Having not been there yet how is this done? Thinking of taking a short notice hunt and I want to bring my stuff. Is it similar to SA or MOZ?

Thanks

It’s pretty simple, I think it’s easier than SA, just download and fill out their form in triplicate as they don’t have the form or a copy machine available. I always take extra copies in case they screw one up ,it happened and no way to get a replacement. Our charter pilot went to his office and printed one for me.

Is it free? Do you need an invite? I guess I’m asking is walk up service no advance notice needed?

Last time I was in Zim was 2018. The import permit was free and no service needed. As mentioned above download the form and make a bunch of copies to take with you. Your outfitter should be able to assist you with the paperwork.

Like it has been said, get the form online and fill it out in triplicate. It's not a multi-paged nightmare like the S.A. permit. One simple page for you to complete, with a second page for the government officials to complete. Same with the Namibia form-simple.

Very good. Ammo limits? Rifle limits? Sounds like a better experience than my last trip

Actually, go to the website: "Touch Africa Safaris" and print out the Zimbabwe form. Their form is clean, pristine and complete.

OK thanks

Piece of cake. UEG's suggestion is very good for "Touch Africa Safaris" but your outfitter or agent should be able to walk you through everything you'll need and provide any necessary paperwork.

Mark

The only thing to watch out for is you may have to account for your ammo when departing. They don't like you leaving "extra" ammo for your PH. So take a reasonable amount, shoot what you shoot, and bring the rest home with you.

You do need a 9.3 or bigger for DG.

You will need your form 44 whatever from US customs to bring the rifle back into the USA without hassles.

If you are planning to spend a night in RSA, the story gets a whole lot more complicated. And in any case, US citizens can't travel to RSA right now. You can fly to Harare on Emirates without those headaches.

quote:

Originally posted by Russ Gould:
The only thing to watch out for is you may have to account for your ammo when departing. They don't like you leaving "extra" ammo for your PH.

Russ,
We were in Zim. 2017 & 2019 both times I left my extra ammo. On our way out in 2017 when the lady asked how many rounds we were taking home I answered "none'. I got the fish eye from her, but no further questions or problems. In 2019 when I answered the same question the same way, the lady did not bat an eye. Guess it just depends on whom you get, and their mood that particular day.
Gunslinger,
If your transiting SA, I suggest using Gracy Travel. Get the "meet & greet service they offer. A person will meet you at the end of the jetway, route you down through customs, bypassing most everybody in line. Then once custome is done, they will escort you over to the SAPS office and hand you off to Gracy's personnel. They have their own desk right in the SAPS office. Next morning they just reverse the process and make sure you get on your way correctly.

Remember to have your Zimbabwe form fill out and have extra copies.

Mistakes are made, so have your additional copies available, to save the day.

I also take blank extra copies, just in case you may need them.

On ammo, I still think that the limit is 100 rounds per rifle. However, the airline weight dedicates what you are able to take pound wise if you take more than one rifle. so you have your 10 pound to watch and decide how many per rifle.

On leaving unused Ammo in camp I always check with the PH if they would like the leftover Ammo. Sometimes it is a yes and other times it is no.

When departing the questions is asked on if you have ammo with you. if you have ammo they want to look at it and count what you are leaving with.

Now if you do not have any ammo, and you are asked (which you will be) I let them know that I let the trackers and staff shoot it all up. I tell them that I learned my lesson on prior trips on leaving the country with ammo, and that is why we had a camp shoot. Want to bring a smile to their face, just tell them that one. They agree with me on that one.

Only one time did get pulled aside and into a room for an interview on my rifle and ammo when leaving a country. Small room no chair to sit in and being questioned by 3 police officers. There were 2 rooms, 3 police officers in each room, 1 room for my rifle interview and another room for the ammo interview & questioning. Since that time I have never brought back any ammo, and have not had the interview process. This becomes some what difficult when you do not speak the local dialect and they speak broken English.

I like the camp shoot idea. My god Bwana338 what the holy hell was that all about? Not a big seller for Zimbabwe that’s for sure. Was that some sort of fluke? Why would bringing ammo back be an issue if they don’t wavy you to leave it?

Frankly, one should never have to worry about this.

The people you are going to hunt with should sort it out.

Gunslinger

It is very simple. Your operator will send you 3 copies of a T.I.P form to fill out so as to speed up the process at the airport.

On departure you can leave the ammo if you wish or take it with you. Your operator will be with you or one of his representatives when the rifle and ammo is checked. It is a very simple procedure and hassle free!

I brought 60 rounds in and maybe 10 rounds out, left the rest with my PH. Would have left all with the PH but he advised to have some rounds as they don’t like you leaving ammo there. Lady at the counter when checking in made a comment to the effect of, “you shot FIFTY rounds!? You must have shot a lot of animals!” I told her “nope, just a bad shot.”

