In september, I will be connecting through Joberg on my way to Bulawayo. Is there any requirement to obtain a gun permit in Joberg if the firearm, and hopefully myself, are continuing on to Bulawayo?

Me too. I would like to know as well.

Don't think you need an in-transit permit, but one piece of advice on going into Bulawayo. As soon as you get into the terminal, grab a green visa application, and get in the visa line. Also have correct U.S. change (I think it is $40.00 US) for the visa. This line gets long quick, and can be slow because of problems with change not being available. Also, be sure to take some carbon paper for your gun permits. When I was there last year there was one piece of carbon paper, and several hunters. The gun permits must be filled out by hand, by you, in triplicate. Have a great trip.

I had the very pleasant experience of using Optima to facilitate my gun transfers in Johannesburg this November. My guns were checked through from home to Victoria Falls, but just in case (and with Kathi Klines urging), I paid Optima a nominal fee to assure that the guns made the transfer.

I was met upon leaving the plane in Jo'burg by a fellow with a card with my name printed thereupon. He escorted me to the international transit area (and to whatever the lounge is that has showers and booze for a small flat fee... is it the Ambassador?). He took information from my baggage claim stubbs and after a couple of hours returned with a comfirmation that my baggage/guns had been loaded into a container (with the number/bar code, etc.) and the container was, in fact, loaded in the Victoria Falls bound plane.

I had an expensive double rifle and a custom gun, too. It cost about $50, but it surely did give me piece of mind. Of course, the stuff was aboard the plane and all present and accounted for at for customs when I got to Zimbabwe.

you can get the permits forms from gracy travel in advance and fill them out at home, just sign them there. as long as you are not stopping in joberg, check your guns through if you over night however you'll have to through all the B.S. for the govt. and if you overnight make sure to use the afton house

The following is from the PHASA Website:

"In Transit Passengers (Transiting South Africa)

It is critical that you check with and confirm with the airline/s involved before departure to make sure what their procedure is for the transfer of baggage and/or firearms.

If the airline does transfer your baggage/firearms, and you have booked them through to the final destination, and you stay in the in-transit area and do not clear South African customs, then you need not go through the temporary import process.

If your airline company will not transfer your baggage/guns to your connecting airline/flight, then you must collect your baggage/firearm/s and go through the entire entry process. If this is the case, the South African limitations, requirements, etc. will apply.

This also applies if you are overnighting in South Africa before flying on to your country of destination."

Regards,

Terry

Thank you very much for the helpful information. I will use the Optima transfer service as suggested.

Detcord,

Send me your address and I will send you the Zim Firearms forms and yellow customs form.

quote:

Originally posted by JudgeG:
He took information from my baggage claim stubbs and after a couple of hours returned with a comfirmation that my baggage/guns had been loaded into a container (with the number/bar code, etc.) and the container was, in fact, loaded in the Victoria Falls bound plane.

Definitely worth the peace of mind for $50.00!

How do i get in touch with Optima?

What does one do if the guy says you're guns AREN'T on the plane?