Border Force stop issuing export permits

[jon 12]

Any updates on this, has it been sorted legitimately, without the obligatory passing of a few 100 rand?

 

[Hanechdene]

Some information that relates to Border Force’s statement:

Exporting firearms

Guidance for businesses and individuals on what licence and supporting documentation you need to export firearms, ammunition and related equipment.

www.gov.uk

Exceptions for certificate or permit holders​

Article 16 of the Order provides an exception for the export of firearms as personal effects from the UK to countries outside the EU.

You do not normally need an export licence to take or send the following items overseas if they are for personal use and part of your personal effects:

• firearms
• shotguns
• related ammunition and sights (non-electronic image enhancement)

This only applies if you have either a valid certificate or visitor’s permit for your firearm or shotgun.

You must have the relevant items entered on the certificate. The certificates and items must be ready to be presented by the holder, or their appointed agent, to an HMRC officer at the place of export.

The Export Control Order 2008

This Order consolidates Orders made under the Export Control Act 2002, with some changes. As a consequence the Export of Goods, Transfer of Technology and Provision of Technical Assistance (Control) Order 2003, the Trade in Goods (Control) Order 2003, the Trade in Controlled Goods (Embargoed...

www.legislation.gov.uk

(3) The exception in this article only applies if the firearm, related ammunition and sight using non-electronic image enhancement form part of the personal effects of the holder of the relevant certificate or permit and, in a case to which paragraph (2)(b) applies, the certificate or permit is produced by the holder, or the holder’s duly authorised agent, with the firearm and, if carried, ammunition and sight to the proper officer of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs at the place of exportation.

So the above should satisfy the following:

 

[jon 12]

Some information that relates to Border Force’s statement:

Exporting firearms

Guidance for businesses and individuals on what licence and supporting documentation you need to export firearms, ammunition and related equipment.

www.gov.uk

Exceptions for certificate or permit holders​

Article 16 of the Order provides an exception for the export of firearms as personal effects from the UK to countries outside the EU.

You do not normally need an export licence to take or send the following items overseas if they are for personal use and part of your personal effects:

• firearms
• shotguns
• related ammunition and sights (non-electronic image enhancement)

This only applies if you have either a valid certificate or visitor’s permit for your firearm or shotgun.

You must have the relevant items entered on the certificate. The certificates and items must be ready to be presented by the holder, or their appointed agent, to an HMRC officer at the place of export.

The Export Control Order 2008

This Order consolidates Orders made under the Export Control Act 2002, with some changes. As a consequence the Export of Goods, Transfer of Technology and Provision of Technical Assistance (Control) Order 2003, the Trade in Goods (Control) Order 2003, the Trade in Controlled Goods (Embargoed...

www.legislation.gov.uk

(3) The exception in this article only applies if the firearm, related ammunition and sight using non-electronic image enhancement form part of the personal effects of the holder of the relevant certificate or permit and, in a case to which paragraph (2)(b) applies, the certificate or permit is produced by the holder, or the holder’s duly authorised agent, with the firearm and, if carried, ammunition and sight to the proper officer of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs at the place of exportation.

So the above should satisfy the following:

View attachment 447625

Thanks very much for the information, hopefully all will be cleared up and sorted for next year.

 

[Hanechdene]

When are you going? I’m flying beginning of February

 

[jon 12]

Not until April so should be sorted by then.

 

[Jagdmatch]

Has anyone landed at Jo berg recently without the permit from Border Force ?

 

[Safari Hunter]

I've been in touch with Mr X and also Air2000 asking the latest situation. They are still insisting on this letter from Border Force which is no longer issued.
The only real way around it is a pre arranged permit with meet and greet. Mr X at Afton charge $100 and Air2000 $200. They need all of the paperwork you would usually need, except the letter from Border Force, sent to them a minimum of 25 days before flying.
There was a meeting last week and nothing is looking likely to be sorted for a long time.
It's a ludicrous situation but better to be safe than sorry.

Cheers
Adrian

 

[Hanechdene]

Morning all,

As I write I am sitting in terminal A at JNB waiting to fly to East London.

