Legalization, Licenses, Permits, Documents

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US Customs Form 4457

Temporary Firearm Import Permits

Please read through the following requirements and information and do not hesitate to contact us. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For instructions in German, please click: 1229324927.doc
For instructions in Spanish, please click: 1229324812.doc
For instructions in French, please click: 1229324835.doc

Requirements

1. Form SAP520 (Please download from this site: 1217586452.pdf or request it from the office)
Fill in the following sections in black ink only:

Complete page 2 – E 2.1 to E 25.4 – Natural person’s details
Complete page 4 – G 1 to G 5 & G 8 to G 9.2 – Import/Export details
Complete page 5 – I 1.1 to I 5 – Details of firearms etc.
Complete page 6 – J – Signature of applicant

Please note: The date format is: year/month/day
Page 6: Date – when signing the form. Place - where signing

{Page 8 Section N only gets completed if you want PHASA to fill in the SAP520 on your behalf; Written permission from the hunter should accompany the rest of the documents}

2. Notarized copy of passport (photo & signature page)

3. Notarized copy of Proof of ownership of your firearm(s) in the form of:

» US Custom Form 4457 (contact your nearest airport for this), or

» Copy of your firearm License or Certificate, or

» Firearms Possession Licence (Waffenbesitzkarte), or

» European Firearms Pass (Eoropaeischer Feuerwaffenpass), or

» A letter from your local sheriff in the form of an affidavit confirming ownership, or

» Invoice from a gun shop where you have purchased the firearm

{Please use whichever is applicable to your country}\

4. Proof of export from country of origin in the form of: US Custom Form 4457, or Copy of firearm certificates (for UK hunters), or Waffenbesitzkarte, or Eoropaeischer Feuerwaffenpass

{Please note that some of the above forms are used for proof of ownership and export where the country of origin do not have an export form}

5. Copy of itinerary or airline tickets

6. Invitation letter from your Hunting Outfitter (with the following detail):

» Letter to be on Outfitter’s official letterhead

» Name of person being invited

» Duration of the hunter’s stay

» Registered Outfitter Number

» Registered PH Number

» The physical address(s) and telephone number(s) of the farm(s) where the hunt(s) will take place

» Type of animals being hunted e.g. big game, bird shooting etc.

» The recommended calibres required for hunt(s)

» State that firearms will only be used for hunting purposes on mentioned properties

» Date and signature of Outfitter

Postal services can be used (Global Priority Mail from the USA), but be advised that this service can take between 10 and 21 days to reach South Africa.

Basic Regulations and Restrictions for the issuing of a Temporary Import Permits

» Maximum of four (4) firearms or shotguns, not more than one of the same caliber or gauge.

»Only 200 rounds for each permitted firearm or shotgun will be allowed.

» No ammunition for other firearms (not accompanying you) is permitted.

» 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, the frame or the receiver of the firearm.

Special applications:

»Handguns will be allowed into the country, but only for hunting purposes. You will need:

1. A letter of invitation from the outfitter stating the handgun will be used for hunting purposes only;
2. A motivational letter from you stating that you will be using the handgun for hunting purposes and any other relevant motivation.

» For Semi-Automatic shotguns, you must supply a letter of motivation stating the reason for wanting to bring it into the country.

» Any person under the age of 21 that whishes to apply for a temporary import permit, has to include a motivational letter with the application proving that he/she is a capable hunter. Any additional motivational letters from 3rd parties will help with the application.

Important:

» Ensure that your firearms arrive on the same flight as you do. This must be done with the airline company on departure.

» Contact your airline company for their regulations on the number of firearms allowed and packing of ammunition. Certain airlines require the ammo to be packed in a separate locked container.

» Your firearm/s may only be signed for by you and will not be released to your outfitter or professional hunter should it arrive on a separate flight. In this case, the firearm/s will be held by the SAPS until such time as you claim ownership in person.

» The temporary import permit serves as your firearm license in South Africa and enables you to buy ammunition in South Africa for the calibers noted on the permit.

» At all times while you are in possession of your firearms, you must have the temporary import permit on your person.

» When you are not using your firearm, it must be locked in a safe.

» In-Transit Permits are required for any person spending the night in South Africa while in-transit to a third country. The same pre-requisites apply as to obtain the normal Temporary Import permit.

» Check with your airline company on departure that your luggage and firearm(s) will be checked through to your final destination, when you are connecting to a third country on the same day.

» Should a firearm not be declared on arrival and a temporary import permit not issued, you will face severe penalties and possible arrest if detected.

Arriving at OR Tambo (Johannesburg) Airport:

» Go through passport control

» Go to the Import/Export Office. Next to it is an area marked: “Firearms and Security Items”.

» Go there to identify your rifle case and sign for it, if required.

» Collect your normal luggage at the appropriate conveyer belt.

