Hunting Permits Need to Know

Should a firearm not be declared and a temporary import permit not issued, and you proceed through customs without declaring a firearm, you will face severe penalties and possible arrest on departure from South Africa.

Also, please ensure that your firearms 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 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 calibres 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 the firearms, it must be locked in a safe.

Please be advised to submit your firearms and ammunition in two separate lockable cases, but NOT in checked baggage, on check in to and from the RSA

4. On arrival at the OR Thambo 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 Immigration. Once you have cleared immigration, you have to collect your luggage. You do not get your firearm(s) here, but have to SIGN for your firearm(s) with the SAPS.

c. Clear CUSTOMS and into the meeting area.

d. 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.

e. On arrival at the SAPS Firearm Office collect your issued temporary import permit at the PHASA desk or have the necessary documentation (refer to number 3 (a) – (f)) available for inspection.

f. 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.

g. 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).

or

h. The actual firearms and ammunition will be physically inspected to verify details against the already issued temporary importation permit and those of the licenses. 

i. Once this is established you are free to leave with your weapons.

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.

5. Domestic flight connections at OR Thambo International Airport:
(Bermart Consulting recommends a minimum of 3 hours connection times between flights)

a. Exit the international terminal building;
b. Turn left.  The domestic terminal is +- 500 meters away on the left-hand side;
c. At the domestic terminal, go to the second floor – domestic departures.  Check in for your domestic flight;
d. Your rifle case will be tagged and you will be required to take it to the airline security desk that is situated just before the security checkpoint;
e. The airline security will check the serial number on your firearms and your temporary import permit.

f. Keep your import permit in your possession;
g. Your firearm will be placed on the aircraft by the airline security;
h. Collect your firearm from the airline security desk at your domestic destination.

6. International flight connections at OR Thambo International Airport:

If you have an international connecting flight you will have to do the following:

a. Use the elevator to go to the international departure hall;
b. Check in for your international flight;
c. Your rifle case will be tagged and you will be required to take it to the airline security desk that is situated just before the security checkpoint;
d. The airline security will check the serial no. of your firearms and your temporary import permit.
e. Your firearm will be placed on the aircraft by the airline security.

7. Other ports of entry:

For those clearing customs at any of the other international ports of entry, please take note of the relevant suggestions made above which relate to documentation, requirements, etc.

8. On your final departure from South Africa:

On your final departure you will have to do the following:

a. Check in for your international flight;
b. Your rifle case will be tagged and you will be required to take it to the airline security desk that is situated just before the security checkpoint;
 
On your final departure from South Africa the temporary import permit must be handed back when you check in your rifle case.

The airline security will check the serial no. of your firearms and your import permit.

THIS SERVICE IS FREE OF CHARGE. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY ANY AIRLINE OR SECURITY PERSONNEL FOR THIS SERVICE.
In-Transit Passengers (Transiting in South Africa)

It is critical that you check with and confirm with the airline/s involved before departure to make sure what their procedure is for the transfer of baggage and/or firearms.

Hunters travelling in a group:

Please note that if only some of the people in a group get temporary importation permits in advance, everyone in the group can expect to be delayed at Johannesburg International Airport for up to 3 hours.

If the airline does transfer your baggage/firearms, and you have booked them through to the final destination, and you stay in the in-transit area and do not clear South African customs, then you do not need to go through the temporary import process.

If your airline company will not transfer your baggage/guns to your connecting airline/flight, then you must collect your baggage/firearm/s and go through the entire entry process. If this is the case, the South African limitations, requirements, etc. will apply.

This also applies if you overnight in South Africa before flying on to your country of destination.