About us, our services
and from our clients !
• Flying
British Airways to go hunting has gotten pricier. Since early
October 2009, BA is charging £50 ($82 US) each way for a firearm, and
has decreased its free checked baggage allowance.The detailed information on these two pages is provided as a starting point for your search for information. As part of our service to our clients we work together on these details, and with our business partners who are knowledgeable in these areas. If you come across a link that isn't working, shoot us a quick email and we'll get it updated. Always verify the information below.
Disclaimer: we are not experts in these areas and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information; we do not recommend, represent or endorse the agencies or companies listed, or their products or services (*unless specified); to the best of our knowledge, the information was current when posted to this website (fall 2007, January 2010).
Most countries have special laws governing the possession and transportation of firearms by nonresidents, and in many countries individual possession of firearms is illegal. Travelers should contact the appropriate government departments to learn about the laws prior to traveling.
UNITED STATES
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 4457
For US citizens traveling out of the US with their firearms, all firearms must be declared and registered with United States Customs prior to leaving the US, on CBP Form 4457 or any other registration document in order to bring the same firearms back into the United States. CBP does not keep a record of this form.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
“Register Items Before You Leave the United States
If your laptop computer was made in Japan, for instance, you might have to pay duty on it each time you brought it back into the United States, unless you could prove that you owned it before you left on your trip. Documents that fully describe the item (sales receipts, insurance policies, jeweler's appraisals) are acceptable forms of proof. To make things easier, you can register certain items with the CBP before you depart (watches, cameras, laptops, firearms and CD players) as long as they have a serial number or other unique, permanent marking.”
Print the necessary number of copies of CBP Form 4457. Multiple items may be registered on each form; the forms are valid for the owners of the item(s) only. Complete your name and address, and list the items including appropriate model numbers. Some CBP officers prefer to document the serial numbers during their certification examination; check with your local CBP office. Do not sign.
The owner of the items must present them along with their partially completed Form 4457s to the nearest CBP office (click here)
It is a good idea to call ahead, as some of the smaller ports of entry have only one CBP officer who is often away from the office.The CBP officer must see the item(s) you are registering in order to certify their registration.The CBP Form 4457 remains valid for the re-importation of the registered items as long as you own the item(s) listed and the document is legible. The certificate is not transferable.
Links
Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Traveling with Specialty Items
Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Traveling with Firearms and Ammunition
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Article Summary
“Have Gun, Will Travel” by Craig Boddington, www.gunsandammomag.com
“Traveling with Firearms” by Jerry Usher, www.handgunsmag.com
Many of you recognize the name Craig Boddington, well known hunter and author. If anyone can talk about traveling with firearms, it is Craig. Right off the bat, he reassures us he has had relatively few problems during his travels. He explains that traveling with firearms is susceptible to the same problems any other checked bag may experience: delays, misdirection, damage. The most telling statement from the article "I don't think I've been just lucky. Rather, I've tried to follow the airline rules, Federal Aviation Administration and now Transportation Security Administration rules and my own rules based on experience. And in all honesty, most of my problems, albeit minor, have occurred when I've tried some shortcuts." Jerry Usher writes for competitive shooters. A summary of the key points from these two articles follows.
Follow both the airline and TSA rules
- The rules vary and change often, always call the airline
- • Talk to real person, write down that person's name, the current rules as described by that person, and date; keep your notes
- Unloaded firearms and ammunition must be checked baggage
- • You will be asked to sign a card that states the firearm(s) is unloaded. It is a federal felony if a search of checked luggage discovers a firearm without this declaration
- • They must be declared when you check your bags
- • Firearms must be in sturdy, lockable hard cases
- · Pretty safe to take 2 firearms per traveler (usually just under the 50lb weight limit)
- · Trigger locks are never a bad idea
- · Combination locks eliminate the lock/key issue
- Ammunition is limited to 1 factory box up to 11 pounds per passenger
- • The rules for ammunition change and are variable (in with the gun or in a separate case, in factory box or in a locked wooden or metal container, accessible so it can be easily reached if an inspection is desired) (Craig recommends that handloaders put their ammo in an original factory box.)