The SAP office queried not having an export licence and showed them the email I had from Border Force and mentioned the various UK legislation.

Permit issued.

It took about 30 to 40 minutes to issue the SAP licence, so no longer than normal.

Happy hunting!

 

[Jagdmatch]

I am in South Africa today at Oliver Tambo. It took 90 minutes of frank and meaningful discussion and reasonable inducement to get the paperwork done by the police office ( we were the only people there) It took all 6 of the staff to deal with the paperwork and typing in detail . We did however miss our connecting flight so another 3 hour wait. I think the thing that helped was a copy of the UK legislation but in future I think I would get a SA import agent and pay them

 

[Hanechdene]

I am in South Africa today at Oliver Tambo. It took 90 minutes of frank and meaningful discussion and reasonable inducement to get the paperwork done by the police office ( we were the only people there) It took all 6 of the staff to deal with the paperwork and typing in detail . We did however miss our connecting flight so another 3 hour wait. I think the thing that helped was a copy of the UK legislation but in future I think I would get a SA import agent and pay them

Out of interest, were you in a group?

How did you present your paperwork? Did you have copies of everything ready for them?

 

[Jagdmatch]

Out of interest, were you in a group?

How did you present your paperwork? Did you have copies of everything ready for them?

No not in a group, copies of paperwork available but not required as details entered straight into computer record on front desk.

 

[Beardog]

Has anybody else had recent experience in OR Tambo?

I'm due to go through with a group next month, and we've just had the email reply: "Border Force are no longer issuing these letters to passengers who are visiting South Africa. The South African authorities are aware of this change and will no longer be asking to see them".

I really don’t relish the idea of either losing weapons or being rubber-gloved by the SA Police.

 

[Hanechdene]

Yes, print the email out and take it with you.

That satisfied them when I went through in February.

 

[Automan]

I used Afton services absolute breeze in and out of South Africa.

 

[Beardog]

For anybody else planning a trip to SA - there is no longer any issue at all over export permits. There's no need to use any form of import agent/service either - the Police office at OR Tambo is not problematic, they don't need bribing any more, and get the job done smoothly.
Just hand them a pack with:

• Your completed SAPS 520 (except the 2nd signature which has to be done in front of them) (lots of links available on what to fill/not to fill on the form)
• Copy of passport
• Copy of FAC front page and rifle page (with your rifle highlighted)
• Copy of hunting outfit invite letter
• Screen print or similar of your outbound flight booking

Obviously have original FAC and passport with you, but the copy sheets make it easy for the local cop to complete the forms his side of the counter. Depending on how many people in your group, or how many other hunters queueing for paperwork, you might be in the office anything from 20 minutes to an hour or two before they hand you your Import Permit (do not lose this!!).


Noddy guide here for anybody doing the trip first time, based on travel and procedures Apr/May 2026:

Flying with Weapons From Heathrow T3 (Virgin) To Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg:

HEATHROW

• Arrive at least the full 3 hours before departure – this booking-in process can be smooth but sometimes it really drags. Depends on experience of staff on shift.
• Go to airline check-in first, notify them you have weapons and they’ll pull you to the front through priority channel. They only need to see passports.
• They weigh & tag all bags and weapon/ammo cases.
• Fill in airline forms (Virgin’s are simple) (have FAC to hand for serial numbers).
• They call airline security porters and customs (who just check serial numbers vs FAC).
• Airline security also have you complete a form accepting them taking weapons – you have to list all weapon case contents including rifle, mod, bipod, optic, cleaning kit etc
• Porters take weapons once checked.
• Job done, go through passport control/security and have a beer.

