husb0023,
The Namibian law pertaining to bringing in semi-automatic rifle is questionable even though the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) stipulates that:
- Fully automatic weapons (e.g. AK 47 and other military hardware) are prohibited.
- Other self-loading, considered semi-automatic weapons are not prohibited, but you can expect questions at the airport of importation.
The fact that NAPHA points out that "you can expect questions at the airport of importation" does not bring confidence as to what constitute a semi-automatic weapon that can or cannot be temporarily imported into Namibia.
It is true that Namibia, as well as customs officials are very friendly when it comes to temporary firearm importation into the country, though there is always the possibility that you may not be allowed to import a specific rifle...
Anyway, I would recommend you to contact your hunting outfitter or PH in Namibia, providing him with the type, make and model of your rifle, to get a written confirmation from him that you can temporarily import that specific firearm that you want to take with you to Namibia... before considering traveling with it.
Should you have the go ahead from your Namibian hunting outfitter to bring with you your semi-automatic rifle you should know:
- Going through South Africa:
In the event that your airline company will not transfer your baggage and/or firearms and ammunition to your connecting airline, then you will have to collect your baggage and/or firearms and ammunition and go through the entire South African clearing process, and in this case you must know that all South African firearms and ammunition laws, legal limitations and requirements will apply even if you are not staying or hunting in their country.
No automatic, semi-automatic, lever action or slide action firearms are allowed. A semi-automatic shotgun for hunting purposes may be allowed if an application is made and granted through the Central Firearms Register at least 21 days prior to your arrival.
Since South Africa does not permit semi-automatic weapon in or through their country, so you would run the risk to have your firearm and ammunition confiscated and returned to you upon your departure to your country of residence. Basically, I believe that firearm and ammunition would be confiscated and impounded, you might get fined and charged for the impound, until such time that you come back through South Africa on your way back to your country of residence. I do not believe that your rifle would be impounded indefinitely, though anyone can correct me on that.
- Going through Germany:
As Red Leg mentioned, Germany might well be the better option for you if you intend on traveling with a semi-automatic rifle to Namibia. The German weapon law for non EU members in transit through Germany does not mention anything regarding semi-automatic weapons being prohibited however it stipulated that the laws and regulations of the third states (in this case Namibia) must be observed... So your decision there would be based on what your hunting outfitter advise you to do, I would assume.
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Importation or Transiting Procedures Through Countries with Weapons & Ammunition.
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