For a return flight from Johannesburg to Atlanta and going through Paris with rifles, do I need intransit permits for France?

What airline?

Air France

Using AirFrance and Delta three trips through Charles Degaul. You just check them through. Flying Air France and Delta you have to pre declare your firearm (both ways) when you buy the plane ticket. You also have to have a form for Air France.

Have extra copies of the form 4457. If stying overnight Customs keep your rifle and you pick it up when you get back to airport. I have had the Custom officer tell me to take the case and not act stupid when arriving at Charles Degaul (after checking the Form 4457 and the Air France Decleratiom form) when I arrived after the main Customs area closed.

Thanks

One last thing and I say this with respect;

Do not book a flight with you only having one hour to get through Charles De Gaul to your gate. I have done it with an hour layover. It was almost impossible and grace of the all mighty I pulled it off. I do not care what the person selling the tickets say. Yoy need at least 2 hrs.

That place makes Danta’s Inferno layers of Hell look like a preschooler’s jungle gym.

You need to call Air France (Delta) at least a week prior - earlier is better - to departure (outbound only) and inform them you will be traveling with sporting firearms and ammunition. They will take the required information and tell you to call back after 48 hours to confirm clearance. When you call back, ask them to make note of "traveling with firearms" on your AF itinerary - both ways - and request they email you a copy. Print and take it with your travel documents.

You can find the AF firearms form online. Print a copy for each leg and take with you. One side is French but the reverse is in English. This form is turned into the counter clerk at check-in.

Have a great trip.

Let me underscore Mike's point about advance notice to Air France on both firearms AND ammunition. Be sure the information gets on your Air France itinerary and your travel agent can check that before you head for the airport.
Regards, Tim

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Carney:
Let me underscore Mike's point about advance notice to Air France on both firearms AND ammunition. Be sure the information gets on your Air France itinerary and your travel agent can check that before you head for the airport.
Regards, Tim

The situation where the firearm was declared and approved by Air France, BUT THE AMMUNITION WAS NOT due to incompetence of Air France staff, has happened before. Always request confirmation of both, since in their computerized system it is two separate approvals.