Vietnam

You're traveling with a GoPro Hero 11 and its underwater housing, with a total value of approximately 600 €. Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh City airport, you should head to the customs declaration counter. Present your equipment and state that it is personal gear for tourist use. Although the value exceeds the 400 USD allowance, an explicit declaration is crucial to avoid any confusion upon departure. Keep your declaration receipt safe.

Your equipment includes a Sony A6700 mirrorless camera with an Isotta housing, valued at approximately 3,500 €. In Vietnam, this value significantly exceeds the mandatory declaration threshold. You will absolutely need to declare your equipment upon arrival. Prepare a detailed list with serial numbers and purchase invoices. Clearly explain that this equipment is for your personal use for tourist underwater photography. The risk is potential taxation if personal use is not sufficiently justified, or difficulties upon departure without an initial declaration.

You arrive with a complete system: a Canon R5 full-frame camera, a Nauticam housing, macro and fisheye lenses, with an estimated total value of 12,000 €. A detailed declaration is absolutely essential. Present yourself at the customs counter with all invoices, serial numbers, and a letter explaining the strictly personal and tourist use of your equipment. As Vietnam does not accept the ATA Carnet for tourism, declaration is your only protection. Without it, you risk high customs duties upon entry or major problems upon departure, potentially leading to confiscation.

Do I need to declare my underwater camera if its value is less than 400 USD?

No, if the value of your underwater camera equipment is less than 400 USD (approximately 10 million VND), you generally do not need to declare it in Vietnam, as it is considered low-value personal property. However, it's always wise to have invoices on hand.

Is the ATA Carnet valid for my underwater camera equipment in Vietnam?

No, the ATA Carnet is not accepted in Vietnam for tourist or personal use of camera equipment. It is only recognized for goods intended for specific trade fairs, exhibitions, or commercial uses. For your personal gear, a customs declaration upon arrival is the correct procedure.

What happens if I don't declare my expensive camera equipment upon arrival in Vietnam?

Failure to declare camera equipment valued over 400 USD can lead to problems when leaving the country. Customs officers might consider that you are attempting to illegally import goods, which can result in fines, unexpected taxes, or even confiscation of your equipment. For more information, consult the official website directly: https://www.customs.gov.vn/