Jo'burg with firearms with Virgin

[Loler UK]

I was wondering if anyone had experienced this in the last couple of years?

Virgin are insisting you can just rock up and get a temporary import licence in JNB airport and it's free of charge all i need is:

• Valid passport
• Return airline ticket (to country of origin)
• Weapons licence(s) and/or proof of ownership
• Proof of export from the country of origin
• Invitation letter from an Outfitter (professional hunter) in South Africa
• All the weapons you’re travelling with
• All the ammunition you’re travelling with (this will be inspected by the South African Police Service).

I was wondering if it might be possible to get this ahead of time and if the proof of export is easily obtained and where from (I assume from some helpful folk at heathrow airport?)

Thanks in advance hive mind.

 

[Hanechdene]

Virgin are correct.

Don’t be in any hurry, if you are the clock will be go in exceptional slow speEd especially on the SAP desk

allow a minimum of 3 hours to clear border control and then SAP.

you will also need the SAP E520 form but don’t sign it.

have copies of your paperwork grouped and labelled, speeds processing @ SAP desk, a copies of the front sheet of your FAC speeds up border force on the way out and return (enables them to complete their entries once you are on your way)

 

[Loler UK]

Virgin are correct.

Don’t be in any hurry, if you are the clock will be go in exceptional slow speEd especially on the SAP desk

allow a minimum of 3 hours to clear border control and then SAP.

you will also need the SAP E520 form but don’t sign it.

have copies of your paperwork grouped and labelled, speeds processing @ SAP desk, a copies of the front sheet of your FAC speeds up border force on the way out and return (enables them to complete their entries once you are on your way)

Many thanks, can you access the SAP E520 online? or just pick one up at J'burg airport? and did you get the proof of export at heathrow? and from which desk?

 

[Hanechdene]

https://www.saps.gov.za/services/flash/firearms/forms/english/e520.pdf

There isn’t much to fill out BTW……

If you are struggling let me know

 

[stevec]

You will pay a fee but I would seriously think about contacting Afton Lodge Hotel in Kempton Park. They have an employee, Mr X (difficult to pronounce Xhosa name) who will deal with everything in the airport for you and meet you for about £120. Brilliant hotel if you need somewhere to stay as well. As soon as he was out of earshot, the airport employees started trying it on and suggesting they could prevent damage to my rifle for a fee. He knows everyone in the airport and makes the whole experience stress free. They will also deal with all the SAPS paperwork for you.

I had a nagging thought that I was wasting my money and could manage until I realised his other clients that day were PHs. One told me he wouldn't try it without Mr X and he has lived in South Africa all his life.

 

[stevec]

I had mine pre-approved but I am not sure if you can do this without an agent.

 

[ColinJ]

Regarding the proof of export, I got this from Border Force at the airport on the day I flew out.
When I got to Jo’burg the officer on the Firearms Desk got very excited because, although it was correctly filled out by Border Force, it didn’t have an official stamp on it. All my other paperwork was in order, and I had the PH (Evert Birkenstock - highly recommended - he’s a member here) with me.
Luckily I was able to ring Border Force and they emailed a new form over to me, with a stamp on it. The officer begrudgingly issued the import permit.
I’m convinced that the officer was looking for a bribe.
If I take my own rifle next time getting Mr X involved sounds like a very good idea.

 

[Selous]

We flew with Virgin from LHR. Arranged the Border Force export permit in advance and paid approx £120 for a meet & greet service at OR Tambo. Absolutely brilliant use of a few quid… met as we got off the plane by a chap who had our name on a sheet of paper and he escorted us through the airport through the VIP passport control ( must have saved us an hour and a half in the queue), collected our hold luggage and took us to the SAPS office which is a bit tucked away where our PH Chris Troskie (ace bloke) was waiting. All paperwork was there ready for us so we collected the cases, checked serial numbers and were on our way. It was dead easy and money well spent in my book. We used a company called Air 2000 but have heard good things about Africa Sky guesthouse too. Virgin were very good to deal with and we had no issues with them at all. Just arrive at the airport in lots of time … we arrived 5 hours before the flight and only spent an hour in the lounge due to the firearms check in process taking time.

 

[Loler UK]

We flew with Virgin from LHR. Arranged the Border Force export permit in advance and paid approx £120 for a meet & greet service at OR Tambo. Absolutely brilliant use of a few quid… met as we got off the plane by a chap who had our name on a sheet of paper and he escorted us through the airport through the VIP passport control ( must have saved us an hour and a half in the queue), collected our hold luggage and took us to the SAPS office which is a bit tucked away where our PH Chris Troskie (ace bloke) was waiting. All paperwork was there ready for us so we collected the cases, checked serial numbers and were on our way. It was dead easy and money well spent in my book. We used a company called Air 2000 but have heard good things about Africa Sky guesthouse too. Virgin were very good to deal with and we had no issues with them at all. Just arrive at the airport in lots of time … we arrived 5 hours before the flight and only spent an hour in the lounge due to the firearms check in process taking time.

Many thanks for posting, was that meet and greet booked through the aforementioned mr X?

 

[Selous]

Many thanks for posting, was that meet and greet booked through the aforementioned mr X?

