Traveling with Camera Gear

[Mark Kuczewski]

Hey I was just wondering if anyone had any advice. I am coming over to California with my kit for around six weeks in the summer, it's not for paid work and I will just be using the camera for personal projects. Just wondered if anyone knew if bringing in kit would cause me a problem?

 

[Curran Giddens]

Coming to the US should not be a problem. But going back home you will want to make sure you have all your paperwork in order.

 

[Glen Powell]

Where are you coming from???

Coming to the US should not be a problem. But going back home you will want to make sure you have all your paperwork in order.

I wouldn't say that your entry into the U.S. will be "not a problem"… I assume that since you are posting here you'll be travelling with a RED camera? Epic / Scarlet? Your number one problem will be convincing the Homeland Security agent that you won't be using your 'pro' camera for paid work.

As a Canadian, crossing the U.S. border used to be a breeze - no questions beyond what my citizenship was - now it *can* be a major PIA if you declare camera equipment. So much so that I now ask for a visa to work as a journalist being paid by a Canadian company.

Curran is right in saying that paperwork for your return journey is very important - Before leaving Canada I stop at the CBSA office at the airport / bridge to U.S. and register a Y38 (analogous to a Carnet) that lists my gear to prove I'm not bringing back more than I left with...

In the end most border security seems to be about who's paying you, and the government getting the taxes due.

 

[Mark Kuczewski]

I am coming from the UK and yes I am traveling with a scarlet. I could apply for a business visa but it does seem like an added expense considering I am not actually going to be making money with my camera?

 

[Glen Powell]

Coming from Canada (at least) the visa doesn't cost anything - just asking for the right one seems to let the border agent know that you are on top of the process. It's also different for us since we clear U.S. customs in the Canadian airport before we even board the plane, so the U.S. Customs agents actually live in Canada - sounds crazy...

Realistically the best advice and your best bet is to contact the U.S. consulate in your city and go through the procedure, asking the right questions; and then contact U.K. customs about returning with your gear. Get your paperwork in order, no-one enjoys the rubber glove at the customs desk.

 

[Mark Kuczewski]

Coming from Canada (at least) the visa doesn't cost anything - just asking for the right one seems to let the border agent know that you are on top of the process. It's also different for us since we clear U.S. customs in the Canadian airport before we even board the plane, so the U.S. Customs agents actually live in Canada - sounds crazy...

Realistically the best advice and your best bet is to contact the U.S. consulate in your city and go through the procedure, asking the right questions; and then contact U.K. customs about returning with your gear. Get your paperwork in order, no-one enjoys the rubber glove at the customs desk.

Haha you are right about the rubber glove. Thanks for the advice I will get in contact and find out some more info

Cheers

Mark