» Proceed on the GREEN line through customs.

» For passengers arriving in Terminal a1 or A2, please exit the arrivals hall and turn right. Look out for the SAP office.

» Your firearm(s) and ammo will be checked against your pre-issued temporary import permit after which you will be free to leave.

» Please note that the procedure regarding your firearm at customs depends on the airline used. The speed in which your permit will be handled, depends upon the speed in which the rifle case is handled before arriving at the SA Police Office. Please be patient when waiting for your rifle case.

We recommend that there is at least 3 hours between landing and your connecting flight

We wish you an unforgettable and very successful hunting safari to South Africa.

SAA CARRIAGE OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

Domestic (within and from the Republic of South Africa)

Departure (Inclusive of International departures)
Firearms may NOT be packed inside checked luggage and must therefore be packed in an appropriate lockable firearm container or case, separate from checked luggage.

Ammunition must be separated from weapons and may be packed within checked luggage, but must be properly secured in an ammunition case or solid box. No ammunition may be packed loosely in checked baggage or within the same case as firearms.

All luggage, domestic and international, is now being screened in South African airports. Screeners are finding ammunition in checked bags that is incorrectly packed and are forcing passengers to remove it from their bags, which is causing all kinds of havoc.

All ammunition must now be packed and transported in a lockable ammo box placed within your checked luggage. A manufacturer's carton is no longer sufficient. Remember that there is also a limit of five kilograms of ammo per passenger. That includes the weight of your ammo box. And don't forget to declare your ammo at check-in.

We strongly recommend that ammunition be packed in lockable cases, which can be handed in as loose items at the firearm counters to avoid possible delays during checked baggage screening.

All firearms and ammunition must be declared to the airline check-in agent at the time of check-in. Undeclared firearms and ammunition within checked luggage will result in such baggage being rejected during mandatory checked baggage screening, and will result in the passenger being required to open such baggage for further inspection and safe handling, or the confiscation of such items for further processing and forwarding on a subsequent flight.

Check-in agents will issue the relevant baggage tags and will then direct firearm owners to the appropriate firearm desk for inspection and processing of firearms and ammunition for secure handling to the aircraft.

During the acceptance process at the appropriate firearm desk, the following will be conducted:

» The owner of the firearm will be required to produce a valid license or temporary import permit for the firearm(s) and ammunition.

» The owner of the firearm(s) will be required to make and declare the firearm(s) safe and unloaded for carriage.

» Security staff will request the firearm owner to open his/her checked luggage to verify that ammunition is securely packed and that the total weight of ammunition per license holder does not exceed 5kg’s in weight.

» The owner of the firearm will be required to complete a firearm register for handover to security staff, who will ensure the secure loading of such items.

» The staff at the firearm desk will send a pre-advise notification message to the receiving station, advising them of details and loading positions of firearms.

» Checked baggage containing ammunition will be affixed with a special tag, indicating that such bag was already subjected to inspection, to avoid screening authorities from delaying or confiscating such bag for further security controls.

Handguns (Pistols, revolvers, etc)
A R100 handling fee is raised for the carriage of handguns. Payment will only be accepted in the form of credit cards or cash at the firearm desk or allocated firearms acceptance area. These firearms will be processed at the firearm desk for safe carriage in the hold of the aircraft. There will be no charge for handguns carried with hunting equipment if packed in the same case as hunting rifles.

Rifles (in gun case / rifle bags)
Rifles must be processed via the firearm desk for safe carriage and may form part of your free baggage allowance. Thereafter the excess baggage allowance will be raised as applicable

Ammunition
A maximum of 5kg securely boxed ammunition per passenger will be permitted for carriage either as a separate piece of baggage or within checked baggage in the hold of the aircraft. Screening authorities may however delay baggage containing ammunition, if such ammunition was not declared at check-in and is therefore not marked with an appropriate tag indicating that such ammunition was already security inspected.

Arrival
Upon arrival, passengers are required to proceed to the allocated firearm desk to collect firearms. Checked baggage containing ammunition may be collected at the normal airport baggage carousel. Ammunition handed in separately may be collected at the firearm desk.

International (All SAA flights departing from outside the Republic of South Africa, arriving in South Africa)

Standard legislation pertaining to the carriage of weapons and ammunition for each destination will apply. It is therefore the traveller’s responsibility to verify and ensure compliance with local laws on the possession and carriage of weapons.

Departures
Passengers should not pack any firearms within checked baggage. Firearms must be packed in suitable lockable firearm cases or bags.

Where possible, declare firearms and request the airline to place a firearm identification tag on such items, as this will assist in the correct loading and delivery handling on SAA flights arriving in South Africa.

Where passengers originate their journey on South African Airways, we request that you declare the firearms and any checked baggage containing ammunition to check-in staff for appropriate handling and labelling.

