Transit through Amsterdam to Namibia

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autofire

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I am in the process of booking a leopard hunt in Namibia. I am thinking of flying Delta/KLM from Atlanta to Amsterdam to Windhoek. Does anyone have any experience or information regarding the situation with transporting firearms via Amsterdam? One concern is whether the firearms will be checked straight through from Atlanta to Windhoek (12 hour layover in Amsterdam) or whether I have to claim and clear the firearms in Amsterdam. Thanks
 
https://www.africahunting.com/search/5598437/?q=Amsterdam&o=date

You'll find lots of information on transiting Amsterdam at the link above.

Most recommend NOT doing it.

I personally like Schipol airport. Its pretty easy to navigate, the people are friendly, there is a train station there that takes you into town in less than 20 minutes if you have a long layover, etc..

BUT I have never transited there with firearms or a bow (they are also very particular about archery equipment)... and based on what others have said, dont think I would do it.. (just my .02)
 
Frankfurt is a much better option with a firearm. Have done that twice. Air Namibia out of Frankfurt - day room at the on-airport hotel during the layover.
 
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+1

Did Frankfurt last June, and will be doing it again next month when we go back over..

The upside for us, being local to DFW is there is a daily direct flight to Frankfurt that gets you in there at about 8AM.. you end up with a 12 hour layover.. but assuming you get a little rest on the plane, its a nice way to break up the trip to Africa... We went into town, ate lunch in Germany, did a couple of touristy things, and then headed back to the airport...

Then the SAA flight from Frankfurt to Joberg is an overnighter, that gets you into OR Tambo at about 7AM I believe.. so again, if you can get some sleep on the plane, you land with a full day ahead of you.. plenty of time to get to your lodge and actually do some hunting on the same day you arrive..

DFW to Joberg via Frankfurt is definitely a LONG route.. (about 30 hours in transit I believe).. but I find it a little more restful and enjoyable than some other options..
 
Going into Windhoek, you almost always end up spending time somewhere. I personally prefer spending the day in Frankfurt and direct into Windhoek than doing the bag and firearm drill in Johannesburg before flying on to Windhoek. Many connections force you to spend the night in J'burg which means formally entering and leaving the country.
 
Unless they have changed it, you have to fill out a Dutch government form ahead of time and get approval to travel through Schipol, even though your firearms are checked right on through. Couldn't be anywhere near as bad as the SAPS 520 and I wouldn't let that stop me.

Funny story, I flew through Schipol in 2011 and, not knowing their pre-approval requirements didn't fill out ANY paperwork. I mafe it down to Africa okay but on the way back, while standing at the boarding gate I heard over the loudspeaker "Will passenger Mr. Post Oak to Houston please report to the gate xx". I went up there and was taken back behind to a police area and they fussed at me a little bit (some military-police guys showed up also to stress the "gravity" of the situation) and then I was allowed to go on my way home (with my rifle and firearm).
 
Transiting through Amsterdam is pretty simple. You do need to get a permit in advance but it was no big deal. We just did it in September on way to Tanzania. KLM was super helpful on check in. Wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
 
With the proper paperwork transferring a Firearm thru Amsterdam is pretty easy
 
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I’d love to hear of your trip when you return. Hope it goes well. Just use a travel agent and it will be fine.
Philip
 
autofire said:
I am in the process of booking a leopard hunt in Namibia. I am thinking of flying Delta/KLM from Atlanta to Amsterdam to Windhoek. Does anyone have any experience or information regarding the situation with transporting firearms via Amsterdam? One concern is whether the firearms will be checked straight through from Atlanta to Windhoek (12 hour layover in Amsterdam) or whether I have to claim and clear the firearms in Amsterdam. Thanks
Click to expand...
What flight is it you are taking from Amsterdam to Windhoek?
 

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Wish I could help but the only time I went thru that airport was in 1985 on the way to Tanzania and I imagine it may have changed since then? Have fun!!
 
Philip Glass said:
What flight is it you are taking from Amsterdam to Windhoek?
Click to expand...
I imagine he is taking KLM direct to Windhoek. There's a stopover in Angola. I've been looking at it myself.
Ethiopian Airlines have some good deals also.
 
I leave for Tanzania Aug 9th.; traveling from the states through Amsterdam. Though completed and sent to the Netherlands a month ago, my paperwork/approval still hasn't arrived. Getting a little nervious...a lot of work went into those two rifles getting them ready to go. I would hate to be stuck with a camp gun!
 
Rum Runner said:
I leave for Tanzania Aug 9th.; traveling from the states through Amsterdam. Though completed and sent to the Netherlands a month ago, my paperwork/approval still hasn't arrived. Getting a little nervious...a lot of work went into those two rifles getting them ready to go. I would hate to be stuck with a camp gun!
Click to expand...
Run Runner,
Did you e-mail your paperwork electronically or send it in the mail. The reason I ask is that I sent a package of information in the post and it never got there. I contacted the Dutch authorities over the phone, as I too was getting nervous at having got no reply. The friendly people there told me to scan my information then e-mail it to them. I went to a Staples store (like a Kinkos, I am in Canada) and the clerk helped me do it. There must be an issue with the mailing address posted on their website. They put a rush on things and got me the Transit Permits by e-mail in good time.
Maybe try that? There is a phone number listed on their website, but remember they are 6 hours ahead of New York time.
Hope that helps.
 
DmacD said:
Run Runner,
Did you e-mail your paperwork electronically or send it in the mail. The reason I ask is that I sent a package of information in the post and it never got there. I contacted the Dutch authorities over the phone, as I too was getting nervous at having got no reply. The friendly people there told me to scan my information then e-mail it to them. I went to a Staples store (like a Kinkos, I am in Canada) and the clerk helped me do it. There must be an issue with the mailing address posted on their website. They put a rush on things and got me the Transit Permits by e-mail in good time.
Maybe try that? There is a phone number listed on their website, but remember they are 6 hours ahead of New York time.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
That does help and thank you. I'm using Express Travel, and Jennifer originally emailed it, then a few days ago emailed them with an inquiry. Still nothing... We may need to try this all over again! And soon.
 
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The telephone got me results right away.
Good Luck on the paperwork, and the hunt.
 
Glad this was posted! Planning a trip myself.
 
The three times I flew KLM through Amsterdam my paperwork arrived about 2 weeks before flight. The request were sent anywhere between 12 weeks to 8 weeks prior to my flight, but arrived about the same time each trip. First trip I was nervous as hell. After, I just kinda knew their timing for getting permit back to me. A follow up call to just ask what their usual time before flight might help the jitters.
 
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