Travelling with a
Rifle or Bow
Enhance Your Hunting Experience with Your Own Firearm
Navigating the Process of Travelling with Firearms for a Smooth Safari Adventure
When planning a hunting safari in South Africa, bringing your own firearm can make a world of difference in your overall experience and success.
The familiarity and confidence you have with your own rifle or handgun can greatly impact your hunting trip.
While the process of travelling with firearms may seem overwhelming, we are here to provide you with the necessary documentation and procedures to make the experience as smooth as possible.By bringing your own firearm, you can set yourself up for success on your hunting adventure.
Let us help you navigate the intricacies of travelling with firearms so you can focus on the excitement of the hunt.
What is required…
When considering bringing your own firearms on your hunting trip, you can opt to independently handle all required paperwork or utilise the assistance of a company to facilitate the process of obtaining your temporary firearms importation permit. Both of these options require you to complete a set of documentation, outlined in the table below,
|
|
STEPS |
NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Complete SAPS 520 Application Form |
Detailed instructions below |
| 2 |
Notarised copy of your passport |
Valid for at least 6 months |
| 3 |
Copy of airline tickets to/from South Africa |
|
| 4 |
Proof of Firearm Ownership |
Varies according to Nationality |
| 5 |
Customs Declaration Form 4457 |
Detailed instructions below |
| 6 |
Letter of Invitation from Hunting Outfitter |
Provided by our company |
Instructions…
How to complete the SAPS 520 form
Please ensure that the SAPS 520 form is completed in black ink and remains unsigned until your arrival at the South African Police Firearms Office in OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.
STEP 1: DOWNLOAD THE SAPS 520 FORM
Download the SAPS 520 form HERE
Download an example of a completed SAPS 520 form HERE
Download instructions on how to complete the SAPS 520 form HERE
STEP 2: COMPLETE THE RELEVANT SECTIONS
The date format used within the form is YEAR-MONTH-DAY (YYYY-MM-DD)
| Page | Section | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | D | TYPE OF PERMIT |
| 5 | Check number 5 if you are hunting in South Africa | |
| 4 | Check number 4 if you are travelling through South Africa and hunting in other African countries |
| Page | Section | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | E | PARTICULARS OF APPLICANT |
| E2.1 – E24 | Natural Person’s Details | |
| E25 – E25.4 | Particulars of Applicant’s Spouse/Partner (if applicable) | |
| Complete even if you are travelling alone | ||
| They will need these particulars (spouse/partner/contact) in case of an emergency |
| Page | Section | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | G | IMPORT AND/OR EXPORT DETAILS |
| G1 – G4 | Importation details | |
| G5 | Importation reason – “Hunting safari with Stanley Pieterse Safaris” | |
| G8 – G9.2 | Hunting dates |
| Page | Section | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | I | DETAILS OF FIREARM(S) AND AMMUNITION |
| I 1.1 – I 1.7 | Note: “Barrel Serial Number” – not necessary if barrel is solidly connected to the receiver. Only applicable if the barrel has a different serial number than the receiver’s serial number. | |
| I 2.1 – I 2.2 | Details of ammunition: Specify the details and quantity | |
| IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please ensure that the firearm serial number on the firearm corresponds to the serial number completed on the SAPS 520 form and CBP 4457 customs form. |
||
| Page | Section | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | I | DECLARATION BY PERSON WHO IS LAWFULLY IN POSSESSION OF THE FIREARM |
| I 3 – I 4.4 | Complete these sections | |
| 4.1 | Fill your full name in block letters | |
| 4.2 | Fill in the date at the time the form was signed | |
| 4.3 | You can SIGN the document. But only in this section | |
| 4.4 | Fill in the place at the time the form was signed |
| Page | Section | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | J | SIGNATURE OF THE APPLICANT |
| J 1 | DO NOT COMPLETE/SIGN THESE SECTIONS UNTIL ASKED TO DO SO BY A SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE OFFICER | |
| J 2 | ||
| J 3 | ||
| J 4 | ||
| The only exception to the rule outlined above is when utilising a pre-approved permit service offered by a designated company, in which case completion of sections J1-J4 is mandatory before submitting your documentation via email. | ||
Supplementary documentation
It is imperative that all requisite supplementary materials are furnished alongside the SAPS 520 form to facilitate timely processing and evaluation of your submission.
1. Notarised Copy of your Passport
- Valid for six months after your safari
- This copy will be handed in at the customs office at the airport
2. Copy of Airline Tickets to/from South Africa
3. Proof of Firearm Ownership
For US citizens a custom declaration form 4457 serve as proof of ownership and is obtained at any USA customs office and major airports. For all other hunters, firearm license(s), an official export permit or letter from local government will be accepted. Use whatever is applicable to your country.
4. Customs Declaration Form 4457
- Prior to your departure, it is essential to visit the local Customs Office, typically found at all International airports, to complete, sign, and have a customs form officially stamped. This process is quick and simple, yet crucial before boarding your flight. It is advisable to confirm the availability of an office at your departure airport before your flight, or to visit your local customs office as an alternative. US citizens can utilize the customs declaration form 4457 as proof of ownership.
- Ensure to make copies of your US 4457 form to have on hand upon your return.
- The purpose of obtaining a customs form is to demonstrate to customs officials upon your return to your home country that you possessed the firearms prior to departure and are bringing back the same firearms taken out of the country.
- Remember to sign the form at the customs office and verify that the expiration date in the right-hand corner has not expired.
- You can download the US 4457 form by clicking on the link provided HERE.
5. Letter of Invitation from Hunting Outfitter
The invitation letter will include the following information: the company’s name and details, the name of the outfitter with their outfitter registration number, the professional hunter’s registration number, as well as the addresses and contact numbers in South Africa where the applicant will be staying/hunting during the safari. Additionally, confirmation will be provided that the applicant will be using the specified firearms. This information is crucial for obtaining the Temporary Import Permit and may also be required if the police need to communicate with the applicant for any reason.