Rifle Usage and Travelling with Firearms

Rifle Usage

For hunters who prefer to travel without the additional paperwork and logistics associated with bringing a personal firearm into South Africa, a rifle provided by Garland Hunting Safaris can be used.

Our rifles are well maintained and equipped with quality optics suitable for the hunting conditions and species typically encountered during your safari. Ammunition for the rifle will also be provided as required.

Bringing Your Own Rifle to South Africa

International hunters are welcome to bring their own firearms and ammunition to South Africa. However, South African regulations require hunters to obtain the appropriate temporary firearm import and export permit.

We strongly recommend beginning this process well in advance of your departure and using a reputable firearm permit assistance service where possible. Pre-arranging your permit can make your arrival and firearm clearance process significantly easier. Garland Hunting Safaris will provide the necessary Letter of Invitation and supporting outfitter information required for your application.

Depending on your country of residence, you may also require documentation proving legal ownership of your firearm. United States hunters, for example, commonly travel with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Form 4457 or other applicable proof of ownership.

Firearm Import Requirements

Hunters travelling with firearms should be aware of the following general requirements:

• A temporary firearm import permit is required for firearms brought into South Africa.
• Hunters must comply with all applicable South African firearm regulations and airline requirements.
• Only ammunition appropriate for the firearm and calibre being imported may be brought into the country.
• Firearms must be unloaded and securely packed in an approved, lockable firearm case.
• Ammunition must be securely packed in accordance with current airline and aviation regulations.
• Airline limits apply to the quantity and weight of ammunition that may be transported.
• Additional restrictions may apply to certain firearm types.
• Firearms imported for self-defence purposes are not permitted under temporary hunting firearm permits.
• Travellers under the applicable legal age may not be permitted to apply for a temporary firearm import permit in their own name.
• Firearm import regulations are subject to change. Hunters should always confirm the latest requirements before travelling.

Flying Domestically with Firearms

Not all South African domestic airlines accept firearms and ammunition for transportation. If you are travelling with your own firearm, it is therefore essential to confirm that every flight on your itinerary accepts firearms before purchasing your tickets.

Special arrangements and advance notification may be required by the airline, and additional handling or baggage fees may apply.

Please pay particular attention to codeshare flights. Even if a flight carries the flight number of an airline that normally transports firearms, the operating carrier's rules may apply.

Garland Hunting Safaris recommends confirming your firearm transportation arrangements directly with your airline or travel agent before departure.

Travelling with Ammunition

Ammunition must be transported in accordance with both airline regulations and South African law. It should be securely packed in an appropriate container and transported separately from your firearm where required.

Most airlines impose a maximum ammunition weight allowance, commonly 5 kg (11 lb) per passenger, although individual airline requirements may differ.

We recommend travelling with only the quantity of ammunition reasonably required for your safari. Always confirm the latest ammunition packaging, quantity and weight restrictions with every airline included in your itinerary.

Firearm Permit Assistance

For hunters bringing their own firearms, we strongly recommend using a professional firearm permit service to assist with the temporary import permit process.

These services can assist with preparing and submitting the necessary documentation before your arrival and, depending on the service selected, may also provide assistance when clearing your firearm at the airport.

Applications should be started well in advance of your safari, ideally at least six to eight weeks before departure. The Professional Hunters' Association of South Africa (PHASA) and specialist firearm permit services can provide further assistance with current temporary firearm import requirements.

Documents You May Require

Depending on your nationality and firearm permit application process, you may be required to provide the following documentation:

• A completed SAPS 520 firearm permit application.
• A Letter of Invitation from Garland Hunting Safaris.
• A certified or notarised copy of your passport.
• Proof of firearm ownership, such as a firearm licence or U.S. Customs Form 4457, where applicable.
• A copy of your confirmed flight itinerary.
• Any additional documentation required by the South African Police Service, your airline or your firearm permit assistance provider.

We will provide Garland Hunting Safaris’ supporting documentation once your safari has been confirmed.