Hi Folk,

Can someone tell me what paperwork is required for a canadian to take his guns on a hunt to africa?

Thanks,

Arjun

For a definitive answer go to the Canadian Firearms Program website (RCMP) and contact them directly and ask the question.

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/index-eng.htm

Just in the process of doing this now. First you will need a letter of invitation from an outfitter. Then you need to apply for an export permit. After this step you may need a transfer/permit for whichever country you are travelling through to get to Africa. (I am travelling through Amsterdam and require a permit form the Netherlands). If you are going to South Africa you then also need a SAPS permit. In all these steps you will have to show proof of travelling such as an airline ticket.

Has this changed very recently? I've never done any of that, but my most recent trip out of country with firearms was in 2009. I always make sure that I have my registration certificate and PAL with me, so that re-entry with the gun is not questioned. Aside from that, leaving or re-entering Canada with long arms has not required any additional paperwork...quite astonishing, really, when you consider the amount of paperwork that we need to buy or sell one.

This is, of course, unrelated to the paperwork required to enter or transit other countries.

John

When I started looking into this topic I found that there is a lot of misleading information out there. A lot of this information is coming from "EXPERTS".
eg. Some travel agents say you can travel through the USA without any permits and others say you cannot because of the massive amount of paperwork required. I looked into this and found that you require a permit to transport firearms through the USA from the US State Department, Directorate of Defence Trade Controls and this permit costs a lot of money. The problem is that some airlines and customs people don't know the laws or regulations. If you don't have the correct paperwork you could be in a lot of trouble if someone holds up your firearms.

Another example is an Export Permit from Canada. I have travelled to the States many times with firearms and have never had an export permit. I found out that one is required by Canada. Your firearms, scopes and ammunition are supposed to have a temporary export permit when they leave the country.

Travelling to the USA and hunting there is really quite easy. Download a form 6N1A from the ATF, fill it out, send it to them and they send you back a copy signed and dated. No problem.

The difference is when travelling through the US and not hunting there. The US makes it nearly impossible to travel through their country with firearms.

When I flew to Africa in 2009, I called the Canadian Firearms Centre and inquired as to necessary paperwork. They confirmed that I required nothing in terms of export permits. I specifically arranged my travel itinerary to avoid landing or connecting anywhere in the U.S. to avoid any headaches with the TSA. Toronto to Frankfurt to Windhoek solved that problem and worked well. I encountered no problems with Canadian or other customs agencies.

My travel agent was Kathi Klimes, who proved to be well versed in the details of the various airlines' policies regarding travel with firearms. She was also willing to work with a client whose flight originated in Canada. Several other agencies were unwilling or unable to handle flights which did not originate or end in the U.S.

I think that it would be wise to inquire of the CFC in writing, and request a written response which could be carried along on your trip, in case any difficulties arise. I have heard of numerous cases of misinformation being provided by the CFC over the phone and email. If I were travelling today I would insist on something in writing on official letterhead.

John

CFC will not have the answers that you seek. Try the Canadian Foreign affairs and International trade and Export Canada

Maybe ignorance is bliss or maybe I am lucky? When you arrive at the airport for departure you fill out two forms one for the rifle and one for the ammo. I carry my registration certificate and my PAL and I have never been asked for anything else. In fact when I was returning last time and went threw the rifle inspection in Calgary the policeman just pulled the double out of the sock far enough to see the but stock and never even looked at the.375. Then asked me if I had a PAL (he did not look at it) and never asked about the registation certificates. On that trip I had departed from Edmonton and then threw Calgary to Frankfurt and on to Windhoek. Air canada would not check my rifles threw to destination. So I had to re check them in Frankfurt and I had a lay over. If it happens to you dont sweat it like I did. When you get to Frankfurt just pull your rifle case off the belt and take it to German customs. They will hold it for you until it is time to re book onto the next flight and no trouble at all, very gun friendly people. I did not have to do it on the return flight as Lufthanza checked all the way threw? Try that in London!

I think the difference is you guys without the Export permits are flying into Windhoek & others are flying into Johannesberg. Two different cities in different countries with different laws.

seems you ll need and required to have the export permit but the pal and registry paper is enough for the customs side ....

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada MAY require an Export Permit for firearms depending on where you are going and what kind of firearms you are taking. Canada Customs may or may not check you for your permit. CFC doesn't consider any of this their business. If you are planning to take your firearm out of Canada, you really need to do your homework. You can start here:

https://www.excol-ceed.gc.ca/M..._Accueil.aspx?lang=e

Oh, for the good old days!