- • Carrying bulk black powder is forbidden; make arrangements to buy it at your destination or ship it ahead
Prior to travel have firearms certified on US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 4457
Know early in the process what it takes to bring firearms into your destination country; get the paperwork taken care of
- Often this is taken care of by the outfitter and is waiting for you upon arrival
- If possible, get a copy of the paperwork faxed to you
- Make back-up arrangements to borrow an appropriate firearm in the event there is a problem and you are not allowed to take your gun with you
Avoid tight airline connections (domestic: 60 min minimum, 90 min better; international: 2 hrs minimum, 3 hrs better)
- Check bags through to destination, especially true with foreign travel
Check-in well ahead of time
- You can't curbside check-in with firearms, must go to ticket counter, declare your guns and have them inspected
- Some airline personnel are nervous about firearms, inexperienced agents may be clueless about what is required
- Make sure you understand the rules even if the ticket agent doesn't
Be low key and KEEP SMILING! Rest assured, a temper tantrum will make things worse
Pack with care
- Make sure your firearms are unloaded as they must be demonstrated as empty
- Use hard case that locks securely and offers plenty of padding
- Make sure firearms cannot rub against each other
- If your firearm disassembles, pack it disassembled (makes inspection simpler, easier to demonstrate not loaded)
- On bolt actions, always remove bolt (makes inspection simpler, removes "lump" from bolt in gun case); Craig wraps the bolt in a pair of socks and puts it separately in the case
- Packs any knives, binoculars and a spotting scope in the gun case
- Make sure there are no loose cartridges anywhere in your luggage
- Watch your baggage weight
- • In most instances, you are allowed 2 checked bags (one of which is your gun case)
- • In most instances, each bag can't weigh more than 50lbs (rarely up to 70lbs)
- • If you go over the weight limit or check 2+ bags, "expect to pay through the nose"
- · Also understand, there is an increased risk of your bags catching a later flight
- On very full flights, airlines may hold back certain amount of baggage because of aircraft weight restrictions
- • So mix up what is in which bag and consider carrying essentials in your carryon
- Put contact information on the bag and inside the bag
ARGENTINA
Most outfitters in Argentina have firearms to rent. For wing-shooting, shotgun rental is highly recommended.
Taking firearms and ammunition to Argentina for hunting or shooting is permitted, provided you are holding a completed "Autorizacion Temporaria de Ingresso Y Egresso de Armas a la Republica Argentina" (temporary authorization to enter and leave Argentina with firearms.) This authorization can be obtained at an Argentine Consulate or by applying upon arrival with the relevant Police Authority. Often times, the outfitter will assist in this process. There may be a processing fee (typically less than $100).
Individuals wishing to enter Argentina with one or more firearms and their ammunition, for the purpose of hunting, sport shooting or other legitimate purposes, must submit an application to the appropriate US Argentine Consulate. Upon arrival to Argentina, entry into the country will require clearance by the local Police Authority, who will required valid firearms/hunting permit (original), passport, and the "temporary authorization and temporary possess permit." If you arrive in Argentina without the permit from the Argentine Consulate, the Police Authority at the point of entry is able to authorize the temporary permit. There is a fee, about AR$300 (about $105) per firearm (cash recommended, US currency accepted).
The temporary authorization and temporary possess permit, signed and stamped by the local Police Authority, enables the temporary tourist to Argentina to possess, transport and use the firearms and ammunition for the legitimate activity during the authorized time period. When leaving the country, the appropriate Police Authority will verify the exit of the corresponding firearms and live ammunition, and will retain the temporary authorization and temporary possess permit.
The following are required for the application for the temporary authorization and temporary possess permit.
