YOU MUST APPLY FOR YOUR TEMPORARY EXPORT/IMPORT PERMIT IN ADVANCE OF YOUR VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA.
Even though you MIGHT be able to obtain your Temporary Export/Import Permit at the Johannesburg (O R Tambo) International airport we advise you NOT to do this. It is not possible to obtain the permit at the Cape Town International Airport.
YOU MUST APPLY AT LEAST 45 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR INTENDED ARRIVAL IN SOUTH AFRICA
How to apply for your permit in advance
Step one : Temporary Import/Export permits – click HERE to download the application form (SAPS 520). You will also need:
- Your country’s license for the firearm PLUS proof of permission to export from your country of origin
- A copy of your current and valid passport
- Invitation Letter from the CTSASA – please request your letter from Sarah at info@ctsasa.co.za
- Visitors may bring their own shotgun (1 ONLY) and a limited amount of ammunition (5kgs or 175 x 28 gram cartridges) into South Africa. We do, however, strongly suggest that you arrange to purchase ammunition in South Africa – it is far less complicated than trying to travel with ammunition.
- Please be aware that the South African authorities require you to present a proof of permission to export from your country of origin. This applies to ALL applicants from ALL countries.
- LETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN INVITATION : PLEASE NOTE you will need a letter of invitation for the event in which you are participating – please email Sarah at the CTSASA at info@ctsasa.co.za.
Step two : Send your completed form to Natasha van Heerden, South African Police Service via email:
E-Mail: Vanheerdennatasha@saps.gov.za WhatsApp No. for Natasha : 074 2108 223
AMMUNITION : Please ensure that you request 1000 rounds of ammunition to be listed on your permit so that you have permission to be in possession of ammunition in South Africa. We strongly recommend that you do NOT bring your own ammunition due to customs and transportation difficulties.
Please do not send your permit applications to the CTSASA
FLYING WITH FIREARMS IN SOUTH AFRICA (DOMESTIC FLIGHTS)
- Make sure that the local airline does transport weapons (Airlink, Safair,)
- Make sure that the local airline is notified timeously of the transport of weapon.
- Make sure that you have at least 3 hours, to clear weapons etc, before flying to your next destination.
(For UK visitors, please see additional information at the bottom of this page)
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NEED ASSISTANCE? TEMPORARY SHOTGUN PERMIT PROCESSING SERVICE FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS
To avoid any processing problems either in advance of your visit to South Africa or upon arrival, we recommend that you consider using the PHASA processing service (the fee is $160) which also includes a ‘Meet and Greet’ at Johannesburg O R Tambo airport (meet and greet not available at Cape Town but you can still use the processing service to obtain your permit). Please download the SAPS520 form HERE (or you can complete it on-line at http://phasa.saps520.com/) The information on the processing service HERE. Documents must be submitted at least 30 days before arrival.
Please do not send your permit applications to the CTSASA – please send your permit applications either direct to SAPS – as per information above – or use the PHASA processing service as described above.
AMMUNITION : Please ensure that you request 1000 rounds of ammunition to be listed on your permit
LETTER OF INVITATION : PLEASE NOTE you will need a letter of invitation for the event in which you are participating – please email Sarah at the CTSASA at info@ctsasa.co.za.
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UK VISITORS
For UK visitors, please also note you might need to obtain Proof of Export from the UK:
UK CITIZENS importing firearms into South Africa for sporting or hunting purposes.
UK Citizens temporarily exporting firearms for sporting or hunting purposes to South Africa and applying for a temporary import permit via the SAPS 520 form at the airport (not pre-issued) after arrival in South Africa, may need to have Proof of Export from the UK.
This might be compulsory. Without this proof, the police will not issue the temporary import permit and will confiscate your firearm(s).
What to do: Contact the UK Border Force at Heathrow
Email the UKBF Armoury Control on -: BFLHRFirearms@homeoffice.gov.uk – at least 2 weeks prior to your departure for South Africa:
Advise them that you will be travelling to South Africa for a sporting competition or a game hunting safari.
Request them to issue you with a letter/document that you may lawfully temporarily export your firearms and ammunition to South Africa.
Scan and email copies of the following with the request:
Passport
Firearms licence – indicate exactly which rifles/shotguns you will take and the amount of ammunition.
Invitation letter
Return flights and dates
Contact details: +44 (0) 20 8910 3721
(disclaimer : this information was correct at time of publication (31st March 2025) but this information can change – please ensure you check this information at the time of your enquiry)
