SOUTH AFRICA VISA & FIREARM REGULATIONS

ALERT!  Please be aware of the following changes to regulations concerning traveling with children to and from South Africa.

South Africa is a popular destination for taking children and grandchildren on their first safari. There is a new development affecting anyone traveling with children to or through South Africa. Starting September 1, new document requirements take effect under the South African Immigration Amendment Act. Be prepared to present an "unabridged" birth certificate showing the particulars of the parents of the child (more on that in a moment). If only one parent is with the child you will also need written consent in the form of an affidavit from the other parent on the birth certificate authorizing the child to enter or depart from the Republic of South Africa, or a court order granting you full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship, or a death certificate for the other parent.

If you are not one of the child's parents, then in addition to the birth certificate, you also need an affidavit from the parents or legal guardian confirming the child has permission to travel with you. Plus, you'll have to produce copies of the parent's identity documents or passports and the contact details for the parents or legal guardians.

What is still unclear is whether a state/province-issued birth certificate with the names of the child and parents would be accepted as an "unabridged" birth certificate. Even the folks at South African Airways couldn't tell us. They are seeking clarification on that, and whether a notarized letter would be accepted as an affidavit. They suggested calling the South Africa consulate in your country of origin for further clarification

South Africa does not require visas for US and Canadian citizens that will be staying in South Africa for less than 90 days.

South Africa requires you to obtain a permit to temporarily import your firearms into South Africa.  First of all, you must have CSB Form 4457 signed and sealed listing the correct serial numbers of your firearms.

Then, you will need a copy of the ten-page SAPS 520 form filled out in black ink and with block letters only!  Do not sign this form!  It must be signed in their presence!  Get SAPS FORM 520 at www.PHASA.co.ZA  Click on Downloads and click on Temporary Firearm Import Permits and then select SAPS 520 and print the pdf file.

You will need a copy of your passport

You will need your return plane tickets to your country of origin

You need a letter of invitation from the outfitter.  It should list the address that you can be reached at (Immigration asks for this) This letter should state where the hunt will take place, the caliber of weapon needed for the hunt, and a statement that the weapon will only be used for hunting purposes.  It should state the period of the hunt and what type of hunt it will be – Big Game, plains game, bird hunting, etc.

If you have all of these items, your wait should be minimal and you will be on your way shortly. (Keep in mind that in peak season, the planes are full of hunters and you may incur a substantial wait, as other flights may be arriving simultaneously)  Go to the bathroom on the plane before landing, as a side trip to the bathroom before going through customs may put you at the back of the line!

USING A PERMIT SERVICE

If you want to avoid all the requirements of keeping up with South Africa’s gun importation requirements, you may want to use one of several gun permitting services located in Johannesburg.  You can arrange for your permit in advance by FAX and DHL.  To obtain your permit via this method, you must submit all your paperwork at least one month in advance of your departure.  I recommend Louis Becker’s Afton Guest House Permitting Service. They may be contacted at: africasky@mweb.co.za