- Application, in triplicate, unsigned (verify with outfitter this is most current)
- Valid US passport (original)
- Two recent passport-style photographs
- Valid US firearms/hunting permit (original)
- Firearms information (type, model, make, serial number and gauge)
- Type and quantity of ammunition
- Owner's current address in US and temporary address in Argentina (including telephone numbers)
- Airplane ticket with arrival and departure dates
Links
CDC: Health and Other Information for Travelers to ArgentinaRequirements to Bring Firearms into Argentina
List of Argentine Consulates in the US
Application for Temporary Authorization and Temporary Possess Permit
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AUSTRALIA
The import into Australia of firearms and certain weapons is controlled by prohibitions and restrictions for the protection of the community. Customs administers the controls through the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (the Regulations).
Foreign hunters cannot bring handguns (Category H) into Australia for the purpose of hunting. Only Category A and Category B firearms may be imported for safari hunting purposes. The importation of single and repeating action firearms (commonly referred to as Category A and B) is restricted.
The following weapons are included in Category A or Category B:
- air rifle
- soft air rifle
- rimfire rifle (other than a self-loading rimfire rifle)
- single shot shotgun
- double barrel shotgun
- single shot airgun designed exclusively to fire paintballs
- repeating action airgun designed exclusively to fire paintballs
- muzzleloading firearm
- single shot center fire rifle
- double barrel center fire rifle
- repeating action center fire rifle
- break-action shotgun/rifle combination
- repeating bolt action shotgun
- lever action shotgun
In order to import these firearms, an importer will need to obtain the written authorization of the Police Firearms/Weapons Registry in the state or territory where the importer resides, before the arrival of goods in Australia. This authorization will be in the form of a B709A.
Any ammunition imported with the firearm will need to be included on the B709A Form.
General archery equipment such as bows and arrows (except for pistol crossbows) is not controlled under the Regulations at present. However, contact the Firearms/Weapons Registry of your state/territory police.
Links
CDC: Health and Other Information for Travelers to Australia
Importing firearms and weapons
Importing Category A and Category B firearms
Application
for issue of Customs import permit (B709)
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CANADA
Canadian Firearms Centre via the Internet at www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/default_e.asp
United States citizens may bring "sporting" rifles and shotguns into Canada. These must be declared to Customs officials when entering Canada, typically on a CAFC 909 Non-Resident Firearms Declaration (which should be completed before you leave home, in triplicate, but DO NOT SIGN until told to do so by the Customs officer; there will be a fee (currently less than $100).
Canada has very strict laws governing transportation of handguns and "military type" long guns. Handguns and other restricted weapons may be brought into Canada if a permit to transport has first has been obtained from Canadian authorities. The permit is issued by the local Registrar of Firearms of the province to which you are traveling, for a limited period of time. The head of the provincial police can provide information as to where one is located.
This is a great website, with lots of relevant information and links.
Crossbows and Bows
A note about crossbows. Crossbows that can be aimed and fired with one hand, and crossbows with an overall length of 19.68 inches or less (500 mm) are prohibited. You cannot lawfully possess or acquire a prohibited cross bow.
You do not need a valid license or registration certificate to possess a crossbow that is longer than 19.68 inches (500 mm) and that requires the use of both hands. You do not need a valid license or registration certificate to possess any other type of bow. Please note, some provinces do not allow crossbows for hunting. CAFC urges you to check provincial hunting regulations for information on hunting license requirements and restrictions that may apply to the use of bows.
Links
CDC: Health and Other Information for Travelers to Canada
Importing Firearms, Firearm Parts and Ammunition
CAFC 909 Non-Resident Firearms Declaration
CAFC 715 Application for a Non-Resident Temporary Borrowing License for Non-restricted Firearms
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MEXICO
Bringing firearms into Mexico is severely restricted. Mexico allows bringing 2 sporting rifles or shotguns of an acceptable caliber and 50 rounds of ammunition for each firearm, for hunting. With proper hunting permit, additional shells may be purchased in Mexico. Only .22 caliber bullets and 12, 20 and .410 gauge shotgun cartridges are available.
