I can not find any other mention of this permit or encounters with it on AfricaHunting.com. Since I have obtained so much useful information from this site I would like to make sure some fellow hunters manage to keep there guns when they travel.
Apparently a few years back the ATF decided to stop issuing in transit permits for firearms, for us non-US citizens when we travel through US airspace. So, it is now being left to the State Department.
Here is the response I got from the DDTC Response Team. (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls). Which was quick proficient and helpful in providing the following response:
"Previously, ATF issued temporary import permits for this purpose, but ceased to do so after 9/11, and required DDTC to issue DSP-61 temporary import licenses for these transits. Since the DSP-61 can only be applied for by a US person registered with DDTC, you will have to find a registered exporter who can handle this for you. Some are listed on the web. You might start with the Gunbroker.com
The only other alternative is to find a routing to S. Africa which by-passes the US."
Having already purchased my ticket to transit through the USA I followed the advice and contacted some registered exporters.
I was informed that it was a $250 USD application fee to the State Department, no matter whether you were actually conducting defense trade or just trying to fly through the country on your way to Africa, along with a $250.00 processing fee for the registered export company who you are required to use.
I have no idea who long this would take to process. I am transporting my gun with a friend who will not be going through the US and now I will be renting a rifle for part of my trip (the other alternative).
SO, FAIR WARNING. ANYONE FLYING TO HUNT DO NOT PASS THROUGH THE USA.
Apparently a few years back the ATF decided to stop issuing in transit permits for firearms, for us non-US citizens when we travel through US airspace. So, it is now being left to the State Department.
Here is the response I got from the DDTC Response Team. (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls). Which was quick proficient and helpful in providing the following response:
"Previously, ATF issued temporary import permits for this purpose, but ceased to do so after 9/11, and required DDTC to issue DSP-61 temporary import licenses for these transits. Since the DSP-61 can only be applied for by a US person registered with DDTC, you will have to find a registered exporter who can handle this for you. Some are listed on the web. You might start with the Gunbroker.com
The only other alternative is to find a routing to S. Africa which by-passes the US."
Having already purchased my ticket to transit through the USA I followed the advice and contacted some registered exporters.
I was informed that it was a $250 USD application fee to the State Department, no matter whether you were actually conducting defense trade or just trying to fly through the country on your way to Africa, along with a $250.00 processing fee for the registered export company who you are required to use.
I have no idea who long this would take to process. I am transporting my gun with a friend who will not be going through the US and now I will be renting a rifle for part of my trip (the other alternative).
SO, FAIR WARNING. ANYONE FLYING TO HUNT DO NOT PASS THROUGH THE USA.