory.center@src.gov.sc before departure for written confirmation – print the response. Risks: request for a bond or refundable deposit upon arrival, discussion about the 'personal' nature of the equipment. Allow extra time upon arrival and photograph your equipment before your trip.

Typical gear: Canon R5 II or Nikon Z8, Nauticam or Subal housing, dome port, fish-eye and macro lenses, two Retra/Inon strobes, aluminum arms, port extensions. Declared value: 8,000–15,000 USD (~112,000–210,000 SCR). At this level, the risk of reclassification as commercial import is real, especially if you are filming for a client. Mandatory procedure: write to the SRC (advisory.center@src.gov.sc) several weeks in advance, request the IM 5 temporary import procedure in writing, and prepare a complete inventory list (photos, serial numbers, invoices). Upon arrival in Mahé, always use the red channel. Since the ATA Carnet is not recognized, a customs bond may be required. If the filming is professional (commissioned, sponsored), a filming permit via the Seychelles Bureau of Standards or the Ministry of Tourism may be required. Risks: high bond, temporary retention of equipment, inspection upon departure to verify re-exportation.

Does my camera count as the single 'electronic item' allowed duty-free in Seychelles?

It's ambiguous. The SRC's official definition mentions tablets, phones, or laptops – cameras are not explicitly listed. In practice, used personal photo equipment under 15,000 SCR (~1,050 USD) generally passes without issue. Beyond that, or if in doubt, go through the red channel and declare. Request written confirmation from advisory.center@src.gov.sc before departure.

Is the ATA Carnet accepted in Seychelles for my underwater photo equipment?

No, Seychelles is not a member of the ATA Carnet system. Instead, use the local temporary import procedure (IM 5 form) with the SRC. The details are not public: contact the SRC before your trip and prepare a complete inventory with invoices and serial numbers. A refundable bond may be required upon arrival.

What are the risks if I go through the green channel with 10,000 USD of undeclared underwater equipment?

You risk a fine, temporary seizure of the equipment, and payment of duties calculated on the customs value based on your invoices. With equipment significantly exceeding the 15,000 SCR allowance, non-declaration is an offense. Always go through the red channel in Mahé, declare voluntarily, and prove that everything will leave with you: the process takes time but avoids any disputes.