The South African government enforces stringent regulations on firearms entering the country, and requires comprehensive documentation.
Complete the temporary firearm import application form (SAP520). The form must be completed in black ink and must remain unsigned until the document is finalised in front of the police official issuing the actual permit at the airport.
If you do not wish to bring your own firearms with you on safari, you are welcome to hire either a rifle or bow on prior arrangements. Firearm and ammunition costs can be viewed here.
- A Valid passport
- Return airline ticket to country of residence
- Letter of invitation from your hunting outfitter
- Completed SAP 520 form (Not signed)
- Proof of ownership of the firearm (CBP Form 4457)
- Proof of export of firearm from country of origin (CBP Form 4457)
- Motivation Letter (A letter written by yourself to motivate why you wish to import the rifle)
- Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa (PHASA) Temporary Import Permits Service can be viewed here if you do not wish to apply yourself.
Your application for a temporary import permit will be refused and your firearms and ammunition will be confiscated and only handed back to you when you depart back to your country of residence:
- if you are less than 21 years of old
- if you have any of the above-mentioned firearms and / or ammunition
- if any of the supporting documents cannot be produced
The Central Firearm Registrar based in Pretoria (South Africa) can authorise special applications for the above restrictions, however, these applications need to be made no less than three weeks prior to arrival. You will need an additional motivational letters for this application. Contact the PHASA head office for more information and assistance.
Carriage of firearms on South African Airways for All SAA flights departing from outside the Republic of South Africa, arriving in South Africa can be viewed here.
Please be advised that with effect from 1 March 2013, Comair will no longer be accepting firearms for carriage on any domestic or regional flight operated by both the British Airways and Kulula brands. This includes all hunting rifles, or any weapon requiring special handling, that may not be carried as either hand luggage or checked baggage.
Passengers who hold bookings on any BA/Comair or Kulula flight after this date will need to make alternative flight bookings. Please note, this information only applies to southern African flights and does not apply to British Airways international flights between London and South Africa.
- On arrival at OR Tambo international in Johannesburg clear passport control.
- Proceed directly through to baggage claim. Collect general baggage. Your firearms will be delivered directly to the SAPS firearms office at the airport.
- Proceed to the SAPS Firearms Office. The SAPS Firearms Office is located at Terminal 2 in front of the Post Office.
- On arrival at the SAPS Firearm Office, collect your issued temporary import permit at the PHASA desk or have all the necessary documentation ready for inspection.
- Your ammunition and firearms will be physically inspected to ensure that the serial numbers match those of the licenses and the application forms. You will be asked to wait while your application is being processed, unless you are already in the possession of an issued temporary importation permit.
- If you are on a connecting flight, please make sure that you allow ample time for this process as it can take up to three hours.
Please note, the issuing of the temporary import permits at the SAPS Firearm Office is free of charge. Do not tip or pay any SAPS officer for this service.
You must keep the permit with you at all times while in South Africa and the firearms are in your possession.
