Temporary Importation of Firearms

Complete the temporary firearm import permit application (SAP520) in advance if possible and bring it with you.NB! It is important to note that the form must be completed in black ink and must remain unsigned until the document is finalized.  You can apply for the permit yourself or have an agent apply for the pre approved import permit, which we suggest.

If you decide to do it yourself you can obtain the relevant information and necessary document from the following website: http://www.professionalhunters.co.za/ .  Go to General hunting information and look under SA fire arm importation procedures and suggestions.

We recommend the following rifle import agencies.

1. Africa Hunters Permits - email - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2. Air 2000 Hunters Support servece - http://www.hunterssupport.com/

Please do not hesitate to contact us if any of the information provided below is not clear or if you have any questions.

If you wish not to travel with your own firearms, you are welcome to make use of one of our rifles please contact me for further arrangements.

You will need

Valid passport
Return Airline ticket
Letter of Invitation from your Hunting Outfitter(s)
Proof of Ownership (CBP Form 4457- Certificate of Registration for personal effects take abroad)
Proof of export from country of origin(CBP Form 4457- Certificate of Registration for personal effects take abroad)
Letter of Motivation ( A letter written by yourself to motivate why you wish to import rifles)

Important information:

The following firearms and ammunition will not be allowed to enter South Africa:
• Any automatic or semi-automatic firearms,
• More than one firearm per caliber per person,
• More than 200 rounds of ammunition per person per firearm,
• Any pistol or revolver. (Unless specified for hunting)

Reasons why your application will not be approved:
• If you have any of the above mentioned firearms and/or ammunition,
• If any of the supporting documents as required cannot be produced,
• If you are less than 21 years of age,

Your application for a temporary import permit will be refused and your firearms and ammunition will be confiscated and will only be handed back to you when you depart back to your country of residence.

Please take note that only the Central Firearm Registrar in Pretoria, South Africa can authorize special applications for the above restrictions. These applications have to be made in advance and must reach them not later than 3 (three) weeks before arrival. You will need a special motivation letter for this. Please contact the PHASA office for more info and assistance.

On arrival at the Johannesburg International Airport: (This does not apply for passengers in-transit)

a. Disembark from aircraft and clear passport control in whichever Terminal the flight arrives. (Generally, SAA and its co-partners at Terminal 2, and all other airlines in Terminal 1).

b. Proceed to baggage claim at the respective carousel. Pick up general baggage. Your firearms will be delivered directly to the SAPS firearms office.

c. For visitors with firearms arriving at Terminal 2:
Proceed to the SAPS Firearms Office. Look for office signage. Location of the SAPS Firearms Office – in Terminal 2 – in front of the Post Office.
For visitors with firearms arriving at Terminal 1:
Proceed to the firearm office that is situated in Terminal 2 in front of the Post Office.

d. On arrival at the SAPS Firearm Office collect your issued temporary import permit at the PHASA desk or have the necessary documentation available for inspection.

e. Your firearms and ammunition will be physically inspected to ensure the serial numbers match those of the licenses and the application forms. You will then be asked to wait while your application is being processed – if you are not in the possession of an already issued temporary importation permit.

f. When your application has been processed and your permit has been issued you will have to sign for the permit. If you are connecting to other flights, please make sure that you allow ample time for this process (at least 3 hours).

REMEMBER THE ISSUING OF THE TEMPORARY IMPORT PERMITS AT THE PORT OF ENTRY IS FREE OF CHARGE. DO NOT TIP OR PAY ANY SAPS OFFICER FOR THIS SERVICE. YOU SHOULD KEEP THE PERMIT WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES WHILE IN SOUTH AFRICA. AND WHEN THE FIRE ARMS ARE IN YOUR POSSESSION.