Ammunition may be carried within checked luggage, provided that it is securely packed in a lockable or secure container, and that the total weight does not exceed 5kg’s of ammunition per passenger carrying a firearm. (In general, most airlines allow the carriage of ammunition in terms of the dictums of ICAO Dangerous Goods Standards and associated airline processes followed in terms of IATA requirements/guidance).

DO NOT pack ammunition loosely in checked baggage.

Arrivals
Upon arrival in South Africa, all declared or identified firearms may be collected directly from the firearm office just after immigration. Any firearms either not declared upon departure, or not identified by an appropriate label will be delivered to the normal baggage carousal for collection.
After collection of checked baggage containing ammunition, you are required to proceed to the SA Police Firearm Office, where all necessary import permits and other documentation will be finalised.

Transporting Firearms And Ammunition

Note: American Airlines does not accept firearms in checked baggage to/from the United Kingdom (except for military/government personnel with proper documentation).

The information shown below pertains to travel within the United States only (unless stated otherwise). For information on the transportation of firearms and ammunition to international destinations, please contact Reservations.

General Information

•	Firearms and ammunition are accepted as checked baggage only.
•	Firearms will only be accepted if unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided container only (for example - rifle case. TSA approved locks are now accepted).
•	Ammunition in its original packaging from the manufacturer is preferred, however it will be accepted in fiber, wood or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Loose ammunition or clips will not be accepted.
•	Firearms may not be checked curbside.
•	No one under 18 years of age may check a firearm.
•	Pellet and BB guns are not considered firearms, and therefore, do not require any special handling or documentation.
Allowance
•	Maximum per case is three rifles/shotguns or five pistols/revolvers, ammunition, shooting mat, noise suppressors, and tools. There is no limit on the amount of cases allowed.
•	Ammunition is limited to 11 lbs./5 kgs. per passenger.
•	Charges may apply based on the number of checked bags in addition to oversize/overweight charges. Visit the Baggage Allowance page for more information.

Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed
All Law Enforcement Offices (LEOs) flying armed are required to check in with an American Airlines airport agent. State, local, and territorial LEOs flying armed must submit a National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) message during airport check-in to the American Airlines airport agent. The NLETS message sent by the employing agency replaces the original letter of authority, signed by the chief or agency head, required under 49 CFR 1544.219. Once the NLETS message is received by TSA, a return NLETS message will be sent to the employing agency with an eight-character unique alphanumeric Identifier for verification at the airport on the day of travel. The current procedures for federal LEOs flying armed remains unchanged.

SA Airlink Carriage of Firearms

From 1 November 2007, hunting rifles and shotguns will be transported to and from the following destinations only:

• OR Tambo International, Johannesburg
• Cape Town
• Durban
• Port Elizabeth
• East London
• Bloemfontein
• Polokwane
• Phalaborwa
• Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, Nelspruit
• Upington
• Kimberley
• Margate
• All regional airports (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Madagascar)

Unfortunately, we are prohibited from transporting fire-arms to the following destinations:

• Mafikeng
• Mthatha
• Pietermaritzburg
• George

If you wish to carry Rifles and shotguns as checked baggage it is your responsibility to inform yourself of, and ensure that you have obtained, all required clearances from the government authorities of the country of departure and the country of destination before commencing your carriage.
Airlink is an accredited firearm and ammunition transporter in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 0f 2000). In terms of this Act, all firearms loaded on an Airlink aircraft or taken off an Airlink Aircraft must be conducted by service providers and or third parties that are in possession of a competency certificate issued by the South African Police Service in accordance with the mentioned Firearms Control Act.
Certain Airports and service providers conform to the standards required by the Firearms Control Act however, there are several other Airports and service providers that are unable to accept/handle firearms.
Where possible, agreements were entered into with service providers and private individuals associated with the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA), to load/unload firearms at a fixed cost. Take note of the following agreements:
1. Upington – Enlightened Security will charge R200 to load your firearm and or ammunition onto the aircraft. No cost for offloading.
2. Kimberley – Private individual will charge R200 to load and R200 to offload firearms and/or ammunition.
The South African Police Service may have a presence at some airports, but for various reasons these members may not handle passenger’s firearms to or from the aircraft.

Sporting Equipment

Sportsmen or women travelling individually or in groups will be permitted to include their sporting equipment in the free baggage allowance applicable to the class in which they will travel. The airline will not accept liability for damage to such articles if they are not suitably packed. Sporting equipment in excess of the applicable free baggage allowance will be charged in accordance with the current baggage policy.