One part of the process I don’t believe folks have mentioned, which I experienced at Bulawayo, is they will log your rifle’s series number in a log book upon entry. At exit, they will cross it out of the same log book then take the rifle to the luggage hold area (and ask for a tip). What I did not expect was they called all the hunters to the luggage area outside before the plane arrived and, one by one, took us into a room and checked that our rifles were unloaded (always comical to watch). Once they’re satisfied they mark your name off the list, ask for a tip again, and you’re on your way.

A rather painless process and there are plenty of guys flying with rifles that someone usually has done it before and can fill you in on what’s going on.

I will also comment, I know the bribes tick some folks off, but boy do I wish I could give $2 to the TSA agents in Atlanta to have them hurry up like the folks in Zimbabwe did. Waited 30-45 minutes after baggage had arrived for them to check rifles. Make sure you’re close to the front of the line for this if clearing in ATL, and don’t have a layover less than 3 hours. Lots of folks in the back missed their connections.

quote:

I will also comment, I know the bribes tick some folks off, but boy do I wish I could give $2 to the TSA agents in Atlanta to have them hurry up like the folks in Zimbabwe did. Waited 30-45 minutes after baggage had arrived for them to check rifles. Make sure you’re close to the front of the line for this if clearing in ATL, and don’t have a layover less than 3 hours. Lots of folks in the back missed their connections.

Been that way for years. I've missed two connections over the years waiting to be inspected. Just another form of harassment from U.S. Customs. Nothing to do with the TSA.

quote:

One part of the process I don’t believe folks have mentioned, which I experienced at Bulawayo, is they will log your rifle’s series number in a log book upon entry. At exit, they will cross it out of the same log book then take the rifle to the luggage hold area (and ask for a tip). What I did not expect was they called all the hunters to the luggage area outside before the plane arrived and, one by one, took us into a room and checked that our rifles were unloaded (always comical to watch). Once they’re satisfied they mark your name off the list, ask for a tip again, and you’re on your way.

Only been through Harare twice, but have never had anyone ask for a tip. All have been very courteous and professional. Also have never had my luggage searched or ammo counted. Maybe I've just been lucky. Worst treatment I have had while travelling with firearms was by our own CBP officers trying to get my 4457 signed off. Guy was a complete ass.

I fell for the tip/bribe a couple of times early on when going to Africa, back around 2002. Then, after getting a lecture from one of my PHs, never again.

I was told by ICE that Global entry you go to front of line. With your guns. Good deal there

quote:

Originally posted by Sevens:
I brought 60 rounds in and maybe 10 rounds out, left the rest with my PH. Would have left all with the PH but he advised to have some rounds as they don’t like you leaving ammo there. Lady at the counter when checking in made a comment to the effect of, “you shot FIFTY rounds!? You must have shot a lot of animals!” I told her “nope, just a bad shot.”

One part of the process I don’t believe folks have mentioned, which I experienced at Bulawayo, is they will log your rifle’s series number in a log book upon entry. At exit, they will cross it out of the same log book then take the rifle to the luggage hold area (and ask for a tip). What I did not expect was they called all the hunters to the luggage area outside before the plane arrived and, one by one, took us into a room and checked that our rifles were unloaded (always comical to watch). Once they’re satisfied they mark your name off the list, ask for a tip again, and you’re on your way.

A rather painless process and there are plenty of guys flying with rifles that someone usually has done it before and can fill you in on what’s going on.

I will also comment, I know the bribes tick some folks off, but boy do I wish I could give $2 to the TSA agents in Atlanta to have them hurry up like the folks in Zimbabwe did. Waited 30-45 minutes after baggage had arrived for them to check rifles. Make sure you’re close to the front of the line for this if clearing in ATL, and don’t have a layover less than 3 hours. Lots of folks in the back missed their connections.

quote:

I was told by ICE that Global entry you go to front of line. With your guns. Good deal there

Not sure what line you are talking about? With Global Entry I have always either gone to the front of the entry line into the U.S. (immigration line), or they have had a special line for those with Global Entry, when arriving from Jo'Burg in Atlanta, but I have never subsequently went to the front of the line with U.S. Customs who are tasked with inspecting your firearms. In that line, it is whoever is in line first after gathering their other luggage and then waiting in line for the guns to arrive in the Customs firearms inspection office. I've even seen people ask to go to the front of the line in order to catch their next flight and sometimes, but not always, those in line allow it. Unless that has been a recent change in U.S. Customs regarding Global Entry at the firearms inspection room, I would think that it still remains the same. Maybe others can comment on their most recent experiences.

quote:

Originally posted by Gundog 64:

quote:

Originally posted by Russ Gould:
The only thing to watch out for is you may have to account for your ammo when departing. They don't like you leaving "extra" ammo for your PH.

