I searched, really I did.

I'm looking to fly from the US through JNB and on to Port Elizabeth, next year.

How long a time should I leave between the arrival time at Jo'berg and the departure at the Domestic Terminal to allow for gun clearance and travel time between terminals for two people with two firearms? (Without rushing)

We'll probably use one of the gun clearing vendors for help.

The hassle is in clearing the paperwork for the firearms.... particularly at the domestic end so I'd recommend you try to allow something in the region of not less than 3 hours.

Dito to that. Even with 3 hours to do the paper work using one of the services that get you a pre- issued permit is money will spent . It is my understanding to get a pre-issued permit that you must now (with the new SAP regulations) start this process a full month in advance of your arrival

Thanks Steve and shotgun.

Will the gun clearing companies get us through the International permit process and go to the Domestic terminal with us?

It will be my first time with the SA gun permit process as I've never hunted in South Africa.

I know you are mostly interested in time to clear your firearms but my last time thru JoBerg it took longer to clear passport control than it did anything else. Took almost 2 hours to just get thru that line. Back in 2009 I was able to clear passport control in about 15 minutes. This last trip back in June it only took about 30 minutes to clear firearms.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
The hassle is in clearing the paperwork for the firearms.... particularly at the domestic end so I'd recommend you try to allow something in the region of not less than 3 hours.

I would agree with the 3 hour figure.

By the way, I did the Joberg to Port Elizabeth transfer just a few weeks ago.

By the way, I ran into a couple of new things on my recent trip. All the way from Ohio to Port Elizabeth my ammo was packed in my checked baggage with no problem (it can't be packed with the guns). On the way back, at Port Elizabeth, I was told it is now their policy not to permit packing the ammo in other baggage so it had to be checked in separately. Fortunately, I had it in a small locked Pelican case so this wasn't much of an inconvenience and there was no extra charge for checking it in separately. One I got back to Joberg, I had to put the ammo back in my suitcase.

I've also not been asked for so many tips (a.k.a. bribes) on previous trips. After checking in at Port Elizabeth for my departure about 10 minutes before boarding time, the South African Police got me and said they had "forgotten" to count my ammo. I went back to SAPS, opened the ammo box whereupon they did not count my ammo and accepted my word for it that each box held 20 rounds. They then asked for a tip which I didn't give them.

The whole thing was a ploy to separate me from my outfitter to ask for a tip because they knew my outfitter would know better than to give it to them. Fortunately, I knew better as well.

Also, for the first time, an airline actually inspected my ammo to see how it was packed and even weighed it. That would be Air France.

My ride on Air France in Business Class was excellent by the way. They're pretty compulsive on their guns and ammo rules but treated me VERY well.

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
Thanks Steve and shotgun.

Will the gun clearing companies get us through the International permit process and go to the Domestic terminal with us?

It will be my first time with the SA gun permit process as I've never hunted in South Africa.

Frank

They'll do whatever you ask them to do but may well charge you for the additional service.

There are several good companies offering these services, not least amongst them are PHASA, our very own Aubrey Kent and Air 2000.

I have to say, I've never been asked for a bribe but that may be because they recognise me as pretty much a local and know they'd be told to voetsak if they did ask.

I get very panicked when I cut things close time wise,, especially if you are a little late arriving,, you have to get boarding passes,, clear guns, customs ,,transfer terminals,,, I would leave at least a 3 hour gap. Longer if I am not using a gun transfer agent,, if you are flying SAA,, they are notoriously late,,, good luck and have fun

Good answer contact Ann at Air 2000, she will handle everything and tell you the correct amount of time needed between flts.. The last couple of trips because of arrival time in Joberg I needed to overnight there. I flew Dulles to Joberg. I was going on to Richards Bay.

Frank,

If you use Gracy Travel for $215 someone will meet you on the jetway with a pre approved permit, whisk you through the whole process and see you on to your next flight. I highly recommend it. As for time between flights Gracy will allow enough time between flights on your itinerary but 3 hours still seems to be the recommendation in case your international flight is late arriving. The process at O.R. Tembo is much streamlined these days and if you use a service you'll be in the departure lounge for your next flight in less than an hour. I couldn't believe how slick it all worked out on my recent safari.

Mark

Thanks guys, it looks like I'll have two first timers with me so I want everything to run smoothly.

I'll definately use one of the meet and greet companies for the gun permits. I understand "It's Africa" but I want this to be as painless as possible.

