Didn't want to mess up Larry's thread and figured I would ask here. I booked a trip to Kyrgystan finally for Marco polo and ibex. Have any of you had issues getting guns over there?
I assume it's like any country and have to do some paperwork.
I am Canadian but looking for any info on how you guys did with taking guns. Sounds like some in the past didn't have them show up and not sure if that was an airline thing or issues in the country. Are there any Airlines to stay away from and any thoughts which are the better ones to go with?
Thanks

About ten years ago I flew with lufthansa which was very firearms friendly at the time. Things have changed since then. No problem getting rifles in and out of the country but required much bribery which the outfitter handled. It is essential to be walked through customs by your outfitter or his associate, both directions. The native mountain people are lovely, but the city folk are desperate.
Jim

Hello nube

I have taken my rifle a couple of times there without any difficulty.
The outfitter will apply for a local license, he will need your rifle information, a copy of your passport and a copy of your form 4457.
A copy of the local license was emailed to me before my departure, but both times their representative was there to receive me.

It was very easy to get through customs, they know the routine, no hassles.

You will enjoy the hunting in that country.
Regards
Aziz

What AZIZ says is the same as what I experienced. Your outfitter may suggest VIP arrangements be made for the airport. I think it is $125 or something like that. I found it was worth the cost. It takes some time to clear customs and it was nice to relax a little bit.

We flew Turkish Air via New York , Istanbul and the Biskeck. No issues at all. In fact I am comfortable saying it is one of the best airlines I have flown. When you book look at "economy comfort". It was more room without the cost of First Class.

Who Did you book with?

I booked Direct to the outfitter over there Jim. I have a friend who is going with me and he had 2 of his buddies hunt with the guy and shot 53 and 56" rams and average ibex. The price is way lower than using an agent. It's a bit of a gamble but so far it seems to be going o.k. Hopefully there will be some good stories when I get back.

You will need a temporary export permit from Canada which you will have to apply for yourself and your outfitter should do the applications for the Krgy permit. Make certain they do! Turkish Airlines is awesome. Lufthansa okay. Let both know in advance if you are flying with a firearm. I'd spend the extra for the VIP service in Bishkek.

I'd use Turkish airlines, they are hard to beat in Asia and easy with guns.
Like mentioned before, I'd also recommend VIP service at the airport when arriving. It makes it much easier.
I haven't had problems in Kyrgyzstan so far.

Hi Nube,

The hunting company which you already booked should send you an invitation letter which helps to export your rifle from your country.
Also you must have permit for your gun from Kyrgyzstan which ıs requıred before your arrival to Kyrgyzstan.
To get this permit, you should send to your outfitter your passport copy, local license for your gun in Canada, your rifle details (number, caliber, name of the rıfle, contract with each other (i meaan whit outfitter) and quantıty of bullets whıch you would lıke to brıng).
I also recommend Turkish airlines, because i never had any problems with my clients and VIP lounge at the airport is reccomended, your all rifle process will done while you wait.
If you will have any questions please let me know.
I am also owner at huntinting company in Kyrgyzstan which operates since 2000.
www.kyrgyzmountainhunt.com
huntinginkg@yahoo.com

Hi guys,

booking directly can be good, but as it is mentioned here the invitation letter and hunting contract is important for you to take the rifle out of Canada and in to Kyrgistan. I have hunted in this area five times and I understand that you have to send a copy of your Passport to your agent/or outfitters several weeks before you leave so taht the gvernment in Kyrgistan can issue a visa for you. Sometimes you have to send Your original passport too. The agent/outfitter then will achivee your import License - that is vital in the airport. The local agent/outfitter normally book a so called VIP package - cost about 50-100 dllars and this makes the Whole thing smooth at the airport !

Morten

quote:

I'd use Turkish airlines, they are hard to beat in Asia and easy with guns.
Like mentioned before, I'd also recommend VIP service at the airport when arriving. It makes it much easier.
I haven't had problems in Kyrgyzstan so far.

I contacted Turkish Air yesterday and was informed I must make a REQUEST to them BEFORE I would be allowed to transport a firearm or ammunition. They instructed me to Hold a reservation and not pay for it. Then contact them with the Itinerary and make a request to transport a firearm or ammunition. Then they would have an answer within 24 hrs. (Yay or Nay) And then purchase the tickets.