RIFLE IMPORTATTION PROCESS

The importation of your rifle is a simple process which we will assist you with.

We will complete all paperwork for you. Please ensure that you have with you a copy of your passport and 4457 and that you have sent us the information below so we can pre apply for your rifle import permit.

Usually you would have to fill in the SAP 520 form but we simplify it for you by completing it for your and applying for your rifle permit for you before you arrive thereby also minimizing the time you have to wait at the airport for the rifle permit.

This is a service usually provided by companies like VIP or Hunters Assist at a fee but we do not charge for this service

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU READ THE GENERAL PROVISIONS BELOW

REGARDING PROHIBITED FIREARMS, AMMOUNT OF AMMUNTION, ECT.

Send us the following information by e-mail to

hunting@somerbysafaris.co.za or fax it to 011 27 86 6911727

We need:

A copy of your passport

A copy of your flight itinerary

A copy of your 4457 Customs Declaration form

And the following info:

Full Names

Date of Birth

Address

Contact Details

Occupation

Employment address

Passport number

Expiry Date of Passport

Rifle Particulars:

Type (rifle/handgun/shotgun)

Caliber

Make

Model

Serial number

No of rounds for each Rifle

WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA:

PROCEED THROUGH PASSPORT CONTROL, CLAIM YOUR GENRAL LUGGAGE AT THE CAROSEL. LOOK FOR THE FIREAMRS REPRESENTATIVE – HE WILL BE STANDING WITH ALL THE RIFLES – SIGN FOR YOUR RIFLE TO BE RELEASE TO THE POLICE AND EXIT THROUGH THE DOORS WHERE YOU WILL BE MET BY SOMERBY SAFARIS. WE WILL THEN TAKE YOU TO THE POLICE OFFICE WHERE WE HAVE ALLREADY GIVEN THEM YOUR RIFLE PAPERWORK. YOU WILL SIGH THE SAP520 AND WAIT FOR THE RIFLE TO BE RELEASED.

WE WILL THEN TRAVEL TO THE LODGE ABOUT 30 MINUTES FROM THE AIRPORT WHERE WE WILL SPEND THE NIGHT AND TRAVEL TO THE HUNTING AREA EARLY THE NEXT MORNING.

Please note that no documentation is required for a bow, please contact Drom for arrow, broadhead and equipment specifications.

Firearm / Ammunition Allowances and Specifications PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

1.No more than one firearm per caliber and 200 rounds per firearm will be permitted. No ammunition for other rifle calibers will be permitted.

In total 11 pounds of ammunition is allowed per hunter.

Usually 40 – 60 rounds per rifle is sufficient.

An exception to this may apply for shotguns where more than one of the same calibers 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 manufacturer's 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, includes:

a. Any fully automatic weapon
b. Any semi-automatic weapon
c. Handgun/s for self-defence
d. Weapons which fall under military categories

5. Bows and black powder guns are also permitted for import- please contacts us for more info on this matter.

General Provisions: READ CAREFULLY

· Please check with the Airline you are flying 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 Service 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 State.

Click on the following links to print the documents: - we will complete them for you – this is just if you want to complete it yourself too.

Import instructions
Sap 520
Invitation letter