JOHANNESBURG

• Collect hold bags from carousel. Use a trolley - loads about and free.
• Exit arrivals through main exit doors, go round to the right to Police Station (still in airport hall).
• Exchange SAPS520 for SA permit (takes a while for them to fill in the 520 forms).
• They no longer need UK customs proof of export. They do still need a wad of paper as follows:
  • Completed SAPS 520 (with only one signature)
  • Clear copy of passport
  • Clear copy of FAC front page & rifle page (with rifle(s) you're carrying highlighted)
  • Copy of invite letter
  • Copy of return flight itinerary
• They will open cases to check serial numbers, then hand over guns & ammo.
• If you're driving from Joburg, you can now just leave the airport, if transferring to internal flight:
• Go straight to domestic check-in (long-ish walk up ramps not very well signed).
• Avoid hordes of porters trying to help/direct you as they will want money.
• They weigh & tag all bags and cases.
• You then take firearms to domestic firearms office – co-located with gents toilets next to security gates entrance.
• They just check vs Import Permit, may not open cases, leave weapons and ammo with them.

PORT ELIZABETH

• Collect hold bags from carousel.
• Go to firearms office in the main hall just left of security gates.
• Show passport and SA permit for weapons, quick process.
• Small airport – you should see your outfit hosts waving through the exit doors while sorting weapons.

Returning to Heathrow from Port Elizabeth

PORT ELIZABETH

• Go to airline check-in.
• They weigh and tag all bags and cases.
• Take firearms to firearms office, just left of security queue to departures.
• Show passport and SA permit.
• They take weapon cases.
• Go through security to departures. Note – there are very few facilities in PE departures, more to choose from to eat/drink in the main hall.

JOHANNESBURG

• Collect hold bags from carousel.
• Collect weapons from firearms office opposite carousel 5.
• Only need SA Permit to retrieve weapons
• Exit arrivals and head to Departures A (allow 10-15 min walk).
• Go to airline check-in first, notify them you have weapons and they’ll pull you to the front through priority channel. They only need to see passport.
• They weigh & tag all bags and cases.
• Fill in airline forms.
• Cases go through, tagged weapons loaded onto trolley.
• A little minion then escorts you through a gap between the check-in desks to the firearms office, 1 min walk.
• He just needs to see just SA license, then checks unloaded/no contraband in box.
• Leave with him and go through security to departure lounge.

HEATHROW

• Go through passport control & collect normal hold bags.
• Go into customs red channel (T3 is opposite luggage carousels).
• Show FAC and passport, they just check serial numbers.
• Done!

 

[NickJ]

For anybody else planning a trip to SA - there is no longer any issue at all over export permits. There's no need to use any form of import agent/service either - the Police office at OR Tambo is not problematic, they don't need bribing any more, and get the job done smoothly.
Just hand them a pack with:

• Your completed SAPS 520 (except the 2nd signature which has to be done in front of them) (lots of links available on what to fill/not to fill on the form)
• Copy of passport
• Copy of FAC front page and rifle page (with your rifle highlighted)
• Copy of hunting outfit invite letter
• Screen print or similar of your outbound flight booking

Obviously have original FAC and passport with you, but the copy sheets make it easy for the local cop to complete the forms his side of the counter. Depending on how many people in your group, or how many other hunters queueing for paperwork, you might be in the office anything from 20 minutes to an hour or two before they hand you your Import Permit (do not lose this!!).


Noddy guide here for anybody doing the trip first time, based on travel and procedures Apr/May 2026:

Flying with Weapons From Heathrow T3 (Virgin) To Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg:

HEATHROW

• Arrive at least the full 3 hours before departure – this booking-in process can be smooth but sometimes it really drags. Depends on experience of staff on shift.
• Go to airline check-in first, notify them you have weapons and they’ll pull you to the front through priority channel. They only need to see passports.
• They weigh & tag all bags and weapon/ammo cases.
• Fill in airline forms (Virgin’s are simple) (have FAC to hand for serial numbers).
• They call airline security porters and customs (who just check serial numbers vs FAC).
• Airline security also have you complete a form accepting them taking weapons – you have to list all weapon case contents including rifle, mod, bipod, optic, cleaning kit etc
• Porters take weapons once checked.
• Job done, go through passport control/security and have a beer.