A tourist permit must be obtained from the Mexican Consulate having jurisdiction over the area where the visitor will be residing. Mexican immigration officials will place a firearms stamp on this permit at the point of entry. A certificate of good conduct/has no criminal record issued by the prospective hunter's local police/sheriff's office (on original police letterhead), proof of citizenship, a passport, five (up to 8) passport size photos, a hunting services agreement with the Mexican Secretary of Urban Development and Ecology (issued by a Mexican Forestry and Wildlife Office), and a military permit (issued by the Military Post and valid for only 90 days) are all required to be in the hunter's possession while carrying the firearms. Hunting license cost is about $450 USD and includes gun permit For additional information, contact the Mexican Embassy or Consular Office.
The process of obtaining, on your own, the required permits and license is very time consuming, frustrating and discouraging for the average US hunter. Even if you speak perfect Spanish, it may be more effective to arrange the license and permits through a US broker or a licensed Mexican outfitter, which specializes in the Mexican state you are hunting. This assures you a qualified agent is looking out for your interest, and the job will be done in a manner which is acceptable to the Mexican state agency for which you are hunting.
Of note: taking guns and ammunition into Mexico without the appropriate paperwork is illegal. Ignorance of the law will not get you leniency from the police. You will be arrested and sent to jail. The Mexican judicial system is governed by Napoleonic Law which states you are presumed guilty and must prove your innocence.
Links
CDC: Health and Other Information for Travelers to Mexico
Hunting in Mexico: Rules and Regulations
Mexican Embassy or Consular Office
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NAMIBIA
Hunters entering Namibia with a rifle(s), must complete a temporary import permit application form for all rifle(s) and/or ammunition in their possession. If you travel through South Africa, it is critical you check with and confirm with your airline(s) before departure to make sure what their procedure is for the transfer of baggage and/or firearms.
If the airline does transfer your baggage/firearms, and you have booked them through to your final destination, and you stay in the in-transit area without clearing South Africa Customs, then you do not need to go through the South Africa temporary import process. At the check-in counter at the point of departure, insist the agent check your firearm through to Hosea Kutako International Airport, Windhoek. Windhoek Airport's international baggage code is WDH.
However, if your airline(s) will not transfer your baggage/firearms to your connecting flight/airline, then you must collect your baggage/firearm(s) and go through the entire entry process. If this is the case, you must follow the requirements of the South Africa Police Services as outlined above.
Firearms
- Smallest caliber 7 mm
- Minimum energy (EO - muzzle velocity)
- • 1350 Joule for springbuck, duiker etc.
- • 2700 Joule for hartebeest, wildebeest, kudu, gemsbuck, eland etc.
- • 5400 Joule for buffalo, elephant, rhino etc.
- A maximum of 100 rounds of ammunition may be imported per rifle and only ammunition of appropriate caliber for the weapon
- It is legal to hunt with black powder rifles in Namibia; however, it is illegal to transport black powder and percussion caps (which may be purchased in Namibia)
- No solid point cartridge is allowed to be used on antelope or any other species.
- Handguns, automatic weapons and crossbows are prohibited
Bow Hunting
A Hunting Guide (HG), Master Hunting Guide (MHG) or Professional Hunter (PH) with additional qualifications for bow hunting must guide trophy hunters. Bow-hunting for trophies may only take place on game farms and areas which are registered for this purpose with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Hunting permits for various game species must be organized by the outfitters.
It is legal to import bows for bow-hunting purposes and no import permit is required. Crossbows are prohibited.
