AFRIKA
BARREL & BOW
SAFARIS
FIREARMS IMPORTATION
INFORMATION
Requirements from 1 July 2004

Temporary Importation of Firearms into
South Africa

Latest Information Received from the South
African Police Service.
Visitors bringing firearms into South Africa for
hunting purposes, will be asked to fill in a SAP
520 – Temporary Import Application.
Click on the icon to download
the SAP 520 form.
You will need Adobe Reader which you can download from
Adobe at the following link.



It  can also be downloaded at the SAPS(South African Police Services) website at:
http://www.saps.gov.za/crime_prevention/firearms/formseng.htm




(scroll down to "Applications" and then to "SAPS 520"- both the form and
instructions are in PDF format).

It may also be filled out on arrival at the airport, however we suggest filling in the
form beforehand to save processing time at the Police Office.
Instructions for Filling in SAP 520 Form:
Black ink must be used to fill in the form.
The form must be left unsigned until the document is finalized in front of the police official issuing the
actual permit.
Please note that not all sections of the form apply.  

Visitors bringing their own firearms in for hunting purposes should concentrate on filling in the
following:

Section D – (temporary import or export permit)

Section E – 1 – 25.4

Section G

Section I – (Must fill in all details requested)

Section J -  (remember do not sign until in front of police officer at firearm office)
Additional Requirements along with the SAP 520 are the following:
Identity and Flight Details :

a.      Passport

b.      Return Airline Ticket
Other Supporting Documentation:

a.     Proof of Ownership

Firearm licenses, documentary proof, etc.   For  USA citizens, Customs Declaration
Form 4457 (officially stamped) is acceptable

b.     Proof of Export

Documentary proof of export from the country of origin

c.      Motivation Letter from Client

This is a letter from the client stating that  he  is temporarily importing the referred to                          
firearm/s for the purpose of hunting, to include that the firearm/s are required as he                           
will be hunting (list the species to be hunted), etc.

d.     Invitation Letter from the Hunting Outfitter

This is supporting documentation from the Hunting Outfitter/company with whom the                           
client will be hunting, to include full name of company, full contact details and address,                       
dates and location where the client will be hunting and confirming that the applicant                            
will be using the specific firearms as applied for.   

e.      Any Other Supporting Documents
Firearms will be physically inspected to ensure the serial number(s) match those of the licenses
(proof of ownership) and the application form.  Ammunition will also be inspected.
For visitors clearing customs at the Johannesburg International Airport, please take
note of the following procedure to be followed on arrival:
Clear passport control in the Terminal where your flight arrives (generally SAA and its co-partners at
Terminal 2 and all other airlines at Terminal 1).  
Proceed to baggage claim at the respective carousel.  Pick up general baggage, then proceed to
the respective Airline Help Desk to pick up firearm/s from the airline company and sign a receipt for
the firearm/s.  Ask the Airline Help Desk to direct you to the South African Police Firearm Office.  
Depending on the terminal where you arrive, they may need to escort you to the Office.
Proceed to the South African Police Firearm Office (Do not at this point proceed to customs)
On receipt of the temporary import permit at the SAPS Firearm Office, proceed to Customs, the Red
Zone, where you declare the firearm/s and finish other custom clearance procedures.
For those visitors clearing customs at any of the other international points of entry, please take
note of the relevant information made above which relates to documentation requirements, etc.


Please insure sufficient time is allowed to go through the temporary importation process and to
clear customs.  During the busy periods of the hunting season up to seventy clients may be
needing permits at the same time.  We would therefore recommend at least five (5) hours be
set aside for this procedure and between connecting flights.
Firearm / Ammunition Allowances and Specifications:
No more than one firearm per caliber and 200 rounds per  firearm will be permitted.
No ammunition for other rifle calibers will be permitted.   
An exception to this may apply for shotguns where more than one of the same caliber may be            
allowed for bird hunting purposes if the client produces on arrival at the SAPS Gun Office an             
acceptable written motivation as to why more than one is required.
Firearms must bear the manufacturer’s serial number or any other mark by which the firearm can
be identified.  The identification number must be stamped and the mark affixed in the prescribed
manner on the barrel or the frame or the receiver of the firearm.
Handguns will be allowed into the country, but only for hunting purposes.  Any visitor wanting to
bring in a handgun in this regard needs to have a letter from an association in the country of origin,
stating the handgun will be used for hunting purposes.  
Prohibited firearms which may NOT be imported into South Africa include:   
a.        Any fully automatic weapon
b.        Any semi-automatic weapon
c.        Handgun/s for self-defense
d.        Weapons which fall under military categories
A semi-automatic shotgun for hunting purposes may be allowed  if an application is made at least
21 days before arrival through the Central Firearms Register with a motivation letter as to why this
type of firearm is required.
Please Note :   

Applicant must be 21 or over  

Should a firearm not be declared on arrival and a temporary import permit not issued, you will face
severe penalties and possible arrest on departure from South Africa.

Please ensure that your firearm/s arrive on the same flight as you do.  This must be done with the
airline company on departure.  Your firearm/s may only be signed for by you and will not be released
to your outfitter or professional hunter should it/they arrive on a separate flight.  

Please do not pay for any service regarding the handling of firearms at Johannesburg International
Airport, or any port of entry.  The issuing of the SAP 520 is a free service and the South African
Police Service asks clients not to pay anybody involved in handling firearms from the time of arrival
in South Africa right through until you receive your firearm/s and the permit from the SAPS.  Clients
that are paying the various airline staff, security staff, or porters involved are actually creating a
problem.  Please note however there is a handling fee charged by airlines and/or security
companies for the handling of handguns, and some airlines have started charging a handling fee for
all firearms.  We suggest checking with your airline with regard to any “official” fees that may be
required.  

There is no permit required, nor any charge by the South African Police Service for a bow.  Handling
fees are charged by airline and/or security companies for bows and handguns.

Please note that NO firearms will be held for safekeeping by the SAPS.  If a client brings in a
prohibited firearm, brings in more than what is allowed, or lacks the necessary documentation and
his request for a temporary import permit is denied, the involved firearms must be exported
immediately by the client or voluntarily surrendered to the State.  
Above information courtesy of PHASA.
MOKOPANE
0600
SOUTH AFRICA
CEL : 082 356 5081
TEL : (+27) 15 453 0780
FAX : (+27) 15 453 0780
EMAIL : marco@barrelandbow.com