JOHANNESBURG

• Collect hold bags from carousel. Use a trolley - loads about and free.
• Exit arrivals through main exit doors, go round to the right to Police Station (still in airport hall).
• Exchange SAPS520 for SA permit (takes a while for them to fill in the 520 forms).
• They no longer need UK customs proof of export. They do still need a wad of paper as follows:
  • Completed SAPS 520 (with only one signature)
  • Clear copy of passport
  • Clear copy of FAC front page & rifle page (with rifle(s) you're carrying highlighted)
  • Copy of invite letter
  • Copy of return flight itinerary
• They will open cases to check serial numbers, then hand over guns & ammo.
• If you're driving from Joburg, you can now just leave the airport, if transferring to internal flight:
• Go straight to domestic check-in (long-ish walk up ramps not very well signed).
• Avoid hordes of porters trying to help/direct you as they will want money.
• They weigh & tag all bags and cases.
• You then take firearms to domestic firearms office – co-located with gents toilets next to security gates entrance.
• They just check vs Import Permit, may not open cases, leave weapons and ammo with them.

PORT ELIZABETH

• Collect hold bags from carousel.
• Go to firearms office in the main hall just left of security gates.
• Show passport and SA permit for weapons, quick process.
• Small airport – you should see your outfit hosts waving through the exit doors while sorting weapons.

Returning to Heathrow from Port Elizabeth

PORT ELIZABETH

• Go to airline check-in.
• They weigh and tag all bags and cases.
• Take firearms to firearms office, just left of security queue to departures.
• Show passport and SA permit.
• They take weapon cases.
• Go through security to departures. Note – there are very few facilities in PE departures, more to choose from to eat/drink in the main hall.

JOHANNESBURG

• Collect hold bags from carousel.
• Collect weapons from firearms office opposite carousel 5.
• Only need SA Permit to retrieve weapons
• Exit arrivals and head to Departures A (allow 10-15 min walk).
• Go to airline check-in first, notify them you have weapons and they’ll pull you to the front through priority channel. They only need to see passport.
• They weigh & tag all bags and cases.
• Fill in airline forms.
• Cases go through, tagged weapons loaded onto trolley.
• A little minion then escorts you through a gap between the check-in desks to the firearms office, 1 min walk.
• He just needs to see just SA license, then checks unloaded/no contraband in box.
• Leave with him and go through security to departure lounge.

HEATHROW

• Go through passport control & collect normal hold bags.
• Go into customs red channel (T3 is opposite luggage carousels).
• Show FAC and passport, they just check serial numbers.
• Done!

Many thanks for that, @Selous and I fly Heathrow to Johannesburg then onto Windhoek next week

 

[artschool]

For anybody else planning a trip to SA - there is no longer any issue at all over export permits. There's no need to use any form of import agent/service either - the Police office at OR Tambo is not problematic, they don't need bribing any more, and get the job done smoothly.
Just hand them a pack with:

• Your completed SAPS 520 (except the 2nd signature which has to be done in front of them) (lots of links available on what to fill/not to fill on the form)
• Copy of passport
• Copy of FAC front page and rifle page (with your rifle highlighted)
• Copy of hunting outfit invite letter
• Screen print or similar of your outbound flight booking

Obviously have original FAC and passport with you, but the copy sheets make it easy for the local cop to complete the forms his side of the counter. Depending on how many people in your group, or how many other hunters queueing for paperwork, you might be in the office anything from 20 minutes to an hour or two before they hand you your Import Permit (do not lose this!!).


Noddy guide here for anybody doing the trip first time, based on travel and procedures Apr/May 2026:

Flying with Weapons From Heathrow T3 (Virgin) To Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg:

HEATHROW

• Arrive at least the full 3 hours before departure – this booking-in process can be smooth but sometimes it really drags. Depends on experience of staff on shift.
• Go to airline check-in first, notify them you have weapons and they’ll pull you to the front through priority channel. They only need to see passports.
• They weigh & tag all bags and weapon/ammo cases.
• Fill in airline forms (Virgin’s are simple) (have FAC to hand for serial numbers).
• They call airline security porters and customs (who just check serial numbers vs FAC).
• Airline security also have you complete a form accepting them taking weapons – you have to list all weapon case contents including rifle, mod, bipod, optic, cleaning kit etc
• Porters take weapons once checked.
• Job done, go through passport control/security and have a beer.

