Nicaragua restricts travelers from entering photographic and video cameras

The government of Nicaragua restricted the entry into the country by travelers of photographic and video cameras, as well as lenses, lights and accessories for recording images and sound, according to a Customs circular known this Wednesday.

“The entry into the national territory of photographic or cinematographic cameras, television, digital or camcorders is restricted under the traveling regime”, indicates the circular of the General Directorate of Customs (DGA), dated January 16.

Opposition media considered that the measure seeks to accentuate political control by the government of Daniel Ortega and prevent the work of journalists and documentalists who visit the country.

Last October, the National Assembly approved a law that stipulates that the National Cinematheque will have to approve all film production, even from the pre-production phase.

“The traveler must obtain, prior to entering the national territory, an ‘Aval’ from the National Cinematheque, which will be presented to the customs authority,” indicates the circular published on the DGA website (www.dga.gob.ni ).

It adds that “the customs authority will proceed to register the entry of this type of merchandise in the regime of temporary imports with re-export in the same state of the customs computer system.”

“At the time of entering the country, the traveler can only introduce a photographic device and a long-sighted glass as part of his luggage. Amounts greater than those allowed will be subject to compliance with the applicable tax obligations”, indicates the circular.

In the same circular, the DGA said that the entry of night vision binoculars is prohibited because in Nicaragua they are for the exclusive use of the army and the police. (YO)