firearms paper work

[steve71]

I am going on my first African hunt next May. Unfortunately, I did not book travel thru a hunting agent. I will be flying over on KLM thru Amsterdam, and returning on Air France thru Paris. Not good I know. I have downloaded the Dutch customs application and the KLM/AF letters for approval. What else do I need to avoid any problems with these countries with my rifle? I will be getting US form4457, and the SA form closer to trip. Thanks for any help.

 

[Manny R]

Anything that is gun related such as Bino, rangefinder ,scopes etc. etc. have it listed on a 4457. If you are departing out of NY or NJ I pity that fool. On this site plenty people will chime in with excellent information to help you get across the finish line.
One piece of advice ...USE A TRAVEL AGENT NEXT TIME AND YOU WILL ADVOID HEADACHES YOU ARE ABOUT TO GO THROUGH.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

check with Jennifer at @TRAVEL EXPRESS and for a fee she might take you on and take care of the issues you will be facing and get ahold of Mr X or Henry at Rifle Permits for you SA gun permit, Jennifer does not do that. other than that have a great trip and do not stress just let things flow

 

[JimP]

I agree, contact Jennifer.

On the 4457, put your rifle on a single form.

If you want to do other items do a second form.

From what I have read going your route is for a experienced traveler with firearms and not a first timer.

But contact Henry at Rifle Permits.com for your South African permits. Plus the extra cost for his meet and greet is well worth it, unless your PH/Outfitter is meeting you in Joberg

 

[375Fox]

The only thing required on your 4457 is your rifle, make model and serial number, possibly scope if you’d like. It’s treated as a US firearm license outside the country so don’t list additional items on it. For US customs the 4457 is just a declaration you owned the items before leaving US and didn’t buy outside the country. I’ve never listed binoculars, rangefinder, or anything else but if you feel the need list it, list them on a separate form. I’ve never flown through Amsterdam, so I can’t comment. Flying through Paris isn’t a problem with firearms. Just notify airline on your reservation you have a firearm and have several copies of Air France firearm declaration printed with you. Every Air France flight you board declare to the gate agent you have a firearm on flight and give them form. I’d recommend you pay for a pre-approved permit in South Africa. Rifle permits can help you or if you will be staying the night in Johannesburg Africa Sky or Afton can help. Until you know what you’re doing (and even after) a good hunting travel agent is well worth their fee. Hopefully it all goes smoothly for you. You might consider asking what’s available for rental rifles and just avoid the stress since your flights are already booked, especially if coming back through JFK.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

The South African police form is unnecessarily complicated. Better get some help with that. I will be doing it myself next time ... but it will be my fifth trip so I've got the routine figured out.