High end lenses and immigration authorities - India Trip

Hi

I am planning to visit India in the JAN 2008. I am carrying 4 lenses (all

Canon Lseries) and i was wondering do i have to take any letter or something

that would tell the Indian immigration authorities that i am legitimately

carrying these lenses for my personal use and will take it back to US. On the

same note, upon my reentry to US, do i need any proof to indicate that these

are my personal lenses and i am not bringing anything illegaly.

This is the first time i am travelling internationally with my photequipment.

Please advise...

 

Thanks all in advance for your help and time!

Sanjay

<p>There's nothing unusual about a photographer having four lenses in their kit. Most

working photographers travel with multiple lenses, camera bodies, lights, filters... etc. I very

much doubt anyone will even give it a second look.</p>

This can be a "Catch 22" situation. You can declare equipment you carry into an out of various countries on a Carnet form. However, you may be required to place a deposit (often substantial) to ensure you exit with these items (q.v., http://www.uscib.org/index.asp?documentID=1843).

 

Re-entering the US is a little simpler. You can declare equipment to a Customs agent at any port or airport (call ahead). There is a form, but it must be completed on-site. On my last two trips abroad, I simply prepared a spread sheet with each significant item with a serial number and value (I needed the value for Carnet). If you complete a Carnet form, you do not need a separate Customs form.

 

If I buy something, I declare it and keep the receipt.

When I travelled to India back in 1980, the Indian customs identified my Leica equipment on my passport. They checked to see if I had it when I left a week and a half later. I did not need to post a bond.

 

No problems at all when returning to the USA, ever.

Indian customs didn't so much as blink at my gear in 2003. In general, I think photographers overestimate how well non-photographers can guess the value of photographic equipment, and how much they actually care. A $3000 camera with a $1000 lens just doesn't look all that different from a $200 camera with a $100 lens. Even if a customs official does know there's no obvious reason why they should care, unless you give them reason to do so.

I got back from India last weekend; no one looks at cameras, etc anymore if you are on a tourist visa and not Indian (before 1991 the rules were much stricter). In the US, I filled out the appropriate US Customs form the first time I went abroad in 1970, but in 70+ trips since then have not bothered. No US customs agent has ever asked about my camera gear.

In 50 trips abroad in the past 25 years to six continents, I've never had an issue with camera gear coming back to the States or visiting countries abroad. I would argue that every customs agent in every country does a certain amount of profiling be it conscious or subconscious. If you look seedy or wear ultra trendy clothes and conspicuous jewelry rather than blend in, then your are more likely to get a closer look.

In general, it's useful to carry some proof of the cost of each item and serial number in case any of them are stolen or damaged. If stolen and you have to make a police report to bring back for insurance purposes, the police are going to want to know what was stolen. Same for your insurance agency. The list of items on one page that I get back from State Farm has all this information, so I assume that it can always be used at US customs to prove you owned them before you left. I've never been asked about a camera by US custom officials.

I entered through Mumbai twice last year, and each time, security questioned my 3 cameras. The first time, saying "personal use...2 digital, 1 film" took care of things. The second time, though, I got involved in a 15-minute discussion, with 3 or 4 agents gathering around. They wanted me to pay duty on the additional cameras.

 

Interestingly enough, when I showed them the registration form from American customs, they backed off, even though that form had no standing in their country. Just having something official satisfied them.

 

I carry my cameras in one bag. Maybe that attracts attention? I don't think i do anything else that would make them suspicious.

As long as you plan to take them back with you, if you are questioned simply volunteer to declare them in your passport. Ask them to note it in your passport so that they can cross check it when you go back,

Given a scenario that god forbid but should u loose a lens or something make sure you approach the policestation file a lost report and get a copy of that for these folks so that you won't be harrassed.

 

Even Ron's idea is good.