Travelling from Canada to SA with a rifle

[Qc_BearHunter]

Hello,

I'm going on a hunt in june 2022. My flight itinerary will be:

Going to: Quebec(Canada)-Newark(USA)-Johannesburg(SA)

Coming back: Johannesburg-London-Toronto-Quebec.

Here's how I see it:

1- I need an export permit emited by the government of Canada to leave the country with my rifle;
2- I must be aware of all the restrictions airline company have; I'll travel with United Airlines, British Airways, Air Canada.
2- I must advise all the airline company that I'll travel with a firearm at least 72 hours in advance;
3- Upon arriving at Johannesburg, I must report at the South African Police Service (at this point, I'll probably get help from riflepermits.com services).

That's how I figure it. Am I missing something?

 

[BRICKBURN]

1. Export permit for your rifle and scope from Gov Canada. All done online.
2. Check on all the fees and restrictions from your intended air carrier for certain. They all have rules and policies. Follow them to a T and you'll be fine.
2. Ammunition weight limits and carrier issues. SAPS 520.
3. SAPS 520 is a simple form to fill out in black ink prior to your arrival and SIGN IT IN FRONT OF THE SAPS. or use riflepermits.com as you suggest.

 

[Spooksar]

1. Export permit for your rifle and scope from Gov Canada. All done online.
2. Check on all the fees and restrictions from your intended air carrier for certain. They all have rules and policies. Follow them to a T and you'll be fine.
2. Ammunition weight limits and carrier issues. SAPS 520.
3. SAPS 520 is a simple form to fill out in black ink prior to your arrival and SIGN IT IN FRONT OF THE SAPS. or use riflepermits.com as you suggest.

As he is traveling through the USA I would also apply for a US N16A, it’s free you do it online and have them email it, takes 2-3 weeks. You don’t need it but if you get delayed and have to claim your firearms in the US it will help

 

[Hunter4752001]

Does the return via London pose an issue?

 

[BRICKBURN]

Does the return via London pose an issue?

If you are flying BA through Heathrow, none.

 

[BRICKBURN]

As he is traveling through the USA I would also apply for a US N16A, it’s free you do it online and have them email it, takes 2-3 weeks. You don’t need it but if you get delayed and have to claim your firearms in the US it will help

ATF administers the 6NIA. Temporary import for non immigrant aliens. Free permit. Look it up on the ATF website

 

[Qc_BearHunter]

If you are flying BA through Heathrow, none.

That's it.

 

[Hunt anything]

Does British Airways allow rifles, I had heard they no longer transport rifles. This came from a SA outfitter a few years ago. Hope he was wrong.

 

[Qc_BearHunter]

Does British Airways allow rifles, I had heard they no longer transport rifles. This came from a SA outfitter a few years ago. Hope he was wrong.

Here are the BA restrictions:

https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/baggage-essentials/liquids-and-restrictions

 

[Pheroze]

The people who process the Canadian export permit are very professional. I have dealt with a fellow named Serge several times and he is great.

My only other thought to what has been said is whether ammo goes in the luggage. Have an ammo case that can travel as it's own item as the rules seems to change in South Africa.

 

[Dakota Hunter]

I highly recommend using Henry at @riflepermits.com

 

[BRICKBURN]

Does British Airways allow rifles, I had heard they no longer transport rifles. This came from a SA outfitter a few years ago. Hope he was wrong.

They carry firearms. Some subsidiaries in RSA quit carrying firearms. Flying into JNB on an international flight you are fine. Always check the airlines website for up to date information about policies.

 

[Hunt anything]

We were flying from JNB to Port Elizabeth on BA. thanks for the info.

 

[BRICKBURN]

We were flying from JNB to Port Elizabeth on BA. thanks for the info.

Which carrier are you actually using in RSA? Most internal carriers DO NOT CARRY FIREARMS. Make sure that the carrier you booked with actually does.
Get the actual name of the carrier not just a BA code share, partner or BA flight number.
It would be unfortunate to be scrambling and rebooking flights and losing days upon arrival.

 

[Boyd Brooks]

My two cents, unless there is some specific reason for your own rifle, I would use a rifle from your safari provider.
My buddy and I used rental rifles that were in great condition and very accurate.
No hassles with airlines and no worries with our side trip to Victoria Fall, Zimbabwe.
Good luck on your hunt!
Boyd

 

[Hunt anything]

This was several years ago and we just ended up renting rifles which was my first exposure to suppressed rifles , 7mm Remington (Sako) . So everything worked out well. The actual carrier I can’t remember.

 

[Qc_BearHunter]

My two cents, unless there is some specific reason for your own rifle, I would use a rifle from your safari provider.
My buddy and I used rental rifles that were in great condition and very accurate.
No hassles with airlines and no worries with our side trip to Victoria Fall, Zimbabwe.
Good luck on your hunt!
Boyd

I want to bring and hunt with my own rifle, just because in my mind, working up a load for my own rifle for a particular hunt is part of the trip itself. I'm a bit gun nut, on the compulsive side..

 

[Globalstar66]

I want to bring and hunt with my own rifle, just because in my mind, working up a load for my own rifle for a particular hunt is part of the trip itself. I'm a bit gun nut, on the compulsive side..

I agree 100% - I'm originally from South Africa and now live in Alberta, Canada. My last hunt in 2017 I used a friends' rifles, and it was just not the same as taking my own rifles and my own handloads with premium bullets.... In May when I go again, I am taking my OWN rifles with me once again. I initially booked my flights on Air Canada and Lufthansa, but after seeing an almost $1000 firearms handling charge, I cancelled my flights, got a refund and booked Calgary - Toronto - Newark - JHB - Newark - Ottawa - Calgary on United and Air Canada.