Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/05/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Art, Europe is really not a problem at all, especially with Leicas. To be honest, you would have more to be worried about from customs if you were carrying Sony video cameras worth a fraction of your Leicas. However, if you eliminate any questions from US Customs upon your return, you can register the cameras with them before you leave. Last time I did this with my Leicas, the Customs people acted like it was a waste of time, and were reluctant to write up my lenses on thier form. Also, when registering with customs, you do not have to prove where you purchased the equipment. They just want to see that you left with it, so that when you come home, they know the equipment originated in the US. You have more to worry about if you're going to places in the Middle East, or parts of SE Asia. I did not register any equipment before my recent Burma trip, and Customs didn't have a problem with any of it. They did give me a thorough checking over, but that had more to do with the fact that I'd just come from Myanmar through Bangkok. I had 2 Leica M6s, around 6 M lenses, Canon EOS1n with 8mm fisheye and IPIX head, a Sony PD100A DVCAM, and Sony PCM-M1 DAT, complete with wireless mics, and all the other associated gadgets, all packed in locked Pelican cases. None of it was registered beforehand. Customs couldn't care less about this stuff. They wanted to know where I'd been, what I was doing there, etc. They're mostly just looking for drugs on people returning from anywhere near the golden triangle. But Europe is no problem at all...especially the UK and France. UK Customs has never even looked at me sideways at Heathrow, and US Customs never gives me a second look when returning from Europe Driving into France from Germany a couple of years ago was almost like crossing a state border here in the US. Just go and have a good time. You won't have a problem unless you look like some kind of hippy freak. - --Jim Laurel - ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Coan" <jcoan@alumni.duke.edu> To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2000 1:29 PM Subject: Re: Europe Travel (was Re: [Leica] London and Paris Trip- Airport Security) > If you have your purchase receipt from a US company this will work just > as well. Chances are you won't be questioned. The US Customs > inspectors know that cameras are higher in Europe anyway. Also, I'm not > so sure there is even a duty on 35mm cameras because there isn't a US > camera industry to protect any more? Perhaps someone will know the > answer to my last question for sure.... > > Have a good trip! > > Arthur Leyenberger wrote: > > > Fellow LUGers: > > I'm planning a trip to Europe this summer (Netherlands > > than Belgium) and this will be my first Leica trip. > > I understand I need to complete a USA customs form > > prior to departure to prove that the Leica equipment > > I'm taken was not purchased overseas. > > Anyone know what form this is? > > Can I get it ahead of time (web site maybe) and fill > > it out before I leave? > > thanks, as usual. > > .....Art in NJ, USA > > > > __________________________________________________ > > Do You Yahoo!? > > Send instant messages & get email alerts with Yahoo! Messenger. > > http://im.yahoo.com/ > >