CAMERA HOUSINGS & POTENTIAL CUSTOMS ISSUES
There have been random occurrences where Mexican customs agents have charged an import tax on camera housings.
There is an approved list of sporting equipment that tourists can bring into Mexico. This includes dive equipment and an underwater camera. Unfortunately, camera housings are considered professional equipment and are not on this list.
This potential situation seems only an issue at coastal destination airports, including San Jose del Cabo airport.
If you fly into another airport within Mexico before arriving in a coastal destination airport such as San Jose del Cabo, you will go through customs at that airport. For example, if you fly into Mexico City on your way to Jose del Cabo, you will go through customs in Mexico City. Your flight into San Jose del Cabo will be domestic, and you will not have to go through customs again.
WHAT TO EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL AT THE INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL IN SAN JOSE DEL CABO
After collecting your bags, you will approach a customs agent and be asked to push a button. Most of the time, the light will be green, and your bags will not be inspected.
You will be asked to put your bags through an X-ray machine if it is red. Most likely, your bags will not receive further inspection.
If you are traveling with a camera and housing, we suggest the following to help avoid the issue or reduce the impact of being inspected by a customs agent:
First, pack cameras and equipment in regular suitcases. Do not use big dive bags and pelican cases.
Second, travel with the camera and housing disassembled.
Third, having a copy of an invoice showing the value of your used camera and housing can help minimize the taxable amount.
We apologize for this situation. Please know that the various liveaboards in Mexico are working together to have camera housings added to this list.
Updated February 4, 2025