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Bringing cameras and film to Nepal


charles_freeland

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<p>Greetings;<br>

I'm planning a 25-day trip to Nepal in November 2011. Checking on the Nepalese customs regulations, I learned that there are well-defined limitations placed on the amounts of cameras and films one is allowed to carry into Nepal. The regulations say that a traveler is limited to "one still camera and 15 rolls of film." As I would like to carry 2 medium format camera bodies and 3 lenses, plus about 50 - 60 rolls of 120 film (both color and b&w), I would clearly be in violation of the regulation. But, it seems that 120 film is difficult to find in Kathmandu these days, and 15 rolls of 120 film for a 25-day trip seems too little. I suppose that I'll have to anticipate the distinct possibility of having to pay customs duties, fees, or to make customs declarations on arrival if this regulation is being enforced. Another thread recently posted on this forum has outlined the experiences of a fellow photographer who ran afoul of such a regulation whilst visiting Peru. I would like to know if anyone visiting this forum has any current travel experience pertinent to the Nepalese regulations and enforcement thereof. <br>

Many thanks, Charles Freeland</p>

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<p>In India it used to be possible to have the details of one's camera equipment entered in one's passport when entering the country and to show the equipment when leaving the country. Nepal is next door and may be the same. I'll advise you to carry a sheet of paper with a full list of your equipment -- including model names and serial numbers -- on it. The obvious place to seek answers is of course the Nepali embassy or consulate in your country. Nepal has a great deal of tourist traffic and may well give you no trouble.</p>
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<p><< The regulations say that a traveler is limited to "one still camera and 15 rolls of film." >><br /> Good thing I did not see this restriction when I went to Nepal last year. I had two camera bodies and a full range of lenses. However, I shot digital.</p>

<p>I don't recall anything out of the ordinary. My camera equipment were not scrutinized. If you are with a tour company which have experience with Nepal, why not ask them for an opinion?</p>

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<p>I have travelled to Nepal several times since 1980, last visits were in 2007 and 2009. Carried 2 DSLR bodies, 3 or 4 lenses, flash, P&S camera and accessories, all in one camera bag, clearly visible and never experienced any trouble or questions whatsoever. Your equipment will no doubt be bulkier but I wouldn't mind and just bring what you think you'll need. Enjoy your trip, Nepal is a great country to visit.</p>
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<p>I second the post from Jos. I was there last in 2009 coming in from Singapore, no one could have cared less about the camera equipment I was bringing in or out of the airport. Even flying off to Lhasa the only concerns were weight, not camera and lens specifics.</p>
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<p>Thanks to all those who responded;<br>

From the reports, it looks as though this is yet another case of there being a rule on the books with little or no enforcement on the ground. I'm not traveling with a tour, so I contacted the European manager of the small inn where I'll be staying in Kathmandu. She said she'd not heard of anyone being searched or bothered at the airport over cameras. Nepalese are searched in an effort to curtail smuggling but not foreign tourists. When I saw the regulation, I thought it best to check on travelers' experiences. Thanks again, Charles</p>

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<p>I was there for a shooting assignment a few months ago. I brought in 3 x bodies and a bunch of lenses. They didn't check my gear.<br>

It's a 3rd world immigration post, they aren't motivated enough to enforce these rules.<br>

(They also say you can't shoot from the plane over Nepal.)</p>

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