Hunters bringing firearms into South Africa must comply with the country’s import/export regulations. Temporary firearm permits can be issued on arrival at Johannesburg (OR Tambo) or Cape Town International Airport, or you can apply in advance to streamline the process. To assist with your application, here are the key documents and steps you’ll need: Required Documents: •SAP 520 Form – South African Police Service application for temporary import/export of firearms. This can be completed ahead of time and presented upon arrival. •U.S. Customs Form 4457 – Proof of ownership for firearms and other valuable equipment (for U.S. citizens). •Letter of Invitation – A formal invitation from Egerton, required to complete your SAPS 520 application. Important Tips: •Use a reputable firearm clearing agent to help facilitate smooth processing. •Firearms and ammunition must be transported in separate, locked containers. •Ensure all firearms are zeroed before travel. •Always declare your firearm at check-in and arrival points. Firearm Rules & Regulations When traveling to South Africa for your hunting safari, there are specific rules regarding firearms: •Maximum of 4 Firearms per Hunter: You may bring up to four firearms, but not more than one firearm of the same caliber. •Ensure each firearm is declared and properly documented for import/export purposes. Domestic Flights – Traveling with Firearms When flying domestically within South Africa with firearms, it's important to note the following: •Permitted Airlines: Only FlySafair and SA Airlink allow the transport of firearms. Make sure your flight is specifically operated by one of these carriers; shared carriers will not permit firearms. •Baggage Charges: No extra baggage charge is applied for a rifle or ammunition case. However, the ammunition case must not exceed 5kg (11lbs). •Prior Approval: Rifles and shotguns are not allowed as checked baggage unless approved 3 working days prior to departure. Contact Airlink Reservations Control at +27 11 451 7350 for approval. •Rifle Registration: Your rifle must be registered and noted on your ticket at the time of purchase. •Packing Requirements: Firearms must be unloaded, with the safety catch on, and packed securely in accordance with all required documentation for departure, destination, and stopovers. •Ammunition: Only ammunition that corresponds with your firearms can be transported. •Age Restriction: Passengers under 21 years of age are not permitted to bring a firearm into South Africa or apply for a temporary import permit. •Marking Requirements: The barrel, frame, or action of each firearm must be marked with the same serial number. •Special Firearm Types: Semi-automatic shotguns used for bird hunting or custom-made handguns can be brought into South Africa for hunting purposes only. Self-defense firearms are strictly prohibited. •Transit Permits: If you are transiting through South Africa to a third country and need to overnight in South Africa, you will require a temporary import permit. The same requirements apply as for a standard temporary import permit. By adhering to these regulations, you’ll ensure a smooth and compliant travel experience with your firearms. Ammunition Rules & Regulations for Traveling to South Africa When bringing ammunition into South Africa—whether internationally or regionally within the country—there are specific rules you must follow to ensure compliance: •Ammunition Packaging: All ammunition must be packed separately in a locked hard metal or plastic ammunition case. •Flight Restrictions: Ammunition is not allowed in the checked baggage of an aircraft’s cabin. It must be packed separately from the firearm case and cannot be included in the checked baggage to your final destination. •Weight & Quantity Limits: oYou are allowed a maximum of 200 rounds per firearm/caliber. oMost airlines impose a weight limit of 5kg (11lbs) for ammunition. oFor example, this typically amounts to approximately 140 rounds of .243 caliber or 120 rounds of .375 caliber. •Carriers: These rules apply to flights arriving or departing from South Africa and domestic flights within the country, including flights on SA Airlink and FlySafair. Recommended Support: •It is recommended to use Air 2000 or Hunters Support (for a minimal fee) to assist with firearm import/export documentation. oEmail: air2000@global.co.za oPhone (South African Business Hours): +27 (0) 11 659 2649 •Application Timing: Ensure you contact them 4-6 weeks prior to your arrival in South Africa to allow sufficient time for the processing of your application. Handling Your Own Custom Clearing Application – Required Documents If you choose to handle your own customs clearing for firearms and ammunition upon arrival in South Africa, the following documents are required to ensure a smooth process: Required Documents: 1.Egerton Letter of Invitation – A formal letter of invitation from Egerton to facilitate the import process. 2.Completed SAPS 520 Form – This form is necessary for temporary firearm import/export permits. Ensure you complete two copies: one for Customs in Johannesburg and a spare copy for your records. 3.Notarized Copy of Your Passport – A certified copy of your passport to verify your identity and travel details. 4.Notarized Copy of U.S. Customs Form 4457 – A certified copy of this form or your Rifle License, which serves as proof of ownership for your firearms. 5.Hard Copy of Your Flight Itinerary – A printed itinerary for your flight into South Africa, which must match the details provided on your firearm import documents. Helpful Tips: •Make sure to keep a spare copy of all documents in case you need to reference them during your travels. •You can also choose to work with a firearm clearing agent to assist with the paperwork and ensure everything is processed correctly Bow Hunters – What You Need to know For bow hunters traveling to South Africa, there are some key differences compared to firearm regulations: •No Temporary Import Permit Required: Unlike firearms, bow hunters do not need a temporary import permit for their bows when entering South Africa. •USA Customs Declaration (Form 4457): However, bow hunters must complete the U.S. Customs Form 4457 as proof of ownership for their bows, which is required when re-entering the United States after traveling abroad. Ensure that your bow is properly packed and ready for inspection, but you can travel without the additional paperwork required for firearms. Here’s a clear and reassuring version of your Health Information for travelers visiting South Africa: