How much Photo or video camera can I bring into United States?
Declare
You can bring Photo or video camera into United States, but you must declare it.
What you need to know
- No stated quantity
- Value cap: 800 USD
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
- No stated quantity
- Value cap: 800 USD
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
Official sources
- 19 CFR 148.33 Articles acquired abroad U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Questions about Photo or video camera in United States
- How much photo or video camera can I bring into United States?
- United States allows photo or video camera to be brought in, but it has to be declared once it reaches 800 USD. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
- Do I have to declare photo or video camera at United States customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare photo or video camera in United States?
- Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
- Can I post or ship photo or video camera to United States instead of carrying it?
- Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
- Can I take photo or video camera out of United States?
- United States publishes no separate rule for taking photo or video camera out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the United States limit for photo or video camera apply per person or per family?
- Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
- Where does this rule come from?
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “a returning resident is eligible for the $800 duty-free personal exemption every 31 days, having remained for no less than 48 hours beyond the territorial limits of the United States”
- How does United States compare with other countries on photo or video camera?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit photo or video camera, 1 limit it and 19 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 2026-09-19
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 2026-09-19
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — 19 CFR Part 148 — Personal Declarations and Exemptions · verified 2026-09-20
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — 19 CFR 145.31 Importations not over $800 in value · verified 2026-09-20
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 2026-09-19
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 2026-09-19