Transit Through Amsterdam with Firearms

[tusker]

We are going to Hungary in November. has anyone transited through Amsterdam with rifles? What documents are needed? etc.
I have looked on KLM website briefly but would like to hear if anyone had any problems.
Thanks, Tusker

 

[TonyC]

Done it several times - but as a transit passenger however the process is the same. You must have a customs clearance to enter Dutch airspace, the good news is that you can do it online but do not leave it to the last minute as they can take up to a month to issue although all of mine have been sorted within 10 days.

This is the link; Application Consent for weapons and ammunition with an Annex to question 7 (Model WM 18 c)

You will need copies of the following attached to your application email

1. Passport
2. FAC (acts as authority to possess and UK hunting licence)
3. Flight details
4. Hunting invitation for country of destination

If you are with KLM you buy your ticket etc then a day or two later you have to phone and get authority to carry the rifle and ammo. Remember KLM/Schipol are notorious for missing connections, the official transit time is about 1.15 hours, if you rely on that the rifles will not follow you, ideally go for a transit of about 4-5 hours, its a pain but there is a better chance of both arriving at the destination. Last time thru on the way back with 6 hour transit time they only delivered my ammo , the rifle came two days later after me and Border Force raising a massive row with KLM.

KLM are now only flying firearms from a limited number of UK airports - check first, if its a KLM subsidiary then no chance. You may ask why I still use them - I can go from Newcastle or Teesside rather than travelling to Heathrow/ Gatwick.. simples.

Personally to Hungary I would go Easyjet from Gatwick - much simpler and they are the best organised of all the Airlines for firearms.

Good Luck !!

 

[Corvid8x57]

I had a record transit back from Schipol to London City - under half an hour & the baggage handlers at City were so efficient that they put my rifle with the rest of the hold luggage &it came out on the carousel. Annoyingly, I had already been to find the Border Force chap to sort it out. I had a very sheepish call from KLM when half way home ‘just to check that I had all my baggage’!

Sadly they won’t take a rifle through City Airport now though

 

[tusker]

Done it several times - but as a transit passenger however the process is the same. You must have a customs clearance to enter Dutch airspace, the good news is that you can do it online but do not leave it to the last minute as they can take up to a month to issue although all of mine have been sorted within 10 days.

This is the link; Application Consent for weapons and ammunition with an Annex to question 7 (Model WM 18 c)

You will need copies of the following attached to your application email

1. Passport
2. FAC (acts as authority to possess and UK hunting licence)
3. Flight details
4. Hunting invitation for country of destination

If you are with KLM you buy your ticket etc then a day or two later you have to phone and get authority to carry the rifle and ammo. Remember KLM/Schipol are notorious for missing connections, the official transit time is about 1.15 hours, if you rely on that the rifles will not follow you, ideally go for a transit of about 4-5 hours, its a pain but there is a better chance of both arriving at the destination. Last time thru on the way back with 6 hour transit time they only delivered my ammo , the rifle came two days later after me and Border Force raising a massive row with KLM.

KLM are now only flying firearms from a limited number of UK airports - check first, if its a KLM subsidiary then no chance. You may ask why I still use them - I can go from Newcastle or Teesside rather than travelling to Heathrow/ Gatwick.. simples.

Personally to Hungary I would go Easyjet from Gatwick - much simpler and they are the best organised of all the Airlines for firearms.

Good Luck !!

Thanks for the info Tony. I am very sure that we will be going from Gatwick with Easyjet as they fly direct. that means we avoid any cock ups in Schipol. I was origanally looking at flying from Exeter as it is just down the road from us.
Tusker