JOHANNESBURG

• Collect hold bags from carousel. Use a trolley - loads about and free.
• Exit arrivals through main exit doors, go round to the right to Police Station (still in airport hall).
• Exchange SAPS520 for SA permit (takes a while for them to fill in the 520 forms).
• They no longer need UK customs proof of export. They do still need a wad of paper as follows:
  • Completed SAPS 520 (with only one signature)
  • Clear copy of passport
  • Clear copy of FAC front page & rifle page (with rifle(s) you're carrying highlighted)
  • Copy of invite letter
  • Copy of return flight itinerary
• They will open cases to check serial numbers, then hand over guns & ammo.
• If you're driving from Joburg, you can now just leave the airport, if transferring to internal flight:
• Go straight to domestic check-in (long-ish walk up ramps not very well signed).
• Avoid hordes of porters trying to help/direct you as they will want money.
• They weigh & tag all bags and cases.
• You then take firearms to domestic firearms office – co-located with gents toilets next to security gates entrance.
• They just check vs Import Permit, may not open cases, leave weapons and ammo with them.

PORT ELIZABETH

• Collect hold bags from carousel.
• Go to firearms office in the main hall just left of security gates.
• Show passport and SA permit for weapons, quick process.
• Small airport – you should see your outfit hosts waving through the exit doors while sorting weapons.

Returning to Heathrow from Port Elizabeth

PORT ELIZABETH

• Go to airline check-in.
• They weigh and tag all bags and cases.
• Take firearms to firearms office, just left of security queue to departures.
• Show passport and SA permit.
• They take weapon cases.
• Go through security to departures. Note – there are very few facilities in PE departures, more to choose from to eat/drink in the main hall.

JOHANNESBURG

• Collect hold bags from carousel.
• Collect weapons from firearms office opposite carousel 5.
• Only need SA Permit to retrieve weapons
• Exit arrivals and head to Departures A (allow 10-15 min walk).
• Go to airline check-in first, notify them you have weapons and they’ll pull you to the front through priority channel. They only need to see passport.
• They weigh & tag all bags and cases.
• Fill in airline forms.
• Cases go through, tagged weapons loaded onto trolley.
• A little minion then escorts you through a gap between the check-in desks to the firearms office, 1 min walk.
• He just needs to see just SA license, then checks unloaded/no contraband in box.
• Leave with him and go through security to departure lounge.

HEATHROW

• Go through passport control & collect normal hold bags.
• Go into customs red channel (T3 is opposite luggage carousels).
• Show FAC and passport, they just check serial numbers.
• Done!

well done for typing this out. everyone needs to relax a bit about bringing your rifles. it’s much simpler than you think.

 

[Selous]

For anybody else planning a trip to SA - there is no longer any issue at all over export permits. There's no need to use any form of import agent/service either - the Police office at OR Tambo is not problematic, they don't need bribing any more, and get the job done smoothly.
Just hand them a pack with:

• Your completed SAPS 520 (except the 2nd signature which has to be done in front of them) (lots of links available on what to fill/not to fill on the form)
• Copy of passport
• Copy of FAC front page and rifle page (with your rifle highlighted)
• Copy of hunting outfit invite letter
• Screen print or similar of your outbound flight booking

Obviously have original FAC and passport with you, but the copy sheets make it easy for the local cop to complete the forms his side of the counter. Depending on how many people in your group, or how many other hunters queueing for paperwork, you might be in the office anything from 20 minutes to an hour or two before they hand you your Import Permit (do not lose this!!).


Noddy guide here for anybody doing the trip first time, based on travel and procedures Apr/May 2026:

Flying with Weapons From Heathrow T3 (Virgin) To Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg:

HEATHROW

• Arrive at least the full 3 hours before departure – this booking-in process can be smooth but sometimes it really drags. Depends on experience of staff on shift.
• Go to airline check-in first, notify them you have weapons and they’ll pull you to the front through priority channel. They only need to see passports.
• They weigh & tag all bags and weapon/ammo cases.
• Fill in airline forms (Virgin’s are simple) (have FAC to hand for serial numbers).
• They call airline security porters and customs (who just check serial numbers vs FAC).
• Airline security also have you complete a form accepting them taking weapons – you have to list all weapon case contents including rifle, mod, bipod, optic, cleaning kit etc
• Porters take weapons once checked.
• Job done, go through passport control/security and have a beer.

