Step-by-Step Procedure for Temporarily Importing Firearms into South Africa through the Firearm Office at OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport. 

All Foreign Hunters Hunting In South Africa 

  1. Disembark from the aircraft and clear immigration at the correct terminal

  2. Collect your luggage carousel and exit to meet Thaba Yamanzi employee (as you exit on the right by the pillars)

  3. Proceed to South African Police Service Firearm office (you will be assisted by a Thaba Yamanzi employee. Do not contract or pay someone to do this

  4. At the SAPS Firearm office you will be required to produce the following documents:

    1. A completed SAP520 Application form.
      (The Following sections of the SAP520 must be completed; E1 to E25.4, G1 to G9.2, I1 to I4.4 and J1 to J4).
      The SAP520 must be completed in black ink.

    2. Passport

    3. Firearm License from country of residence. (USA citizens a form4457)

    4. Proof of export of firearms from country of residence.
      (This is to proof that your firearms have been legally exported from your country of residence, if your country does not have an official export permit we require a letter from a governments agency from your Country of residence stating this. USA citizens a from 4457)

    5. Return airline ticket

    6. Invitation letter from your Outfitter (this letter must be on your outfitters official letterhead and must include:

      1. The name of the person being invited;

      2. The duration of the hunter’s stay;

      3. The physical address and tel. no of the farm where the hunt will take place;

      4. The type off animals that will be hunted,

      5. The recommended calibers required to hunt these animals,

      6. The outfitters license number and the province he is licensed in.

  5. Your firearms and ammunition will be inspected.

  6. The following firearms and ammunition will not be allowed to enter South Africa:

    1. Any automatic or semiautomatic firearms;

    2. More than one firearm per caliber per person;

    3. More than 200 rounds of ammunition per person per firearm; and

    4. Any pistol or revolver.

  7. Reasons why your applications will not be approved:

    1. If you have any of the above mentioned firearms and / or ammunition,

    2. If any of the supporting documents as required in #4 cannot be produced,

    3. If you are less than 21 ears of age,

    4. Your application for a temporary import permit will be refused and your

    5. firearms and ammunition will be confiscated and will only be handed back

    6. to you when you depart back to your country of residence.

  8. When your application has been processed and your permit has been issued you will be called back into the office where you will sign for the permit

  9. The issuing of the temporarily import permits free of charge. Do not tip or pay any Police Officer for this service.

  10. The temporary import permit serves as your firearms license in South Africa and enables you to buy ammunition in South Africa for the calibers on the permit.

  11. At all times while you are in possession of your firearms, you must have the temporary import permit on your person.

  12. When you are not using the firearms, it must be locked in a safe.