Guns & Ammo

We have a variety of appropriate caliber guns to choose from for the duration of your trip. You are welcome to make use of one of the rifles. There is no cost involved except the replacement cost of the ammunition. Therefore, you don’t need to do the paperwork for temporarily importing a gun into South Africa.

However, if you prefer to hunt with your own gun and ammunition, below are the steps to temporarily import a firearm into South Africa. We can also assist you in importing your own guns; please contact us.

Bringing your own hunting rifle into South Africa

Complete the SAPS 520 Temporary Firearm Import Permit Application form in advance and bring it with you. It is important to note that the form must be completed in black ink. The form must remain unsigned until the document is finalized, at the airport, in front of the police official issuing the permit.

There is no payment involved for issuing a temporary import permit from the police. Remember to keep your permit on you at all times during your stay in South Africa.

Important information

Must be 21 years and older to apply for a permit for the purpose of hunting.
If the rifle is not semi-automatic, or fully automatic of action, or hand carbines.
For only one(1) firearm per caliber.
Always check the airline requirements for traveling with your guns.
Please check with your government for the exact requirements for exporting your guns out of your country.

The following is required with your application

Certified/notarized copy of your valid passport.
Boarding pass & certified/notarized copy of your return airline ticket.
Certified/notarized copy of Letter of invitation from M4 Safaris.
Certified/notarized copy of Completed SAP 520 Form (Not signed - must be signed in front of the official - & bring a blank copy for just in case).
Certified/notarized copy of Proof of ownership (CBP Form 4457- Certificate of Registration for personal effects taken abroad).
Certified/notarized copy of Proof of export from country of origin (CBP Form 4457- Certificate of Registration for personal effects take abroad).
Certified/notarized copy of Letter of motivation (A letter written by yourself to motivate why you wish to import rifles).
Together with all the original documents listed above.

Limitations

The following limitations exist on firearms per person:

Two hunting rifles
One single or double-barrel shotgun
One handgun of .45 or smaller caliber
No more than 200 cartridges for each firearm unless pre-approved by the Central Firearms Control Register.

Prohibitions

Any automatic or semi-automatic firearms
More than one firearm per caliber per person
More than 200 rounds of ammunition per person per firearm
Any pistol or revolver bigger than .45 (unless specified for hunting)

REASONS WHY YOUR APPLICATION MAY NOT BE APPROVED

If you have any of the firearms mentioned above and/or ammunition
If any of the supporting documents as required cannot be produced
If you are less than 21 years of age

Your application for a temporary import permit will be refused, and your firearms and ammunition will be confiscated. They will only be handed back to you when you depart back to your country of residence.

Please note that only the Central Firearm Registrar in Pretoria, South Africa, can authorize special applications for the above restrictions. These applications must be made in advance and must reach them no later than 3 (three) weeks before your arrival. You will need a special motivation letter for this. Please contact the PHASA office for more information and assistance:

The Head

Central Firearms Register

Private Bag X 811

Pretoria

South Africa

0001

Facsimile: +27 012 3536041

E-Mail: cfrenquiry@saps.gov.za

Upon your arrival at ORT International Airport:

You can collect your firearms at the SAPS firearms office, where they will be delivered after you have disembarked the aircraft and collected your general baggage at the carousel.

For visitors with firearms arriving at Terminal 1:

Proceed to the firearm office that is situated in Terminal 2 in front of the Post Office.

For visitors with firearms arriving at Terminal 2:

Proceed to the SAPS Firearms Office in front of the Post Office, look for office signs.

On arrival at the SAPS Firearm Office, have the necessary documentation available for inspection, or collect your issued temporary import permit at the PHASA desk.

Your firearms and ammunition will be physically inspected to ensure that 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 already in possession of an issued temporary importation permit.

When your application has been processed and the permit has been issued, you will have to sign for the permit. Allow for ample time for this process, at least 3 hours, if you book your connecting flights.