THIS ARTICLE WAS UPDATED ON MARCH 3, 2023
Yes, Chile is one of the many countries registered to receive crews coming in with equipment using the ATA Carnet or Passport for Goods system.
In fact, it’s very easy, and we often hear from incoming crews how simple it was to bring through their cameras, lenses, gimbals and other gear.
Remember that you will need to arrange your Carnet with an ATA Carnet company before you travel.
You’ll want to arrive with all of your serialized items, and high ticket items that may not have a serial, documented on a spreadsheet. You don’t need to list every cable or every camera cage, but do list the camera with serial and the camera’s electric eyepiece with its separate serial, along with any other key pieces like lenses, monitors, wireless follow-focuses, wireless video and sound gear.
On the spreadsheet, note the basic info of each item, including serial number, make, model, estimate of price (we recommend not putting the MSRP price, since this will only increase the cost of the carnet with your carnet company; it’s best to just put the resale value, as if you bought that gear used in its current condition!).
Also, keep in mind where the serial number is located. If it’s underneath a plate that needs a tool to take off so it’s viewable, we recommend p-touching the number in a more visible spot, in the unlikely event you meet a determined customs officer who wants to be thorough. Customs might still require you to remove the plate for viewing, but usually they won’t.
ATA Carnet process for ARRIVALS at SCL – Santiago International Airport
When you step off the plane at Santiago International airport (SCL) —also known as Nuevo Pudahuel, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport or Santiago Airport — you’ll first have to clear the Chile immigrations / passport control. Do check our blog post for specific information around visa and work permit requirements for filming in Chile. The good news is that you won’t need a special visa, or permit. More info here.
After clearing immigration you will then proceed to the baggage reclaim area, and once you’ve collected all of your luggage and equipment from the carousel/ belt, you should present yourself to an airport official and let them know that you are traveling with goods on an ATA Carnet and need to declare it to a Customs [‘Aduana’] official. Most of the airport officials speak some English and recognize when you say ‘ATA Carnet’, and direct you to the Aduana office to begin checking your gear in to Chile.
The officer may perform a quick check of your gear and corresponding serial numbers listed in your Carnet documents, but not always.
You can then proceed into arrivals (but). Once in arrivals, depending on your arrangements with Pudu, our local crew will be ready to greet you and assist you with your baggage to our production vehicles.
ATA Carnet process for DEPARTURES at SCL – Santiago International Airport
If you are traveling with a lot of equipment on an ATA Carnet, we find it’s best to arrive at airport at least four hours before departure in order to have sufficient time to complete the ATA Carnet check-out process prior to the normal check-in procedure for your flight out of Chile.
The Customs/’Aduana’ office where you declare outgoing ATA Carnets at Santiago International Airport (SCL) is located on the Arrivals floor (first floor) of the new international terminal. The office is opposite the elevators adjacent to Exit 5 of the building, (still inside the Arrivals building), and has a sign outside reading ‘Aduana’.
Since Departures is up on the third floor, we recommend arriving at the 1st floor of the airport with your gear in case the Customs officers decide to check your gear prior to departure. There are elevators outside the office you can use to ascend to Departures on the third floor after you have your ATA certificate stamped for departure.
If you have a Pudu crew member assisting you at the airport, we may be able to bypass the gear-check and leave your crew with all luggage and equipment up on the Departures level, while a Pudu producer and member of your crew take the paperwork to the office.
As with any of the info on our blog posts, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
