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!