Bow energy is specified as follows
- small game - 25 ft/lb
- medium game - 40 ft/lb
- large game - 65 ft/lb
Links
CDC: Health and Other Information for Travelers to NamibiaRifle Import Permit
Bow Hunting in Namibia
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NEW ZEALAND
Approval is required to bring firearms into New Zealand, provided the firearm(s) is of the type approved for import into New Zealand. Upon arrival in New Zealand
- declare all firearms to New Zealand Customs Officials
- declare all firearms to New Zealand Police
- provide completed, unsigned Visitors Firearms Licence and Permit to Import Firearms application
- show passport
- provide evidence you have a firearms license (or equivalent) from the US
- pay fee (about $25 NZ (about $20))
Links
CDC: Health and Other Information for Travelers to New Zealand
Visitors Firearms Licence and Permit to Import Firearms
Approved Firearms
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SOUTH AFRICA
The limitations below exist on firearms per person.
- Maximum of 4 firearms per person, not more than one of the same caliber (except for shotguns, if bird hunting and is accompanied by acceptable letter of motivation accompanies it))
- One handgun of .45 or smaller caliber
- • For handgun, you must supply a letter of motivation stating the reason for wanting to bring the firearm into South Africa; it must be an original request, with an acceptably good reason otherwise consideration will not be granted. In some cases, the outfitter must supply a letter of confirmation from the province where you are hunting that Nature Conservation have no objection to you hunting with the handgun.
- One single or double barrel shotgun
- Two hunting rifles
Frame, barrel or action must be marked with a serial number. A reasonable amount of ammunition per caliber is allowed (determine with outfitter prior to travel).
The following firearms are prohibited
- automatic rifles and pistols or semi-automatic rifles
- automatic or semiautomatic or pump action shotguns
- hand carbines
There are four ways to obtain the Temporary Import Permit is required for visitors traveling with firearms into South Africa.
1. yourself as client and foreign hunter
2. via your hunting outfitter
3. via PHASA (Professional Hunter's Association of South Africa)
4. via Meet-and-Greet company
Regardless of which way you choose to obtain the Temporary Import Permit, the following are required to apply:
- appropriately completed, unsigned SAPS 520 Form (not all sections on form apply) (black ink ONLY)
- proof of identity and flight details
- • original notarized copy of your passport, valid 6 months after termination of your hunt and with minimum 2 free pages
- • return airline ticket
- other supporting documentation
- • proof of ownership of your firearm(s) (US CBP Form 4457)
- • proof of export
- • letter of motivation from client (stating purpose of hunting etc.)
- • letter of invitation from your hunting outfitter on their official letterhead
Foreign nationals, irrespective of their nationality, traveling with firearms into South Africa are required to report to the South African Police Services (SAPS) Firearm office immediately after clearing immigration. SAPS will issue the relevant temporary import permit to the owner accordingly.
There is no permit required, nor any charge by the SAPS for a bow.
Meet and Greet*
In many instances, if you decide to bring your own firearm along to South Africa, your outfitter will recommend the services of a Meet-and-Greet company to assist you in getting together all the paperwork required prior to traveling, greet you at Customs and accompany you during the inspection with SAPS. We have not used the company below, but it comes highly recommended by another Outdoor Connection franchise owner who has used them.
www.riflepermits.com
Upon arrival in South Africa via any port of entry, including Johannesburg International Airport, do not pay for any service regarding the handling of firearms. The issuing of the SAPS 520 is a free service and the South African Police Service asks clients not to pay anyone involved in the handling firearms from the time of arrival in South Africa right through until you receive your firearm(s) and the permit from SAPS.
Travel Agency*
We do use and do recommend Gracy Travel for travel to Africa. If you work with
Gracy Travel, they will provide many needed forms.
www.gracytravel.com
Links
CDC: Health and Other Information for Travelers to South Africa
South African Consulate General
SAPS 520
SAPS 520 Instructions
Professional Hunter's Association of South Africa (PHASA): South Africa Temporary Firearms Import Permits - Information
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