Thursday I leave KC for Joburg. I am going to check my backs to Joburg. I connect through Amsterdam, I have my dutch consent forms completeted and returned so I am good to go there.

What I want to know is how does the customs process work in Amsterdam? Do I have to retrieve my bags at customs, have them inspected and then they get loaded onto my Joburg flight? How do the dutch customs folks check the firearms and compare to the documentation?

In 2006 I was not asked to show the documents ... going out. Due to a foul up with export licenses from Tanzania, the rifles followed me back unaccompanied on a later flight. I included a copy of the docs in a package attached to the TuffPack and they got through fine.

Will be interested in the experience of others.

Make sure you've included ammo on the consent form!

Have travelled through Amsterdam several times, usually show the consent in Gothenburg to be able to check the luggage, thats the only time. Never been asked for it in Johannesburg.

Only time I had to check luggage to Amsterdam and claim them there was when they started with this regulation, had booked flights early and was never informed that new rules applied before I was at the airport. But that worked that to.

Phoenixdawg;

In 2006 we flew KLM/NW from LAX thru Amsterdam to Arusha, Tanzania. We were able to check our guns in at LAX and didn't see any luggage again until we landed in Arusha.

We were never asked on either way or any where along the way to see our Dutch consent form. But I had it ready nevertheless.

It was much smoother than going through Jo'burg and the SAP stuff.

Best regards, D. Nelson

Pdawg,

no worries at all. Your bags and gun case will be checked all the way through, you do not even see them in amsterdam. Someone at the creening area may ask to see the form but most likely will not. Multiple trips through that fair city and never had anyone ask me for the form, nor have any clients been asked for it.

On the way back home it was the same story, though you, and everyone else for that matter, will be interviewed at the gate. Just make nice with the officer.

KLM collected my concent form coming back from me in Tanzania at check-in in DAR before returning to USA...
Make sure you have photo copies of all documents... I keep them in my carryon outside zip up compartment in a folder and also extra set inside of carryon...

Mike