Russ,
We were in Zim. 2017 & 2019 both times I left my extra ammo. On our way out in 2017 when the lady asked how many rounds we were taking home I answered "none'. I got the fish eye from her, but no further questions or problems. In 2019 when I answered the same question the same way, the lady did not bat an eye. Guess it just depends on whom you get, and their mood that particular day.
Gunslinger,
If your transiting SA, I suggest using Gracy Travel. Get the "meet & greet service they offer. A person will meet you at the end of the jetway, route you down through customs, bypassing most everybody in line. Then once custome is done, they will escort you over to the SAPS office and hand you off to Gracy's personnel. They have their own desk right in the SAPS office. Next morning they just reverse the process and make sure you get on your way correctly.

I've left ammo on all of my 6 trips to Zim. Never an issue.

In and out of Zim with rifles is a piece of cake. At least it still was last year.

quote:

Originally posted by Gundog 64:

quote:

Originally posted by Russ Gould:
The only thing to watch out for is you may have to account for your ammo when departing. They don't like you leaving "extra" ammo for your PH.

Russ,
We were in Zim. 2017 & 2019 both times I left my extra ammo. On our way out in 2017 when the lady asked how many rounds we were taking home I answered "none'. I got the fish eye from her, but no further questions or problems. In 2019 when I answered the same question the same way, the lady did not bat an eye. Guess it just depends on whom you get, and their mood that particular day.
Gunslinger,
If your transiting SA, I suggest using Gracy Travel. Get the "meet & greet service they offer. A person will meet you at the end of the jetway, route you down through customs, bypassing most everybody in line. Then once custome is done, they will escort you over to the SAPS office and hand you off to Gracy's personnel. They have their own desk right in the SAPS office. Next morning they just reverse the process and make sure you get on your way correctly.

My experience also. If they hassle you tell them that you shot all your ammo with the trackers having a shooting contest.

This is good advice but my next trip is going to be via Dubai and Lusaka to avoid the SA police hassle and graft.

quote:

Originally posted by Gundog 64:

quote:

One part of the process I don’t believe folks have mentioned, which I experienced at Bulawayo, is they will log your rifle’s series number in a log book upon entry. At exit, they will cross it out of the same log book then take the rifle to the luggage hold area (and ask for a tip). What I did not expect was they called all the hunters to the luggage area outside before the plane arrived and, one by one, took us into a room and checked that our rifles were unloaded (always comical to watch). Once they’re satisfied they mark your name off the list, ask for a tip again, and you’re on your way.

Only been through Harare twice, but have never had anyone ask for a tip. All have been very courteous and professional. Also have never had my luggage searched or ammo counted. Maybe I've just been lucky. Worst treatment I have had while travelling with firearms was by our own CBP officers trying to get my 4457 signed off. Guy was a complete ass.

The bribes are in SA. Never had a problem in Zim.

Funny years ago I crossed at Beitbridge and the ph had extra carbon paper much appreciated by customs at the border

quote:

Originally posted by gunslinger55:
Is it free? Do you need an invite? I guess I’m asking is walk up service no advance notice needed?

It's free but like everyone said bring extra copies of the forms. Also, you have to pay for your Zimbabwe visa with cash at immigration and they are notorious for not having change. When I was there I believe that the visa was $60 so don't go into the country with just $100 bills or else your visa will cost $100.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Frankly, one should never have to worry about this.

The people you are going to hunt with should sort it out.

Unfortunately the gun permit paperwork has to be handed in on the secure side of the airport where your PH can't go so you have to sort everything out yourself.

quote:

One part of the process I don’t believe folks have mentioned, which I experienced at Bulawayo, is they will log your rifle’s series number in a log book upon entry. At exit, they will cross it out of the same log book then take the rifle to the luggage hold area (and ask for a tip). What I did not expect was they called all the hunters to the luggage area outside before the plane arrived and, one by one, took us into a room and checked that our rifles were unloaded (always comical to watch). Once they’re satisfied they mark your name off the list, ask for a tip again, and you’re on your way.

Yep. Have had the same experience. Their last attempt at a bribe before you leave. On my last trip through Bulawayo, they also had me open my luggage to check the ammo. Three goons in a dingy room expecting a tip (bribe). Didn't get it.

If you're transiting Joberg I STRONGLY recommend paying for the "meet and greet" Not expensive, but totally worth it.

28 minutes from the time I hit the concourse my family was through customs with all our luggage, guns cleared and rechecked for the flight to Vic Falls.

Nice!

Frank- In all the years that we have had clients coming and going out of Harare I have never not been aloud into the side room where your guns and ammo are checked. Likewise we have never had to give a tip or a bribe to date.

My advice to clients during this process is to be polite , smile and while it takes a little time ( 10 mins) it is a procedure that has to happen and it does with no hassles!