Virgin and other flights

[404Boar]

BA especially don’t seem to be in any hurry to rectify the problems they have regarding checking in firearms.
It pose’s the question do they really want passengers traveling with firearms?
Probably not.
When it comes down to revenue I would imagine it’s at best insignificant for the hassle and additional cost of staff training, security , administrative etc.

Agreed. I spoke to BASC to see if they were interested in approaching BA on our (it’s members) behalf and raise the concerns we have re fees, the process and their staffs ability to discharge their duties.

The BASC representative was simply not interested and said “BA can do and charge what they like”.

I wonder if it even entered his mind that it is the members who are paying his wages.

 

[tusker]

SA Police are always looking for the slightest discrepancy in the paperwork so that can say you are not allowed a permit.

What is really happening, they are looking for a way to make you part with some cash!

I had an incorrect serial number on my FAC that didn’t match the rifle I had with me, they started refusing to issue a permit. It then transpired that if paid several thousand rand I could have a permit. I suggested that they keep the rifle as I would use the other I had with me so the bribe was dramatically reduced to a couple hundred rand and permit issued.

Learnt a lesson to check all paperwork…

The other problem I have with SA police and Thames Valley Police is that there are two serial numbers on a Schultz and Larsen rifle (one for the barrel and one for the action). The serial number for the barrel is obscured by the scope. SAP will therefore only accept the action number however TVP would only place the barrel serial number on the certificate. After a couple of years of SAP trying to extract money from me, I had a lengthy chat with TVP explaining what their African counterparts were attempting and they begrudgingly added the action serial numbers for the schultz and Larsen rifles.

I hope the rest of your trip goes well.

This is why I will never ever hunt in SA again. Namibia every time for me
Tusker

 

[tusker]

Having hunted in SA 5 times and fortunately with no aggravation from their police I was given a very good tip from a PH, 1) make sure your paperwork is double checked 2) carry plenty of Rand with you. Having now done 2 trips to Namibia it’s one of the great upsides, no dealing with SA police/firearms

Namibia allways for me.
Tusker

 

[zambezi]

Having now done 2 trips to Namibia it’s one of the great upsides, no dealing with SA police/firearms

Agree. Namibian officials make transit a breeze and no "additional payments" required.

And whilst SA still holds a great attraction, having made three trips to SA and two to Namibia, I know my next trip will be Namibia. And probably the one after that.

Namibia is sparsely populated, vast open areas, few high fences, varied geography, abundant game, friendly people.

 

[Dickie]

While I’ve not traveled as much as others on here the times I’ve flown with virgin from Heathrow have been trouble free at both ends.

 

[Safari Hunter]

You should always apply for your export certificate in advance. That way it is an original that comes in the post and is stamped.

 

[ColinJ]

You should always apply for your export certificate in advance. That way it is an original that comes in the post and is stamped.

I will know next time! Do you know where to apply? Have you got details please?

 

[Tazz]

You should always apply for your export certificate in advance. That way it is an original that comes in the post and is stamped.

Also if you are planning on paying an agent in SA to do your paperwork application for you you will need to send the Border Force cert as part of all your paperwork for it to be completed. Or just go to Namibia and save yourself a shedload of grief

 

[ColinJ]

Also if you are planning on paying an agent in SA to do your paperwork application for you you will need to send the Border Force cert as part of all your paperwork for it to be completed. Or just go to Namibia and save yourself a shedload of grief

The SA paperwork is very straight forward. If anyone wants a blank form I can send it to them, just DM me your number and I will WhatsApp it.

 

[zambezi]

Do you know where to apply?

The BF contact and export document form syntax I used previously:

Border Force temporary export permits: encrypted email no longer possible

In order to travel to South Africa with your UK regiistered sporting rifle, you will need to complete a SAPS520 form and sign that in front of the police on port of entry. In addition, you will need to present a UK Border Force temporary export permit. Applying for one of those is free but...

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