Have a trip coming up in a couple months and being the first into Zim I have questions regarding the rifle clearance upon landing in Vic Falls.
If anyone has been there (Vic Falls airport) hunting lately Id greatly appreciate a rundown of the process and what to expect.

Thanks

Your PH should have all this arranged before you arrive.

It’s easy ……. Have your paperwork in order n it’s not a problem

Don't lose your mind while the morons are counting each bullet several times waiting for you to get frustrated and pay them off....

I would suggest that you use a good travel agent like Travel Express (https://www.travelexpressagency.com/firearms/#) or Gracy Travel (https://www.gracytravel.com/) .

Zimbabwe Visitor’s Certificate to Possess Firearms and Ammunition (Form No. FR20) is submitted on arrival. It is recommended to have at least four copies of the completed certificate in hand on arrival. Down load it.

Form No. FR20 – Zimbabwe Visitor’s Certificate to Possess Firearms and Ammunition

Have the correct money for your firearms.

And be patient as they count your bullets. if you take more than one box of ammo, explain that the second box is similar to the first. I showed them on the box that the boxes of ammo were the correct ammo for my rifle.

If traveling through South Africa you will need.
The South Africa Firearm Import Permit (SAPS 520) can be submitted on arrival OR in advance by an expeditor. If you do it yourself, make sure you fill out the permit correctly and have several copies of all required documents. If applying through an expeditor, paperwork must usually be submitted 30 days in advance.

4457 must be unexpired (upper right corner), please double check yours!

SAPS 520 – Blank Copy – South Africa Firearm Import Permit & Instructions

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana338:
I would suggest that you use a good travel agent like Travel Express (https://www.travelexpressagency.com/firearms/#) or Gracy Travel (https://www.gracytravel.com/) .

Zimbabwe Visitor’s Certificate to Possess Firearms and Ammunition (Form No. FR20) is submitted on arrival. It is recommended to have at least four copies of the completed certificate in hand on arrival. Down load it.

Form No. FR20 – Zimbabwe Visitor’s Certificate to Possess Firearms and Ammunition

Have the correct money for your firearms.

And be patient as they count your bullets. if you take more than one box of ammo, explain that the second box is similar to the first. I showed them on the box that the boxes of ammo were the correct ammo for my rifle.

If traveling through South Africa you will need.
The South Africa Firearm Import Permit (SAPS 520) can be submitted on arrival OR in advance by an expeditor. If you do it yourself, make sure you fill out the permit correctly and have several copies of all required documents. If applying through an expeditor, paperwork must usually be submitted 30 days in advance.

4457 must be unexpired (upper right corner), please double check yours!

SAPS 520 – Blank Copy – South Africa Firearm Import Permit & Instructions

Spot on and very well explained!

Appreciate the insight guys, thank you.

quote:

Originally posted by TNTBR:
Appreciate the insight guys, thank you.

I forgot to add that you will need your letter of invite from your PH, who you will be hunting with to fill out the firearms paperwork. Making sure you have his contact address.

With that added. You will need your letter of invite to work with your travel agent that will be forwarded to the expeditor for your firearms permit paperwork.

I have went both ways and did my own paperwork and it is doable, however you are at the end of the line when having your firearm inspected in Joberg. If you are making a connection the same day, you may miss your flight. All hunter who use an expeditor will be ahead of you. That is money well spent, as you are asking.

In Zimbabwe, you will handle your own paperwork and you will need to pay in US dollars, so have some $5 - $10 - $20 with you to pay the exact amount, they do not give change, when they do your permit. Ask your PH how he thinks you should progress through the entry at the airport.

Your bag may or may not be searched, be cool and answer question that they ask. Also, let them know that all your clothing is for your use (if asked), even if you plan to leave some.

Now if you are bring a bottle of your favorite brand to enjoy around the campfire (South Africa only allows 1 bottle) you will be fine. You will have the option of duty free flying from South Africa to Zimbabwe.

All else, be careful if you plan on taking picture(s) in the airport, that has been a no no.

Vic Falls is no problem. I fly in there routinely with rifles and have less than 12 months ago. Have your paperwork work in order, have patience, all will go fine.

When your doing your paperwork/clearance in Zim do the inspectors require your ammo to be in factory boxes or can you have your ammo in aftermarket boxes?
I know RSA doesnt care you have handloads in aftermarket boxes but not sure about Zim.

Remember the speed limit in Zim is a 20 dollar bill.

quote:

Originally posted by TNTBR:
When your doing your paperwork/clearance in Zim do the inspectors require your ammo to be in factory boxes or can you have your ammo in aftermarket boxes?
I know RSA doesnt care you have handloads in aftermarket boxes but not sure about Zim.

On multiple flights into Harare, using a plastic box for ammo has never been an issue for me.

quote:

Originally posted by England:

quote:

Originally posted by TNTBR:
When your doing your paperwork/clearance in Zim do the inspectors require your ammo to be in factory boxes or can you have your ammo in aftermarket boxes?
I know RSA doesnt care you have handloads in aftermarket boxes but not sure about Zim.

On multiple flights into Harare, using a plastic box for ammo has never been an issue for me.

+1 and yes into VFs as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Your PH should have all this arranged before you arrive.

Exactly

Who are you hunting with TNTBR?

Does Zimbabwe require a letter of invite as well?