Flying with Firearms Internationally
and applying for your SAPS520 Temporary Export/Import permit – see bottom of this page for the ADVICE SHEET on how to apply for this permit.
Flying with Firearms in South Africa
Update as at 14th January 2021 :
From the 1st February 2021, FlySafair will be transporting firearms (shotguns and rifles). Their public announcement is below:-
The CTSASA is very happy to announce that FlySafair will be offering a service to transport shotguns and rifles as from 1st February 2021. The following is a statement from FlySafair:
We are excited to announce that FlySafair senior management confirmed that booking on Flysafair for firearms are now open and available. The airline operator is ready to reliably accommodate clients, with their firearms, on domestic flights to the Eastern Cape.
This project is the result of a collaborative effort between ACSA, WRSA, PHASA, CHASA, ECPTA, ECDC, NMB Airlift Committee, and FlySafair. In particular, we commend the efforts of Anthony Groom, Rory Haschick, and Eardley Rudman, for driving this initiative.
The new service is now active on the website called Carriage of Firearms.
What is this: The handling and transporting of firearms (Shotguns and rifles only) and ammunition.
When: This feature is active on the website, but is only available for departures after the 1st of February 2021
Who: Any adult person who booked standard or premium fare
Price: R1150.00 per person per segment. Please note, this service is limited to 5 per flight.
* For more information, you can go to http://bit.ly/FirearmsPolicy
* For information on the airport procedure, please go to http://bit.ly/FirearmsAtAirport
For ease of reference a pdf document with the policies for carriage of firearms and firearms at the airport is also attached.
If you need any assistance when booking or check-in and check-out at the airports, you can contact the following persons:
Adele Becker (Duty Officer: PLZ Airport)
Safair Operations (Pty) Ltd
Direct: +27 41 507 7468
Mobile: +27 82 369 9692
abecker@flysafair.co.za
Robin Thompson (Manager: AVSEC)
Safair Operations (Pty) Ltd
Direct: +27 11 928 0053
Mobile: +27 83 226 6769
rthompson@flysafair.co.za
Juan Biermann (Manager: National Airports Operations)
Safair Operations (Pty) Ltd
Direct: +27 11 928 0023
Mobile: +27 82 922 4561
jbiermann@flysafair.co.za
We trust that this new and exciting development will be of great value to our members.
ALWAYS CHECK WITH THE AIRLINE BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR TICKET
It is always our recommendation that you check with the airline before you book your ticket to ensure that you are fully aware of their requirements for transporting firearms.
Anyone flying on SA Express, SA Airlink and SAA must check prevailing conditions as this situation is constantly changing.
If you have any other information on the above or have any negative experiences with the above three airlines, please do get in contact with Sarah Kalell, CTSASA Executive Officer at info@ctsasa.co.za or 044 620 4178
Flying with Firearms Internationally – download this advice sheet BEFORE you apply for your permit
A number of airlines will transport firearms internationally. Please check with the airline before booking your air ticket. You will need:-
- South African Temporary Import/Export permit (SAPS520) : apply for this at your local police station (allow AT LEAST 21 days to process) and then COURIER your application to the CFR.
- PLEASE DOWNLOAD this advice sheet and follow the advice PRECISELY to reduce the possibility of a refusal of your permit application.
PLUS:
United Kingdom : please apply via the CPSA UK web site here : https://www.cpsa.co.uk/vsp allow at least eight weeks for the processing of your application.
United States of America : Download the application form here : https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/docs/atf-f-5330-3apdf/download and email your completed form to imports@atf.gov – allow 8 weeks for processing. You will need a letter of invitation from the shooting club where you are participating.
Always check with your destination country on the applicable laws for temporarily importing firearms. It does vary from country to country.