Travel with a thermal monocular (30Hz) to USA - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jason95
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 26, 2018, 02:34:18 pm
content: Hi all ! I am planning to travel with my thermal monocular (30Hz) to USA and I am wondering what I should be aware of in terms of legal aspects (paper work, etc..) ? It's well known and widely discussed that such devices cannot be EXPORTED from the USA without special permission. But I couldn't find anything about temporarily BRINGING them into the USA as a visitor. Any hints / suggestions ? Would it be perhaps sufficient to declare the device at the border (at customs) ? Many thanks in advance !

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2018, 02:40:35 pm
content: The issue is not bringing it in to the US, but exporting it from wherever you are. Ask the manufacturer's local rep.

author: jason95
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 26, 2018, 02:46:05 pm
content: Thank you ! In my case exporting the device from my home country is not an issue. I have already checked and it is allowed. The question is whether I won't have any legal issues with bringing my personal device to the USA and LEAVING then the country without violating any existing regulations of the USA. Therefore I am wondering if registering the device at the border at the moment of entry will be sufficient.

author: Vipitis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2018, 03:25:17 pm
content: It should be no issue, but could be a problem if someone is not sure about it.Therefore proof of prushase could be a good thing to bring when you take it back home.

author: taydin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2018, 03:43:00 pm
content: The USA police can act very irrationally if they have even the slightest ill suspicion about that device. I remember the incident where an immigrant student made a digital clock circuit, and he got promptly arrested because police thought it was a bomb.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Mohamed_clock_incident

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2018, 03:50:19 pm
content: Quote from: taydin on September 26, 2018, 03:43:00 pmi think if the police think the tiny camera is a bomb, then he will have problem. if the police think the tiny camera is a camera, then i think he will not have problem.

author: Bill W
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2018, 01:05:09 pm
content: I would suggest getting a license CZ to US as a temporary one so that you have something to get back out with. Temporary import licenses are more sensible. Both movements should have a license even if you have found the CZ one is fairly trivial.It is a 30Hz imager moving between countries, even if fairly friendly NATO ones.Bill

author: LaserSteve
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2018, 08:28:08 pm
content: file for a Customs Carnet in your home country.Steve

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2018, 08:31:20 pm
content: Are you willing to leave it behind if things become complicated? If not, I'd consider leaving it at home.