JOBSWORTH French officials are fining Brits for taking CAMERAS on holiday with them.
Heavy-handed border staff in France are blaming Brexit for new rules which mean any equipment which could be used ‘commercially’ needs a declaration form.
It means officers are hitting photography enthusiasts with more expensive cameras with fines and confiscations – when they just want to enjoy taking snaps abroad.
One senior officer even warned Brits need to start treating trips to France like visits to the US – and research the rules EVERY TIME they want to travel there.
An official told The Sun: “It doesn’t matter if you are a tourist or not.
“It is all about the equipment. If you have a big or expensive camera then it is considered ‘commercial equipment’.
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“We are giving people fines – we are confiscating their equipment. Those are the rules since Brexit.”
Another border guard said: “Britain is not in Europe anymore – you need to get used to that.
“It is like travelling to America now. You need to check all the rules before you leave.
“We are very strict on people coming in from the outside and it is your responsibility to know all the conditions.”
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The cameras are seeing holidaymakers routinely quizzed at airport and train safety scanners following a clamp-down on bonkers import rules.
One Eurostar passenger blasted: “It’s completely ridiculous, stopping people just because they have cameras in their bags.
“You can understand the huge TV cameras on all that sort of equipment.
“But how many of us go on holiday with a laptop and a camera? That’s the whole reason some people go away – to indulge their photography passion.
“It all just feels political, like the’ve got the power so they want to use it. It just needs some common sense.
“They want to make us feel like outsiders.”
Under new Brexit rules, passengers are expected to fill out C88 customs forms – and get permission to “import” or “export” any equipment
In practise the decision is down to the discretion of border guards – who can decide an amateur’s camera and laptop constitute ‘commercial equipment’.
They have the power to fine passengers, confiscate equipment or deny entry into France.
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Brits who object are warned they can “be detained” meaning they will miss booked transport
A FCDO spokesman directed us to France travel guidance – which states rules and regulations SHOULD be checked before entry.
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