Sporting equipment can be classified as follows:

- Scuba diving equipment. Diving cylinders must be empty and hung upside down with the valve open for 24 hours prior to departure.
- Hiking equipment.
- Hunting equipment / trophies.
- Golfing equipment. (Restricted to 1 Golf Bag per passenger on SAX Flights not weighing more than 15 kg).
- Bicycle. (Restricted to …. Bicycles on SAX Flights)

Angling equipment. Must be packed in protective cylinders not exceeding 2m in length

The following are SA Express destinations:
Domestic:
Firearms may be transported to & from airports with * (no handguns accepted)
Bloemfontein*
Cape Town*
Durban* only Sundays
East London
George (don't accept firearms to & from George)
Hoedspruit*
OR Thambo International*
Kimberley*
Mpumalanga Kruger *
Port Elizabeth*
Richards Bay*

INTERNATIONAL HUNTING AND US CUSTOMS FORM 4457

What U.S. Hunters need to know before that International Hunting Trip of a lifetime! This knowledge could save your gear from confiscation or costly import duty.

The last thing anyone who travels internationally to hunt, including Canada and Mexico, is more delays or problems at the airport. If you book your hunting trip direct with the foreign outfitter, you are usually on your own to find out what paperwork is needed for TSA, The Department of Homeland Security, US Customs and Border protection, Foreign Customs, ect.

One of the most important forms the International Hunter will need is the US Customs and Border Control Form 4457. This is a small form (5.5"x4.24") is proof that the equipment listed on the form was purchased and owned in the United States. The significance of this document is to keep U.S. Customs and Border Protection from thinking you may have bought the items abroad and thus charging you U.S. Duty (Tax) upon reentry into the United States. If you are the hunter and will be carrying a firearm or firearms, the form will also tell the US Customs and Border Patrol agent that the firearms listed on the Form 4457 have been checked thru the U.S. Stolen Firearms database and the firearm is in a "legal" status.

WHAT INFORMATION GOES ON A US CUSTOMS AND BORDER CONTROL FORM 4457?

You will want to put all items of value on your US Customs and Border Control Form 4457. Most important are items with serial numbers. Most international hunting travels list their firearms, scopes, rangefinders, binoculars, spotting scopes, etc. Also consider listing any electronic equipment such as laptop computers, iPods, etc. If you are traveling with expensive jewelry or watches, they should be listed as well.

Other information on the US Customs and Border Control Form 4457 is your full name, address, port, date of issuance, your signature and the signature of the US Customs Agent. Remember, your 4457 isn't valid until you sign it. Make several copies of this form and carry the original with your passport. It's a good idea to keep a copy in your gun case. Always keep a copy of your passport in your gun case should you lose your original.

HOW TO GET A US CUSTOMS AND BORDER CONTROL FORM 4457 FILLED OUT?

Go to a Customs Officer. You can usually find their office at any International Airport. Some larger cities will have an office downtown you can go to. You need to make an appointment and physically take all of your articles to the airport or US Customs office so the officer can log them into the form.

The US Customers Officer there will run your firearms thru the U.S. Stolen Firearms database and do a quick background check to make sure you are legally allowed to travel outside the United States.

When you receive it, sign the form immediately and make your copies. This is one of several steps you can do to reduce stress and potential financial loss on your next International Hunting trip. Your US Form 4457 is good for life. Keep if in a safe place.

ZIMBABWE & EU COUNTRIES

You need to know the following should you fly with SAA, rumors that SAA is refusing to take firearms to Zimbabwe are false. The situation is that all airlines flying from a port in the European Union (EU) are blocked from taking any firearms to Zimbabwe. That's because of a firearms embargo implemented by the EU several years ago

The United Kingdom was the first to enforce the EU embargo when it was first passed. In 2008 The Netherlands was enforcing it and now Germany encountered the embargo. Apparently, Switzerland, although not a member of the EU, is now enforcing the embargo as well. What all this boils down to is that SAA is unable to check firearms all the way through to Zimbabwe when flying from the EU. However, they can check your guns through to South Africa from where they can take them on to Zimbabwe.

For several years now, The Hunting Report has advised subscribers on their way to Zim through the UK that they need to break their travel itinerary into two parts in order to circumvent this embargo. The first ticket must show South Africa as a final destination. A second and separate ticket should be issued for your flight from South Africa to Zimbabwe. This same advice applies to all flights from any country in the European Union.

Of course, not checking your bags all the way through to Zimbabwe means you will have to claim them in South Africa and check in for your connecting flight to Zimbabwe. This will require going through the temporary gun import process in South Africa, which can take some time. Be sure you schedule at least two to three hours between your flights.

TANZANIA

Firearms Regulations

The Tanzania government permits each hunting client to import a maximum of three firearms. 200 rounds of ammunition per firearm are allowed. The minimum calibre for dangerous game permitted by law is .375. The minimum calibre for non-dangerous game is .240. Automatic and semi-automatic rifles or shotguns, and all handguns are prohibited.

We request clients to supply us with full and accurate details concerning their firearms, such as serial numbers, calibre, make and exact quantities of ammunition you intend to bring so that we may obtain permits well in advance of your arrival.