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| Applying Personally | Apply via Bagwele Safaris | Apply via PHASA | Documentation | Warning | Arrival Procedure |

Download SAPS 520 Form (PDF Document)
Download Instructions for SAPS 520 Form (PDF Document)

There are three (3) options available for obtaining the Temporary Importation Permits

1. Yourself as Client and Foreign Hunter
2. Through Bagwele Safaris
3. Through the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA), which we recommend. (www.phasa.co.za)

We suggest that, where possible, the actual Temporary Import Permits are obtained prior to your arrival. When you make use of PHASA's service and your application is successful, your Temporary Import Permits will be available for collection at the SAPS Office on arrival at Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Should you wish to make the application Yourself, complete the Temporary Import Permits application (SAP520) in advance and bring it with you. The SAP520 can be completed on arrival at the SAPS Firearm Office. It is important to note that the form must be completed in black ink and must remain unsigned until the document is finalized in front of the police official issuing the actual permit at the airport.

Should you require Bagwele Safaris to obtain the Temporary Import Permit prior to your arrival please ensure that you provide us with all the necessary documentation, either by registered mail or courier as no fax or e-mail copies will be accepted. The documentation must reach our offices at least 25 days prior to your arrival in South Africa.

Should you elect to have PHASA obtain the Temporary Import Permit prior to your arrival, as with Bagwele Safaris, ensure that you provide all the necessary documentation so that it reaches their offices at least 25 days prior to your arrival in South Africa.

The Documentation required for the Temporary Import Permit includes the following.

1. The SAP520 form – completed in black ink. Complete the following section; Page 2 – E 2.1 to E 25.4 (Natural person’s details), Page 4 – G 1 to G 5 & G 8 to G 9.2 (Import/Export details), Page 5 – I 1.1 to I 5 (Details of firearms etc.), Page 6 – J (Signature of applicant), or Page 8 – N (Signature of Nominee/Authorized Person). You should provide an original written Mandate (Appointment Letter) for this should you not be completing in the SAP520 personally.
2. Certified/Notarized copy of your Passport
3. Certified/Notarized copy of Airline Tickets or Itinerary
4. Certified/Notarized copy of Proof of Export. This is proof that your firearms have been legally exported from your country of residence. If your country does not have an official export permit the SAPS require a letter from a government agency of your country of residence stating this. For USA citizens the 4457 form is acceptable.
5. Certified/Notarized copy of Firearm Licences. The SAPS realizes that some countries, E.g. The US does not issue gun licenses. In this event the USA form 4457 is acceptable for USA citizens.
6. Original Invitation Letter from Bagwele Safaris

The following Firearms and Ammunition will not be allowed to enter South Africa.

1. Any Automatic or Semi-automatic Firearms
2. More than one Firearm per Calibre per Person
3. More than 200 rounds of Ammunition per Person per Firearm
4. Any Pistol or Revolver, unless specified for hunting

Be Warned! Should a Firearm not be declared and a Temporary Import Permit not issued, and you proceed through customs without declaring a Firearm, you will face severe penalties and possible arrest on departure from South Africa. Please ensure that your Firearms arrive on the same flight as you do. This must be done with the airline company on departure. Your Firearms may only be signed for by you and will not be released to your Outfitter or Professional Hunter should it arrive on a separate flight. In this case, the Firearms will be held by the SAPS until such time as you claim ownership in person.

The Temporary Import Permit serves as your firearm licence in South Africa and enables you to buy ammunition in South Africa for the calibres noted on the permit. At all times while you are in possession of your Firearms, you must have the Temporary Import Permit on your person. When you are not using the Firearms, they must be locked in a safe.

On arrival at Oliver Tambo International Airport:

1. Disembark from the Aircraft and clear Passport Control in whichever Terminal the flight has arrived
2. Proceed to the Baggage Claim at the respective carousel, and collect your general baggage
3. Proceed to the Firearm Office that is situated in Terminal 2 in front of the Post Office
4. On arrival at the SAPS Firearm Office collect your issued Temporary Import Permit at the PHASA desk if applicable, or have the necessary documentation available for inspection
5. Your Firearms and Ammunition will be physically inspected to ensure the Serial Numbers match those of the Licenses and the Application Forms. You will then be asked to wait while your Application is being processed (If you are not in the possession of an already issued Temporary Importation Permit)
6. When your Application has been processed and your Temporary Import Permit has been issued you will have to sign for the permit. If you are connecting to other flights, please make sure that you allow ample time for this process, or
7. The actual Firearms and Ammunition will be physically inspected to verify details against the already issued Temporary Import Permit and those of the Licenses
8. Once this is established you are free to leave with your weapons

The issuing of the Temporary Import Permit at the Port of Entry is free of charge. Do not tip or pay any SAPS Officer for this service.