Dear All,

I have transferred through Jhb airport in the past, and have simply had my bags checked all the way through to my final destination. No other special arrangements (rifle in a take-down gun case inside my duffel bag, ammo simply in bag).

Now I read this set of rules for South African Airways transport of firearms:

http://www.flysaa.com/Journeys...aggage/firearms.html

In particular the following:

quote:

For transfer and transit passengers who are connecting to onward flights, prior clearance to travel with firearms and ammunition must be obtained from the South African Police Firearm Office at the airport.

Does anybody know what this is all about?? Has anybody actually done this, and if yes, does anybody know how to get in touch with "South African Police Firearm Office at the airport"???

- mike

I've always gotten an "in-transit permit" from SAPS and have not had any problems, but we have always spent at least one night in SA.

Mike,

Are you going to overnight in J'burg? If so, you will need a permit I believe.

George

Thanks guys. I should have added that I will simply transit Jhb with no overnight stay. I hope and expect to be able to check my luggage straight onto Lusaka. So no gun import into SA.

- mike

I believe that you may need a permit even if you are just in transit. I'm travelling from London through Joberg and then on to Windhoek on BA/Comair with no overnight on the same ticket. When I checked with British Air they said there was no problem checking bags all the way through.

However, I also checked with Anne at Hunter's Support/Air 2000 and she contacted the duty manager at OR Tambo who informed Anne that firearms would not be checked through and that I would have to clear customs.

Another potential difficulty I face (not sure whether you're in the same boat) is that even though the Joberg - Windhoek flight is an international flight it departs from the domestic terminal at OR Tambo as it is considered a regional flight.

Anne also relayed to me difficulties that a couple of people have had with respect to not being able to check firearms all the way to their final destination (Botswana and Vic Falls).

At the end of the day I've decided to use Hunter's Support to help clear the weapons and recheck them to eliminate any problems. Rechecking the firearms also means I know that they made it on the last leg of the flight so if they go missing the search can be narrowed down.

I believe I've read a couple of other posts on here where people have also had problems when checking firearms through to other destinations.

All in all not good news but I hope this helps you.

quote:

Originally posted by Jaglav:
...Another potential difficulty I face (not sure whether you're in the same boat) is that even though the Joberg - Windhoek flight is an international flight it departs from the domestic terminal at OR Tambo as it is considered a regional flight...

When did they start this? I've flown through J'berg to Windhoek on a few occassions and it was always through the international terminal.

I'm not sure when it started but it is certainly the case on the British Air London - Joberg - Windhoek flight.

I would be curious about this issue to. I was told that I could check my bag all the way through to my final destination (Mozambique via JNB) as long as the flights are all on the same ticket (which they are). I did notice though on my ticket that I land in terminal A, and depart for Mozambique from terminal B (or land B depart A, forget which order). Flight is through SAA.

Since I have to change terminals, I wonder if I'll need to clear customs (despite continuing on an international flight), and, two, will my gun indeed be checked all the way through to my final destination? Is the same true on returning home to the USA?

quote:

Originally posted by mho:
Thanks guys. I should have added that I will simply transit Jhb with no overnight stay. I hope and expect to be able to check my luggage straight onto Lusaka. So no gun import into SA.

- mike

Can be a higher risk of lost luggage and I personally prefer to spend the night in SA.

Hi Mike,

Will you clear your firearm at customs and check it in again for the Lusaka flight? If this is the case you would need an in - transit permit.

If you don't see your luggage before you get to Lusaka, I don't see why you would need an in - transit permit. I will confirm the regulations with the permit office and let you know.

Regards
Deidre

If you ever do need a permit prior your arrival, I arrange permits.

I think it is a good idea to clear customs and physically check your luggage onto your connecting flight to wherever when going through OR Tembo but in the past it has not been a requirement.

Mark

I'm traveling to Lusaka this July on SAA and transiting Joburg. According to my travel agent, once I check my gun case in Chicago through to Lusaka I don't (and shouldn't) see it again until I get to Lusaka. Since I'm "in transit" from one international flight (from DC to Joburg) to another international flight (from Joburg to Lusaka), I don't clear customs in Joburg and don't need any SAPS permit.

Mark probably has done it more than me and there may be good reasons to clear customs in Joburg and claim your guns and then recheck, but I'm just going to let them go through.

Also, I came in to Joburg about a year ago and used a new "meet and greet" service offered by the travel agent and it was the best money I ever spent in Africa. The guy who met me knew everyone in the airport, took me to all "his" people at SAPS, at the ticket windows (on the outbound) etc. I think I paid something like $200 or $300 for it and it was worth every penny. I definitely would have missed my return flight had it not been for his connections.

And last but not least I spent a night at the Africa Sky Guest House while I was in Joburg and it was terrific.

I'm with Buffnut, I am going on my first African Safari and am using the services of Anne, she is very helpful and cost is affordable to take the tension out of your first day.

I would have stayed at the Africa Sky Guest House myself but the P.H. is picking me up and continuing to the hunt area so no need.

I will be traveling to Namibia for plains game (first time) the end of July, along with two friends, and going thru Joburg. We are using frequent flyer miles for the trip, so arranged the travel ourselves. We have 4 hours at OR Tambo both out and back. Transit in Joburg is the part of the trip I am most concerned about. This meet and greet sounds like a good idea. I am reading good things about Air 2000 - is there anyone else I should be considering?

Go with Air 2000, period. I have used them on all three of my trips, and they are very efficient and effective. Money very well spent.

I highly recommend Air 2000. I've used them before and never had any problems and clearing firearms and rechecking them was no problem whatsoever.

Thanks for your help.