I never met Mr X to be honest!! I booked direct through the following website

Hunters' Support - HOME

Hunters' Support - African Hunting Industry for the traveling hunter

www.hunterssupport.com

The following permit service and guesthouse came highly recommended from my PH

General Info - AfricaSky Guest House

africasky.co.za

I can highly recommend the following PH who provides a truly bespoke service. Only one group stays with him at a time so you don’t need to fit in around other people in camp

Exclusive African Hunting and Photographic Safari Experts

Chris Troskie Safaris - African plains game and dangerous game hunts that are affordable. Superb safari accommodations and hunting experiences in the Limpopo Bushveld

www.ct-safaris.com

 

[Dickie]

SAP emailed me by my outfitter along with all the other admin and example of filled in form what to and what not.
He met me and took me in to the office and we were there no longer than 40 minutes at no cost and a few freebie’s of Shooting/Hunting magazine’s.
That was 2017 an 2019 I think.

 

[stevec]

Many thanks for posting, was that meet and greet booked through the aforementioned mr X?

I think @Selous is referring to another company offering the same service.

Mr X works for this hotel:

Home

www.aftonsafarilodge.com

You can book just airport and paperwork assistance if you don't need accommodation.

I am sure @Selous 's contact would do an equally good job. I think there are a few people offering the same services.

I didn't book the passport control assistance though. I had 6 trips through passport control in ORT in 20 days. Worst was two hours, best 45 mins for international flights.

 

[stevec]

I think there is also a firm called Hunters Support who are supposed to be good.

Not a good advert for ORT that a small industry has grown up around dealing with their employees.

 

[El Majorero]

Regarding the proof of export, I got this from Border Force at the airport on the day I flew out.
When I got to Jo’burg the officer on the Firearms Desk got very excited because, although it was correctly filled out by Border Force, it didn’t have an official stamp on it. All my other paperwork was in order, and I had the PH (Evert Birkenstock - highly recommended - he’s a member here) with me.
Luckily I was able to ring Border Force and they emailed a new form over to me, with a stamp on it. The officer begrudgingly issued the import permit.
I’m convinced that the officer was looking for a bribe.
If I take my own rifle next time getting Mr X involved sounds like a very good idea.

They are bent even mr. Xu pronounced shoo all want a piece of the action.. If they clean your boots, check theres still 2 laces...jb the very worst..
M. E.

 

[HME]

If you contact PHASA directly, they will organise it all for you before you travel. They will email you the paperwork to complete with full instructions. They will also have someone waiting for you at arrivals with your paperwork, deal with the police for you and help check you onto your next flight if required.

We use them all the time and find their service exemplary. Cost around $150 US.

HME

 

[norfolk shooter]

Mr X is a top bloke I always look forward to seeing him. Has a good sense of humour. The service provided by Afton is awesome and well worth the money. Go with the VIP option and you bypass the woman that scratches to table for a bribe. An American chum of mine got done for $100 by her. She wouldnt let his firearms out of this cage thing until the bribe was enough. Its Africa stuff like that happens.

Im surprised to hear that Virgin are so accommodating of sporting arms given Branson is such an anti

 

[Selous]

On the way out of Joberg my PH told me that the guy who couriered the cases through the airport would work us for a bribe by saying that he would be the only person responsible for our case’s getting on the plane. We were advised to answer that we look forward to picking the cases up in Heathrow but give no bribe. All went well, cases loaded fine and no bribe given.

 

[El Majorero]

On the way out of Joberg my PH told me that the guy who couriered the cases through the airport would work us for a bribe by saying that he would be the only person responsible for our case’s getting on the plane. We were advised to answer that we look forward to picking the cases up in Heathrow but give no bribe. All went well, cases loaded fine and no bribe given.

We know them well also, Xu is sometimes known as Jyu but its the same fella. We watched him scam a french group of shooters, he speaks fluent french as most of them do... but he didnt let on, until one called the guards over. Who took him outside we couldnt hear what was being said..but a large envelope passed between them wrapped in a necktie as per the norm. For the last few years they dont bother us after a certain altercation was had in the restroom.. If you know Africa and its melting pot of: lets just say peoples youll know what I mean.. JBg is renowned for it though. PHASA are good you pay but they deliver the bung is included but not shown on any paperwork but at least you dont get hassled. We did hear though recently the police have been known to try it on. Best is to ignore if you can let the guide show the paperwork which he or she should anyway... Sorry to go on but this is something we know through experience good and bad to very bad... Happy hunting its a fabulous place to hunt the peoples? depends who you trust..
M. E.

 

[stevec]

Mr X is a top bloke I always look forward to seeing him. Has a good sense of humour. The service provided by Afton is awesome and well worth the money. Go with the VIP option and you bypass the woman that scratches to table for a bribe. An American chum of mine got done for $100 by her. She wouldnt let his firearms out of this cage thing until the bribe was enough. Its Africa stuff like that happens.

Im surprised to hear that Virgin are so accommodating of sporting arms given Branson is such an anti

Did you stay at Afton?

I was really impressed, I normally hate hotels but this place was amazing. We were really well looked after and the food was superb. I think we were lucky that the other guests were a farming / hunting family from Zimbabwe who were brilliant company.

It is basic and the food choice is limited to steaks and castle lager but the company was fantastic and they really went out of their way to help us.

Just felt like staying with friends, not in an anonymous hotel.

Their taxidermy museum is something to behold as well.

I am slightly disappointed that our next trip doesn't involve an overnight stay in Joburg.

 

[norfolk shooter]

Did you stay at Afton?

I was really impressed, I normally hate hotels but this place was amazing. We were really well looked after and the food was superb. I think we were lucky that the other guests were a farming / hunting family from Zimbabwe who were brilliant company.

It is basic and the food choice is limited to steaks and castle lager but the company was fantastic and they really went out of their way to help us.

Just felt like staying with friends, not in an anonymous hotel.

Their taxidermy museum is something to behold as well.

I am slightly disappointed that our next trip doesn't involve an overnight stay in Joburg.

No I havnt stayed there but a chum of mine did and said good things too