Bonaire airport customs starting to tax personal baggage items

[NothingClever]

Anybody explored shipping their DPV in advance via DHL Express?

 

[arew+4]

did yo take a Dpv?

No just a 3-5k worth of typical dive and photo gear

 

[CT Sean]

Let us know if you got taxed! I'm considering booking a trip but might change my mind if so. Thanks!

They already posted their experience a couple posts above you - in response 45:

Yesterday aside from passport control there was zero customs presence. Just one or two officer types in baggage area. No one paying any special attention to what was on the carousel. They could be looking in the back area before the belt comes out but I saw no unusual activity.

 

[dnh]

As a fellow tech diver, this is concerning. Would make me rethink Bonaire as a dive vacation. As tech divers, we regularly bring expensive equipment and many of the items are over $500, especially once we bring rebreathers, more like over $5000!

 

[scubadada]

As a fellow tech diver, this is concerning. Would make me rethink Bonaire as a dive vacation. As tech divers, we regularly bring expensive equipment and many of the items are over $500, especially once we bring rebreathers, more like over $5000!

You should stay away, go someplace else.

 

[Diver-6873]

You should stay away, go someplace else.

Why … nothing unusual is happening. Tech and rebreather divers arrive everyday on island without issue.

 

[Nettles]

Why … nothing unusual is happening. Tech and rebreather divers arrive everyday on island without issue.

FWIW, a couple of weeks ago the customs guy stopped me as I was wheeling two big bags out of the luggage area and asked what was inside. When told "dive gear" he started to look officious but then my lovely bride popped her head out from behind me and said "and clothes and stuff for two weeks".

He looked a little disappointed/deflated and waved us past. Very quick exchange.

 

[tursiops]

In post #48, it was suggested that someone ought to check with one of the tech shops/instructors on the island to see what they know of this.
So I did.
The response was that they knew nothing of such a problem, and they even checked with customs who explained that nothing had changed. They even quoted the response from customs:

"Privately owned scuba gear that is part of an individual’s luggage is exempt from Customs duties when visiting the island.​

Seizure of goods only occurs when individuals fail to comply with the law.​

In certain cases, depending on the circumstances and level of risk, a temporary customs declaration may be required. This may apply to:​

• Individuals who live on the island,
• Property owners on the island, or
• Those who provide false statements regarding the value of the equipment.

The temporary declaration, along with a bond, ensures that the scuba gear is re-exported upon departure from the island.​

To avoid delays upon arrival, individuals can complete this declaration in advance with the assistance of an authorized customs broker.​

There is no need for concern as long as one complies with the law."​

So we appear to have a one-off event caused by an over-zealous customs agent.

If you choose to avoid Bonaire, fine; those of us who continue to go there probably will not miss you.

 

[tursiops]

In post #48, it was suggested that someone ought to check with one of the tech shops/instructors on the island to see what they know of this.
So I did.
The response was that they knew nothing of such a problem, and they even checked with customs who explained that nothing had changed. They even quoted the response from customs:

"Privately owned scuba gear that is part of an individual’s luggage is exempt from Customs duties when visiting the island.​

​

Seizure of goods only occurs when individuals fail to comply with the law.​

​

In certain cases, depending on the circumstances and level of risk, a temporary customs declaration may be required. This may apply to:​

• Individuals who live on the island,
• Property owners on the island, or
• Those who provide false statements regarding the value of the equipment.

"The temporary declaration, along with a bond, ensures that the scuba gear is re-exported upon departure from the island.​

​

To avoid delays upon arrival, individuals can complete this declaration in advance with the assistance of an authorized customs broker.​

There is no need for concern as long as one complies with the law."​

So we appear to have a one-off event caused by an over-zealous customs agent.
If someone chooses to not go to Bonaire, fine. You probably won't be missed.