Hunting Documentation
IMPORTATION OF FIRE-ARMS
Visitors bringing firearms into South Africa for hunting purposes will be asked to fill in a Temporary Import Application Form (SAP 520). This form may be down loaded from the SAPS Website www.saps.gov.za, and can be completed before arrival in order to save precious time. Please remember to use black ink only and DO NOT sign it until you are in the presence of an official at the airport. Once issued a temporary import permit is for a particular person only and is not transferable. They issue for a period of 90 or 180 days.
Import Application Form SAPS 520
Introduction To Complete SAPS 520
The following documentation is required along with the SAPS 520 form:
Identity and Flight Details
- Passport
- Return Airline Ticket
Other Supporting Documentation
- Proof of Ownership: Firearm licenses, documentary proof, etc. for US citizens, customs declaration form 4457 (officially stamped) is acceptable.
- Proof of Export: Documentary proof of export from an official institution from the country of origin. Must be written in English.
- Motivational letter from client: This letter from the client stating that he is temporarily importing the referred firearm/s for the purpose of hunting, to include that the firearm /s are required as he will be hunting (list the species to be hunted), etc.
- Invitation letter from the Hunting Outfitter: This is a supporting document from the hunting outfitter/company with whom the client will be hunting, to include full names of company, full contact details
and address, dates and location where the client will be hunting and confirmation that the applicant will be using the specific firearms as applied for.
Instructions for filling in the SAP 520 form
- Black ink must be used to fill in the form.
- Please leave the form unsigned as it needs to be witnessed by the police official issuing the actual permit.
- Please note that not all sections of the form may be applicable. Visitors bringing their own firearms in for hunting purposes should concentrate on filling in the following:
Section D (Temporary import or export permit)
Section E (1-25.4)
Section G
Section I (Must fill in all details requested)
Section J (Remember do not sign)
Firearm / Ammunition allowances and specifications
- No more than one (1) firearm per calibre and two hundred (200) rounds per firearm will be permitted. No ammunition for other rifle calibres will be permitted.
- Firearms must bear the manufacturer’s serial number or any other mark by which the firearm can be identified.
- Handguns will be allowed into the country, BUT ONLY for hunting purposes. Any visitor wanting to bring in a handgun in this regard to have a letter from an association in the country of origin, stating the handgun will be used for hunting purposes.
- Prohibited firearms which may NOT be imported into South Africa include: Any fully automatic weapon, Any semi-automatic weapon, Handguns for self-defence, Weapons which fall under military categories
Important Airport Information
- Please endure that your firearm/s arrives on the same flight as you do. Your firearm/s may only sign 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 airport, or any Port of entry. The issuing of the SAP 520 is a free service and the South African Police Services asks clients no to pay anybody involved in handling firearms from the time of arrival in South Africa right through until you receive your firearms and the permit from the SAPS.
- There is no permit, or any charge by the South African Police for a Bow. Although handling fees may be charge by the airline and/or security companies for bows.
