Temporary Importation of Firearms

REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMITS

  1. Completed SAP 520 (automatically generated when the on-line link is completed)
  2. Copy of passport
  3. CBP 4457 form (USA hunters)
  4. Fully detailed flight itinerary (flight confirmation)
  5. Letter of invitation from the outfitter where the clients will be hunting.
download SAPS 520(a)

You have downloaded the form

All hunters temporarily exporting firearms for hunting purposes in South Africa or via South Africa to (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique or Namibia) and applying for a temporary import permit at the airport after arrival in South Africa (not a pre-issued permit), will need to have proof of export from their country of origin. Without this proof the police will not issue the temporary import permit and will confiscate your firearms.

Hunters temporary importing firearms from countries not issuing temporary export permits will need an official affidavit or declaration from their police or customs authorizing them to temporarily export the specific firearm for hunting purposes to or via South Africa.

Advise your local police or customs that you will be travelling to or via South Africa for a hunting safari. Request them to issue you with an official letter/document that you may lawfully temporarily export your firearms and ammunition to South Africa. This document must also show the official stamp of the police or customs office.

This official affidavit or declaration must indicate exactly which firearms (with serial numbers) you will be temporarily exporting and the exact amount of ammunition you will be taking.

US citizens: current customs form 4457 is sufficient – not older than 6 months.

IMPORTANT: please allow yourself enough time for this process between your international arrival flight time and your connecting flight time (preferably 3 hours).