Importation or Transiting Procedures Through Countries with Weapons & Ammunition

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Laws and regulations from countries pertaining importation and transit with weapons are constantly changing, therefore this article is also full of links to send you directly to the source rather than just supplying you with information that could be out of date.

Please make sure to not only look at the procedures for importation into the country in Africa where you will be hunting but it is also very important to look at the countries that you may be transiting through as they have their own laws, regulations and procedures that you will have to adhere to.

Information and documents for individual countries may be found after the General Information Section.


General Information

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Declaration Of Your Firearm(s) & Ammunition With Airlines
Anyone traveling through Europe and no matter the airline(s) that you are traveling on, you or your hunting travel agent should contact each airline at time of booking to declare that you will be traveling with firearm(s) and ammunition for sport use and get the necessary authorization if necessary.


Proof Of Firearm Ownership
Proof of firearm or bow ownership which is used also as a proof of export and sometime can replace the gun license as some countries, including the United States, do not issue gun licenses. Some countries do not require it; though we recommend while traveling to always carry it with you along with a copy, in case of flight delays, change of route... It is mandatory to have for some countries that usually want the proof in the form of a custom declaration letter from the country of origin for each firearm. You can register your firearms with the Department of Homeland Security U. S. Customs and Border Protection, you can download the form of the Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad (CBP form# 4457) along with its instructions directly at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/forms/. Bring along the original as well as a copy that can be handed out to custom officials.

Should the link to the Department of Homeland Security U. S. Customs and Border Protection no longer exist please visit the home page of CBP at www.cbp.gov/ and just simply browse through their web site to find the link to 陷ｷ蝪ｵrms and look for 魄 謦ｮP form# 4457?

I would suggest filling out two separate forms, one for your firearm(s) and possibly one for your personal item(s) like binoculars, camera(s) and other valuables as it will prove that you brought those along on your trip and that you did not purchase of these items overseas.

Checking in Your Luggage
At the check in counter at the point of departure, insist that the agent check your firearm through to your destination airport. Your bag tag issued by the airline should read, for example: New York - Frankfurt - Windhoek OR Atlanta - Johannesburg - Windhoek (this is sometimes not possible if the airlines that you are using do not have baggage agreements between themselves, inquire about this before purchasing your tickets). Physically check baggage tag issued by the airline to ensure that it has been correctly printed and attached. Inquire if a colorful 'in transit tag' is necessary when traveling through another country.

Click here for Laws & Regulations for Hunters Traveling with Firearms and Ammunition or Bows and Arrows.

Click here for Airports & Airlines.


Hunters Traveling from Canada

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Should you be traveling outside Canada on a hunting trip to Africa with firearms, firearms sights (rifle scopes), ammunition and magazines, a permit for a temporary export for a hunting trip is required. Firearms require a permit application using the specific "Firearms" permit application on EXCOL, with telescopic ...