How much ammunition may I bring?

Limits apply per firearm and are stated on the permit conditions. Confirm the current limit with SAPS or your outfitter before packing.

Can I borrow a rifle in South Africa instead?

Yes. Using a licensed firearm owner's rifle under the Firearms Control Act's provisions is common for visiting hunters and avoids the import process. Confirm the arrangement with your outfitter.

Handguns for sport shooting can be permitted, but they attract closer scrutiny and require a clear motivation and club invitation.

What about transiting through South Africa?

Transit with a firearm also requires a permit. Tell the airline in advance — firearms must be checked in as declared items.

Firearms & Security

Temporary Firearm Import / Export Permit

In plain English

Visitors bringing firearms into South Africa, and residents taking firearms out temporarily, need a temporary import or export permit from the SAPS Central Firearms Registry under the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. The application form is the SAPS 520.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Visiting hunters and sport shooters, South Africans travelling abroad to hunt or compete, film armourers, and dealers moving firearms across the border temporarily.

When is it required

Before travelling. The permit is issued at the port of entry, but the paperwork must be prepared in advance and is usually pre-checked.

Eligibility

The firearm is lawfully owned and licensed in your home country
The firearm type is not prohibited in South Africa
You have a lawful purpose — hunting, sport shooting, competition or exhibition
You are 21 or older (or otherwise qualify)

Documents you need before applying

Completed SAPS 520 application form
Passport and travel itinerary
Proof of ownership or the home-country firearm licence
Invitation or booking letter from the outfitter, hunting farm or shooting club
Motivation stating the purpose and duration
Return flight details
Customs declaration for the firearm and ammunition

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Complete the SAPS 520 before you travel
Do not sign it in advance if the port officer must witness the signature — check the current instruction on the SAPS website or with your outfitter.
2
Get your supporting letters together
An invitation letter from the hunting outfitter or shooting club, and proof of ownership, are the two documents most often missing.
3
Declare the firearm at customs on arrival
Firearms must be declared to SARS Customs and presented at the SAPS firearm office in the arrivals area.
4
Have the permit issued at the port of entry
The SAPS firearm office at OR Tambo and other ports issues the temporary import permit against the SAPS 520 and your documents.
5
Carry the permit and export the firearm on departure
Keep the permit with the firearm at all times and present it again when leaving.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

SAPS Central Firearms Registry, with issuing at the SAPS firearm office at the port of entry. Many hunters use their outfitter or a meet-and-greet service to pre-lodge documents.

Fees

The temporary import permit itself is generally issued without a large state fee, but agents and meet-and-greet services charge for assistance. Confirm current requirements with SAPS.

Processing time

Issued at the port on arrival where documents are in order; pre-approval through an agent takes days to weeks.

Validity

The period of the visit stated on the permit, commonly up to 180 days.

Renewal

Apply for an extension through the Central Firearms Registry before the permit expires.