JOHANNESBURG

• Collect hold bags from carousel. Use a trolley - loads about and free.
• Exit arrivals through main exit doors, go round to the right to Police Station (still in airport hall).
• Exchange SAPS520 for SA permit (takes a while for them to fill in the 520 forms).
• They no longer need UK customs proof of export. They do still need a wad of paper as follows:
  • Completed SAPS 520 (with only one signature)
  • Clear copy of passport
  • Clear copy of FAC front page & rifle page (with rifle(s) you're carrying highlighted)
  • Copy of invite letter
  • Copy of return flight itinerary
• They will open cases to check serial numbers, then hand over guns & ammo.
• If you're driving from Joburg, you can now just leave the airport, if transferring to internal flight:
• Go straight to domestic check-in (long-ish walk up ramps not very well signed).
• Avoid hordes of porters trying to help/direct you as they will want money.
• They weigh & tag all bags and cases.
• You then take firearms to domestic firearms office – co-located with gents toilets next to security gates entrance.
• They just check vs Import Permit, may not open cases, leave weapons and ammo with them.

PORT ELIZABETH

• Collect hold bags from carousel.
• Go to firearms office in the main hall just left of security gates.
• Show passport and SA permit for weapons, quick process.
• Small airport – you should see your outfit hosts waving through the exit doors while sorting weapons.

Returning to Heathrow from Port Elizabeth

PORT ELIZABETH

• Go to airline check-in.
• They weigh and tag all bags and cases.
• Take firearms to firearms office, just left of security queue to departures.
• Show passport and SA permit.
• They take weapon cases.
• Go through security to departures. Note – there are very few facilities in PE departures, more to choose from to eat/drink in the main hall.

JOHANNESBURG

• Collect hold bags from carousel.
• Collect weapons from firearms office opposite carousel 5.
• Only need SA Permit to retrieve weapons
• Exit arrivals and head to Departures A (allow 10-15 min walk).
• Go to airline check-in first, notify them you have weapons and they’ll pull you to the front through priority channel. They only need to see passport.
• They weigh & tag all bags and cases.
• Fill in airline forms.
• Cases go through, tagged weapons loaded onto trolley.
• A little minion then escorts you through a gap between the check-in desks to the firearms office, 1 min walk.
• He just needs to see just SA license, then checks unloaded/no contraband in box.
• Leave with him and go through security to departure lounge.

HEATHROW

• Go through passport control & collect normal hold bags.
• Go into customs red channel (T3 is opposite luggage carousels).
• Show FAC and passport, they just check serial numbers.
• Done!

Many thanks @Beardog . Just one question, last two times through Heathrow I checked in with Virgin and the courier took the gun cases and gave me a receipt. We then went through security and met the courier and Border force at the Border Force rooms on the left just after security. Has this process changed as it sounds like you had your serial numbers and FAC checked before going through security?

 

[jon 12]

Many thanks @Beardog . Just one question, last two times through Heathrow I checked in with Virgin and the courier took the gun cases and gave me a receipt. We then went through security and met the courier and Border force at the Border Force rooms on the left just after security. Has this process changed as it sounds like you had your serial numbers and FAC checked before going through security?

Last month had to do the same as above,meet courier after case has been xrayed and checked by border force after going through security. I did inquire why we had to do this due to them refusing to issue export paperwork, just a shrug of shoulder and said don't know.

 

[Namman]

Many thanks @Beardog . Just one question, last two times through Heathrow I checked in with Virgin and the courier took the gun cases and gave me a receipt. We then went through security and met the courier and Border force at the Border Force rooms on the left just after security. Has this process changed as it sounds like you had your serial numbers and FAC checked before going through security?

That's exactly how it was for us earlier this month.