Jorge, it was not me who was in transit. My hunt was in South Africa. The gentleman in question was hunting in Namibia and my wife talked to his wife at some length. I think they were from Chicago, but can't tell you more. He was very surprised by the situation as he had also been advised that no transit permit would be required. Download the application, fill it out as per instructions at the PHASA website, and have a world or two of patience.
I am not certain of what expiditing service the other hunters were using, but it wasnt Optima or Air2000.

Here is what the PHASA website has to say about the subject:
In Transit Passengers (Transiting South Africa)

It is critical that you check with and confirm with the airline/s involved before departure to make sure what their procedure is for the transfer of baggage and/or firearms.

If the airline does transfer your baggage/firearms, and you have booked them through to the final destination, and you stay in the in-transit area and do not clear South African customs, then you need not go through the temporary import process.

If your airline company will not transfer your baggage/guns to your connecting airline/flight, then you must collect your baggage/firearm/s and go through the entire entry process. If this is the case, the South African limitations, requirements, etc. will apply.

This also applies if you are overnighting in South Africa before flying on to your country of destination.

Thanks. I think I'm covered. I already checked on my own with SAA and since my bags are checked all the way through to Bulawayo on SAA and I've also engaged the services of OPtima, I should be good to go. Famous last words........jorge

quote:

Originally posted by patrkyhntr:
I just returned from South Africa, and have a few observations. First, the sign outside the SAP office that says "no tipping" means nothing. When I presented my rifle and my permit, they nice officers told me that a tip was expected. I pointed out the sign to them and was told that if I didn't tip, I might not see my rifle again. Can you say, "extortion?"

Fact of the matter is, "tipping" is a fact of life in many areas of the world. As one who has worked and conducted business in several different countries I have learned to deal with it. You may call it extortion, but it can also be viewed as an "expediting fee." Do I like it? Not really, but I plan for it, do what I gotta do and the job gets done. Those that are expecting the "tips" could care less about your principles.

Perhaps you misunderstood. I am not at all against tipping for a service provided beyond the requirements of a job. I probably tip my guides and professional hunters more than most, especially when they do a great job. I merely point out that the sign outside the police office which reads, "no tipping," was meaningless. I do object to being required to tip. It is not then a tip, but a charge for a service. If so, call it that and not a 'tip.'As to offending my principles, certainly that is not the case. I am not a rookie at this either.
My major gripe is about the inefficiency and 'couldn't care less' attitude of the officers in the SAP who do this job. If they want fewer hunters to bring their money to South Africa to spend, then they are surely going about it the right way.

I can see a possible outcome to this. It isn't a good one for the PHs and outfitters in South Africa, nor is it a good outcome for South African Airways. On that subject, I am also less than pleased. The in flight service is much lower quality than it was two years ago for whatever reason. Also, the seating in the airbus cattlecar is nowhere near as comfortable as that in the 747s they used to fly.

There are those of us who will put up with almost anything in order to go hunting. I am one of those so afflicted. Fortunately there are some countries left that want us to come there and hunt, and while there, spend money. I am not sure South Africa is one of them anymore. This is not to say that the outfitters and PHs aren't top flight. They are. They suffer the idiots that run their government, much as we here in the USA do.

I was just informed that I "may" need SAPS520. I checked out the PHASA website and now it appears besides an Invitation letter from my PH I also need a Proof of export letter? Should it be issued by Customs or will the local police dept. be ok? I will be using the services of Optima!..thank you for your help.

AkA: You do not need any forms for RSA. When you get your packet from Gracy, it'll have isntructions on what to do. Check your bags & guns all the way through to Bulawayo and DO NOT go through customs in RAS. Just go directly to the transit desk. If you've engaged the services of OPTIMA you'll be taken care of. Call if you have any other questions. jorge

quote:

I also need a Proof of export letter

No such thing for the US, Customs Form 4457 is what you need.

Regards,

Terry

The proof of export thing has caused a lot of confusion. As Terry says the 4457 from US citizens is accepted but the problem lies in hunters from other countries - esp the UK.

The UK don't issue anything like the 4457 and the cops take the attitude that the hunters firearms certificate is proof enough of ownership and if he owns the firearm he doesn't need any further permission to temporarily export them.

Fortunately most Police Forces in the UK seem to be happy to issue a letter that fulfills the SA requirements once they know why it's needed.....

Gents,

I am in Joburg at present and would like to add a few thoughts on this...

The Air2000 rep met me as advertised as soon as I entered the terminal..

A short wait for my ordinary luggage and then he went to get my rifle case..that too arived too very quickly.The bag with the ammo in ammo came down with the ordinary luggage and that could have caused problems except it came down before my other stuff and I spotted it.

From there we went to the SAPs office to get there side of things done. The area in front of the office was in chaos. Hunters queing for to fill in forms, hunters looking for buddies who had wondered off..hunters looking for paperwork they did not have and most worryingly, hunters wondering where the rifle cases were. There must have been 50 or so guys milling about there and that was early in the morning.

Another guy off the same flight as me had his rifle case arrive in a totally different part of the airport for instance and they still had not located his buddies rifle case..

With air2000 's assistance I was in and out in a few minutes with the SAPS just checking my serial number (on the action only) and then counting my ammo...no checking of headstamps...

Total time from getting off the plane to leaving the airport around 45 minutes. I was told that at peak times the average wait to get the permits at the SAPS office was from 4 to 6 hours with it stretching to 8 hours in exceptional cases.

Regards,

Pete

Steve,

With regards the proof of export from the UK, I have the "correct" procedure/ paper work with the contact numbers ect which I can give you when I get back. Its all issued by a department in the DTI, its free and takes about 2 weeks to process...they were actually frightenly helpfull for a Gove department too :-)

Now i am back in civilisation I will give you a ring when I get a minute..

Regards,

Pete

Pete:
Was Air2000 able to take you to the front of the line?

Hey Pete,

I'll look forward to talking to you - the best number to get me on is 0832777114.

Cheers for now and have a great trip.