4457 Process?

[shootist~]

I'm no expert, but I believe South Africa requires you to complete the SAPS rifle permit process even if you are just spending a night there. Booking that service - if needed- through one of the several agencies that specialize in the service is strongly advised.

As for calling CBP, see if you can find another office or location in your area to call. Might get a set of working instructions that way, even if not the location that does the 4457. (Worked for me.)

I was advised where to go (specific location at airport) and that a hard case was preferred for the rifle.

 

[Hunt anything]

Good luck, looking out for a full report. I’ve hunted the Zambezi delta never the Niassa.

 

[C.W. Richter]

The answers above beg to reinstate the fact that the 4457 form, once filled out for the specific rifles you bring, can be re-used on different date(s) for different trips.

 

[Hunt anything]

I'm no expert, but I believe South Africa requires you to complete the SAPS rifle permit process even if you are just spending a night there. Booking that service - if needed- through one of the several agencies that specialize in the service is strongly advised.

As for calling CBP, see if you can find another office or location in your area to call. Might get a set of working instructions that way, even if not the location that does the 4457. (Worked for me.)

I was advised where to go (specific location at airport) and that a hard case was preferred for the rifle.

Yes you will fill out the SAPS form even though you are just staying overnight, in the morning a representative of your rifle permit company should collect you and walk you through the process on your way to Mozambique. On the way home try and check your rifle all the way to your port of entry into the US so you don’t have to deal with RSA customs or police again.

 

[Doug3006]

I think SA doesn’t accept 4457s that are more than one year old. Meaning, the stamp and CPB agent signature are more than a year old. The form expiration date has been eliminated from the form, so that’s no longer an issue on new forms.

 

[Flipper Dude]

I never make an appointment other than check that they are open. I leave my cases rifles in the truck when I go in, so as not to cause a disturbance. Tell them what I’m doing and then retrieve the rifles. Easy peasy.

I will relate that I went to get my 4457s one time years ago, just on the same afternoon that I had been subject to a nuclear stress test that morning. I went into an empty lobby and must have set off every damn alarm in the building, as they came pouring out of the woodworks. “Sir, do not move. Remain stationary!” We sorted it out.

 

[Philip Glass]

I have been reading through previous posts (tried calling customs a few times, got nowhere) and think I understand the process. Can someone give me a quick sanity check to make sure I understand this right?

I simply need to fill out a form for my rifle and a second form for my Binos. Then I take the forms, binos and cased rifle to the nearest CBP (Sea-Tac Airport I think, for me) find out where the CBP office is ask them to stamp, no appointment needed?

Outfitter is asking for this, so I need to get this done. Thanks folks!

The rifle is most important of course and you have it right to put other things like binos separately if you choose to List them. From my perspective you don't want to cause confusion while in Africa when it comes to the 4457. There are few scenarios where a 4457 is warranted on scopes and binos. One that does come to mind is if you have specific insurance on any of those items. If you were hunting In Austria it would be great to have a 4457 on your Swarovski products! Other places not so much.

 

[Rick HOlbert]

I just did my rifles and scopes, it does feel a little weird walking into a government building with a rifle on your shoulder though. I just carried mine in a soft case.

It varies from location to location. Here in Baton Rouge you have to make an appointment and have your rifle in a hard case.

 

[Hunt anything]

It varies from location to location. Here in Baton Rouge you have to make an appointment and have your rifle in a hard case.

I did mine in Mobile Alabama, you would think that the government would have a uniform policy. Disregard that last statement that would assume the US government has some common sense.

 

[Rafiki]

I recently returned from TZ so this is current experience using CB in Minneapolis. No real issues at all. They apparently only care about firearms but you can put anything on the form, scopes being the obvious. All you do is fill out the form describing the item generally but serial number is most important. Find your local CB office and take your stuff over there; and yes, it does feel strange taking a firearm into a government office. They will check your items against the form, sign it and give it back to you. I kept the original with my other travel papers, put a copy inside my rifle case and and another with my firearm import papers in a plastic protector taped to the outside of the rifle case. Alright I'm a bit anal about it.

 

[JimP]

I wouldn't tape my import papers on the outside of the case. Just too many ways for someone to end up with them besides you.

I had a backpack for a carry on, I just put my SAP's papers inside a envelope inside of the backpack, those who don't use a backpack can just slip the papers inside of their carry on. Then you will always have them with you

 

[npm352]

Here is a photo I took of the sign on the CBP Salt Lake City office.

I called and asked how I could get this done without violating the sign. They said, "oh, just bring 'em on in!"

Stun gun, mace and pepper spray are a no no...375 H&H magnums are fine.

 

[Edster]

Ok DO NOT walk into the CBP with your rifle in hand!!!!!! Leave them in the vehicle and go in and ask how they would like to handle it. Without speaking to them and walking in with firearms is a Federal Crime!!! 4457 for SA needs to be done in the year of travel, and will only be accepted in that year.

 

[C.W. Richter]

I never make an appointment other than check that they are open. I leave my cases rifles in the truck when I go in, so as not to cause a disturbance. Tell them what I’m doing and then retrieve the rifles. Easy peasy.

I will relate that I went to get my 4457s one time years ago, just on the same afternoon that I had been subject to a nuclear stress test that morning. I went into an empty lobby and must have set off every damn alarm in the building, as they came pouring out of the woodworks. “Sir, do not move. Remain stationary!” We sorted it out.

AK salmon and crab fishermen are subjected to that test every day out (compliments of Japan!) Take a look at the N. pacific ocean gyre v. the plume of radiation released v. the annual migration of the "seafood." it's virtually the same!

 

[Rafiki]

I wouldn't tape my import papers on the outside of the case. Just too many ways for someone to end up with them besides you.

I just followed what the firearm expediter told me; they were copies anyway, had the originals with me. I had to go through Amsterdam and the papers were what the Netherlands required .... a whole other story.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

Ok DO NOT walk into the CBP with your rifle in hand!!!!!! Leave them in the vehicle and go in and ask how they would like to handle it. Without speaking to them and walking in with firearms is a Federal Crime!!! 4457 for SA needs to be done in the year of travel, and will only be accepted in that year.

I thought the 4457 was good for one year from the date it was signed. I did mine this past December as I was close and did not know if I would be there again before leaving this April. funny thing is Mr X got the SAPS approval 2 months ago with nothing said about the date on the 4457 being December 2022, I hope I do not have to get another one, leaving in 9 days

 

[375Fox]

I thought the 4457 was good for one year from the date it was signed. I did mine this past December as I was close and did not know if I would be there again before leaving this April. funny thing is Mr X got the SAPS approval 2 months ago with nothing said about the date on the 4457 being December 2022, I hope I do not have to get another one, leaving in 9 days

If you already got your pre-approved permit your 4457 is fine.

 

[JimP]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This right here if your permits are done go and enjoy your hunt.

I've never had to show my 4457 in South Africa

 

[Hyde Hunter]

If you already got your pre-approved permit your 4457 is fine.

even though it is from Dec 2022

 

[375Fox]

even though it is from Dec 2022

I’d suggest asking Mr X but I can’t remember them asking for 4457 only the pre-approved permit. I’d consider getting a new 4457 if I was applying for permit on arrival but you already have yours.