Hi All,
I will be leaving the USA to travel to Namibia to hunt. I will have my hunting rifle with me. We are thinking of flying through Europe and spending a few days to sight see.

What countries would allow this? Do I need to get special permits?

Thanks for any information,
Regards, PG

Difficult to say, because any nation of EU still has his gun law.
I think that is more or less impossible in Italy, without an invitation to partecipate to a match or by a outfitter or a resort.
I don't have info about temporary permission for foreigners to transport guns on Italian territory during a simple vacation.
The friends of other EU countries can be described theyr national laws.

PG,

I've significant expereince in the UK & Germany and if you attempt to enter any of the European Union countries (pretty much all of Western Europe) with a firearm you are really going to have a bad hair day. It was difficult enough prior to 9/11 and now vitually impossible.

Most folks are not confronted with this issue as their firearms are checked straight through to African countries and they don't leave secured airport areas while waiting for ongoing flights (if required).

I have met several Americans at the Frankurt International Airport on their way to Africa and they required a customs official at baggage claim to pick up their firearm, walk it through customs and to check onto the ongoing flight.

There are NO permits that I am aware of that are available to claim your firearm and have it with you while touring in Europe and many carriers such as Lufthansa require German or European proof of firearms registration when boarding state side or they will not even allow the firearm to be checked as baggage into Europe.

My suggestion would be to narrow your search to a specific country you are considering visiting and then contact their embassy stateside.

Cheers,

Gerry

In the UK, you would have to engauge the services of a Bonded Carrier...They would store and/or transport your firearms while you were doing your sightseeing and then hand them over to your Carrier/Airline at the airport you were due to fly out from.

I would assume that other EU countries would have similar arrangements...Having said that, I would imagine if you intended trying to fly into one country and then leave from another a few days later, the red tape would be crippling...

Regards,

Pete

PG
In Spain you just have to go through the Guardia Civil office at the airport upon you arrival.
There, you have to fill in a form with your name, etc., pay a fee of around 10€ and you will be done.
When you leave Spain you will have to go to the Guardia Civil office again and give them back the form they issued at your arrival.
As easy as it sounds.
MOntero

Thanks all.
Sounds like I may be going to Spain. What is there to do for a few days while in Spain?

Regards, PG

PG--Where in Spain and for how many days? I have spent the past two summers there and will be happy to help if i can. REMEMBER Spain cannot be seen in 6 months so you will have to choose. Weapons- check with consulate for new laws

PG,

A reply of what may be done in Spain would fill a book.

Almost anything.

Ski, swimm, hunt, opera, bullfighting, horse shows, museums, shopping, sightseeing, good food, hospitality, tradition...

I must admit I love my country.

Montero

Montero-I Must say my wife and I love your country as well and consider it THE place to go.
So much to do and see We look foward to returning soon.