When are you going over next year and returning? My daughter and I are going over also next year. I liked the Buff you posted on the Preditor Forum also. Who are you hunting with?---Take Care---

quote:

Originally posted by Divernhunter:
When are you going over next year and returning? My daughter and I are going over also next year. I liked the Buff you posted on the Preditor Forum also. Who are you hunting with?---Take Care---

Thanks for the questions.

My timing will depend on my brother's and my friend's work schedules, probably July or August.

There are a couple of outfitters that I am talking with.

Frank, I travelled B.Class to Joberg in September on Delta. When I attempted to check in with SAA to Mozambique the next day I was over weight. I had to walk a good piece to pay my charges that amounted to $30.00. I stood in line (8 people) for forty five minutes where one of four people behind the counter, looking very bored, finally called me up. I paid, then went back to stand in line to get my boarding pass. Thankfully we had planned for three hours to burn before bording.

Take Marks advise.

Gracy VIP service will walk you through the airport form gate to passport control to gun clearance. to re check in and rifle check in.

The factor many have failed to address is...every time you go to joberg it is different as to time needed.

This is based on number of hunters trying to go trough the rifle permit process. and where you are in line.

The last time i tried the same day connection i just made my flight. the airplane left 30 min early, i think i was the last to board. will not do that again...i will stay the night in Joberg and fly the next day...that way there is no rush and if your rifle is late it give you and your rifle time to get together...

I would suggest you give your self 4 hours between flights...

Personally I don't think 3 hours is enough to take into account the possibility or delayed arrival and check ins closing 45 mins before the domestic departure.

In job urn you need to clear your guns at SAPS then travel to the domestic check in and re check your firearms onto the next flight. Then get through custome and to the gate.

I missed my connection last year and bought another ticket with 2 hrs notice for the domestic. I then had to be driven to the plane with the crew bus because my guns took ages to check in and the girl didn't have a clue what she was doing.

The other thing is make sure you book your domestic flights with your international flights as one booking. That makes your international carrier liable if they are delayed and you miss a connection, and it can also increase your baggage allowance to international levels.

K

I've always found the biggest delay comes when going the other way and flying into JNB on a domestic flight, getting the firearms collected and then re-checking in for the international flight home.

I've twice got to the domestic arrivals firearms office to find all the staff asleep and my rifles just left in the aircraft hold....... the second time, I took photos, raised cain in the office and then sent the pics to SAA with a complaint that achieved absolutely bugger all.

I'd strongly recommend passengers allow no less than 3 hours for this process.

Ditto on Gracy Travel's meet and greet. When I went last year (first trip)and traveling alone, I was met on the jetway by one rep, collecting luggage and guns, handed off to another who expedited SAPS. He then literally walked me to the hotel I overnighted in, made sure I got checked in OK, and even walked me to my room to make sure it was OK! He then met me at the checkout desk the next morning, and when we walked back to the airport I saw lines 20-40 people deep. He helped me through the firearm check in (took 3 minutes max) and then checked me in the first class desk (I was flying coach) because he knew the check in person at the desk. There is no substitute for having a local help you through this.

Did it myself last month and only took an hour. If you are going in july or august I would allow 3-4 hours.

We just went to RSA this past Sept. We were on DL200 from ATL to JoBurg and then onto PortE. I think we had something like 2:45 in between flights and had plenty of time. We used the Afton House firearms permit service and had plenty of time to spare to get to the connection.

On the return flight from Bloemfontein to Joburg, we contacted the same guy, Mr. X, who helped us on the way in country. He helped us get the guns squared away again plus helped us avoid a naive mistake of getting on the elevator with two locals. They pressed the button for us to go down and Mr. X said we needed to go up. He suspected them to be the type to take unknowing travelers to the lower level and steal their luggage.

We were asked for tips in a quiet and sneaky manner on the RSA in-country gun clearance part before we got the guns over to the SAP clearance to leave the country. Nothing aggressive but they made Mr. X stay on the other side of the door while they "got our guns ready". That way Mr. X couldn't hear them ask for a bribe/tip.

I am not an expert, but I did what you are planning this past August. I used one of the services called Air 2000. Don't remember the cost, I believe in the range of $100 and it was worth every penny. We sailed through all the paper work and long lines in minutes.

Thanks guys, I'm using my air miles and found a flight that lands in JNB at 09:15 AM and leaves for Port Elizabeth around 2:50 PM.

Will I be able to go through the Duty free shop and pick up some cigars?

I don't think so.

I would do 4, that extra hour want be a big deal and it will give you some breathing room if you get delayed for anything...luggage, bags, etc...especially with a group..I rarely cut it any closer than that even when i'm not traveling with firearms...I don't like the added stress of rushing if I can avoid it.