Dear Guests //

Seeing the topic is generally speaking coming in for a real beating lately just though I would ask a simple question.

FRom what I read it certainly seems the majority of our AR guests whom post here appear to be users of one of the (paid assistance companies) when arranging the logistics to import their rifles into SA @ JIA..

Ignoring the two previously existant and most popular companies being / Air2000 and Optima Business Services .... my questiopn is simple:

Have any guests (personally used) any of the two news boys on the block being PHASA and Rifleimports.com for this process AND if YES what is your overview of the service they offered you as a foreingn hunter bringing your rifle/s into or throught SA

Cheers, Peter

Peter,

Haven't finished the process (don't leave for another month), but I am using Edo at Riflepermits.com.

They have been quick to reply to my emails and emailed to tell me that they had received the application I mailed to them.

So everything looks to be on track.

I haven't priced the other two, but I believe they charge more than Riflepermits.com

Regards,

Terry

Peter check my posts from my hunt in March.
There is a "nes Sheriff" in town at the Jberg airport.
SAPS was very nice and they are trying to make it easy and convient for hunters to bring guns in/through SA.

NE 450 No2 post on clearing guns into RSA

When I asked Edo whether my copies of documents needed to be "certified" and why he wasn't requesting a Motivation Letter from me, Edo said that there was no need for a "certified copies" and no need for a Motivation Letter. Edo told me that SAPS was trying to be more flexible and cut down on the paper work required for visiting hunters.

It will be interesting to see if the number of hunters to RSA has decreased because of the paperwork hassle necessary to import firearms. Also, would be interesting to see if the complaints about the Airbus has reduced the number of arriving hunters. Seems to me that there are a lot of hunters that are flying through Europe, especially those heading to Namibia.

Regards,

Terry

Terry,

When I used Air 2000, I don't think i need to supply a Letter of Motivation to them to get the permit, but I certainly had to show one when I reached the SAPS office at the airport.

In fact, one guy who had obviously been queuing some time was turned away as he did not have one...they did supply him with some paper though so I could write one!

Although things might be different now, I simply wouldn't take the chance of arriving without one...

Regards,

Pete

Pete,

Thanks for that information, I'll print one out right now and put it in my folder.

Regards,

Terry

Guests

Thanks for the prompt informative replies ...

Although I know it is very important to select a bona fide good outfitter to hunt with

IMHO ... the other aspects such as processing of your rifle permit entry documents and your export of hunted trophies back home are (just as important)

The hassle free importing of firearms are your first contact with real people when you arrive in Africa, therefore that is a lasting impression, and the arrival back home of your hunted trophies are the final chapter in the total safari experience, therefore I cant stress tooooooooo strongly the importance of those two aspects, not withstanding the quality of the hunt as well which goes without saying really

Cheers, Peter