Procedure for the Importation of Fire-Arms:
It is essential that you have all the necessary documentation before leaving for the airport.
Visitors bringing firearms into South Africa for hunting purposes will be asked to fill in a SAP 250 - Temporary Import Application Form which is available from your outfitter, or which can be downloaded off the SAPS website at www.saps.gov.za, or which can be filled out on arrival. We would suggest filling in the form beforehand to save the processing time at the Police Office.
| USE THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW TO COMPLETE THE FORM: |
| • |
Black ink must be used to fill in the form. |
| • |
Leave the form unsigned until the document is finalized in front of the police official issuing the actual permit. This gives the police official the opportunity of making sure the signature is an original and is yours. |
PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ALL SECTIONS OF THE FORM APPLY.
| ONLY COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS: |
| Section D: |
mark (temporary import or export permit) |
| Section E: |
1 - 25.4 |
| Section G: |
|
| Section I: |
(must fill in all details requested) |
| Section J: |
(remember do not sign until in front of police officer at firearm office) |
ENSURE YOU HAVE WITH YOU THE FOLLOWING NEATLY TOGETHER IN AN ENVELOPE OR FOLDER:
| Passport: |
have a certified copy in your folder |
| Return Airline Ticket: |
if it is issued before you leave home - make a copy |
| Certified Copy: |
of Firearm license. |
| Proof of Ownership and Export: |
For USA CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORM 4457 (officially stamped) - make a copy |
You have to obtain this document a couple of days/weeks prior to your departure by taking your rifle to your local airport or first point of departure - make an appointment or make sure that the person who can help will be there before you drive there.
Invitation letter from Cheetau Safaris
This document is available on our website (INVITATION LETTER). Print this document out, complete all sections and add it to your application.
When you arrive in South Africa
NB: READ BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME AND READ AGAIN BEFORE ARRIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA:
Firearms will be physically inspected to ensure the serial number(s) match those of the licenses (proof of ownership) and the application form. Ammunition will also be inspected.
CLEAR WITH THE AIRLINE BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME:
HOW YOUR AMMUNITION MUST BE PACKED.
| For visitors clearing customs at the Johannesburg International Airport, please take note of the following procedure to be followed on arrival: |
| • |
Clear passport control in the Terminal where your flight arrives (generally SAA and its co-partners at Terminal 2 and all other airlines at Terminal |
| • |
Proceed to baggage claim at the respective carousel. Pick up general baggage, and then proceed to the respective Airline Help Desk to pick up firearm/s from the airline company and sign a receipt for the firearm/s |
| • |
Proceed to the South African Police Firearm Office (Do not at this point proceed to customs) |
| • |
On receipt of the temporary import permit at the SAPS Firearm Office, proceed to Customs, the Red Zone, where you declare the firearm/s and finish other custom clearance procedures. |
FIREARM/AMMUNITION ALLOWANCES AND SPECIFICATIONS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:
| 1. |
No more than one firearm per calibre and 20 0 rounds per firearm will be permitted. No ammunition for other rifle calibres will be permitted. An exception to this may apply for shotguns where more than one of the same calibres may be allowed for bird hunting purposes if the client produces on arrival at the SAPS Gun Office an acceptable written motivation as to why more than one is required. |
| 2. |
Firearms must bear the manufacturers serial number or any other mark by which the firearm can be identified. The identification number must be stamped and the mark affixed in the prescribed manner on the barrel or the frame or the receiver of the firearm. |
| 3. |
Handguns will be allowed into the country, but only for hunting purposes. Any visitor wanting to bring in a handgun in this regard needs to have a letter from an association in the country of origin stating the handgun will be used for hunting purposes. |
| 4. |
Prohibited firearms, which may NOT be imported into South Africa include: |
| |
a. |
Any fully automatic weapon |
| |
b. |
Any semi-automatic weapon |
| |
c. |
Handgun/s for self-defence |
| |
d. |
Weapons which fall under military categories |
General Provisions: READ CAREFULLY:
| • |
Please check with the Airline you are flying with, regarding where/how to pack your ammunition - in your gun case or in your luggage. DO NOT put your ammo in your hand luggage. |
| • |
Whenever the holder of a temporary import permit leaves the Republic of South Africa, the firearm in respect of which the permit is issued must accompany the holder of the permit |
| • |
Applicant must be 21 or over |
| • |
Please ensure that your firearm/s arrive on the same flight as you do. This must be done with the airline company on departure. Your firearm/s may only be signed for by you and will not be released to your outfitter or professional hunter should it/they arrive on a separate flight. |
| • |
Please do not pay for any service regarding the handling of firearms at Johannesburg International Airport, or any port of entry. The issuing of the SAP 520 is a free service and the South African Police Services asks clients not to pay anybody involved in handling firearms from the time of arrival in South Africa right through until you receive your firearm/s and the permit from the SAPS. |
| • |
There is no permit required, nor any charge by the South African Police Service for a bow. Airline and/or security companies for bows and handguns charge handling fees. |
Please note that the SAPS will hold NO firearms for safekeeping. If a client brings in a prohibited firearm, brings in more than what is allowed, or lacks the necessary documentation and his request for a temporary import permit is denied, the involved firearms must be exported immediately by the client or voluntarily surrendered to the Stat |
