We are headed off to South Africa next week, transiting through New York. My wife had a 4457 done for her rifle. Unfortunately she had a camera with her as well and both were done on the same form. I wouldn't think it would be a problem at US Customs but what about in South Africa? Anyone have any experience either way?

thanks

Brad

They won't ask for or look at your 4457 in RSA. It is strictly a U.S. document you'll need to show on your return.

I have them with combos of rifles, scopes, cameras, etc on one form. Never had a problem.

As long as the rifle is on there, you should be fine.

Brad,

My experience has been the same as Will's. US Customs has only worried about rifles.

postoak,

While the 4457 should be "strictly" a US document, when you travel to some countries such as Zimbabwe they will ask you for your "US Gun Permit" aka form 4457.

Out of JFK NYC Port Authority police will check serial # and escort you. To TSA. Get there early enough. I staple 4457 to inside of back cover of passport.
Have a great trip.

Mike

Yes, I have 4457s with multiple rifles on them...not a problem. The US Customs use of the 4457 is just to make sure you had and owned the gun here before you left. But as Retreever said, keep a copy handy....many in Africa consider it a firearms "Permit".

quote:

They won't ask for or look at your 4457 in RSA. It is strictly a U.S. document you'll need to show on your return.

I will disagree with you on this one p.o. I have been asked for my "American" paperwork several times in different African countries, including the RSA and Zimbabwe. The 4457 always quiets them down...

quote:

Originally posted by bwanamrm:

quote:

They won't ask for or look at your 4457 in RSA. It is strictly a U.S. document you'll need to show on your return.

I will disagree with you on this one p.o. I have been asked for my "American" paperwork several times in different African countries, including the RSA and Zimbabwe. The 4457 always quiets them down...

I agree, been thru RSA 4 times now and they have asked for the gun permit (4457) everytime.

Can't say I'm looking forward to the first time I take my UK firearms certificate with my US passport to Africa. I'm sure I'm going to get some bright spark that figures that since I'm American, I MUST have a 4457, even though I'm a UK resident

Last year RSA required a copy of the 4457 attached to my SAPS paper work. I'm sure they have seen 4457s with multiple firearms and binos, cameras, etc. on them so don't worry, it is a common practice.

Brad,
The guys have given you sound advise here. Just remember to post some pics! All the best for the trip. I have no dougbt that you will have an awesome adventure.

Best Regards
Marius Goosen

Hey Marius

I just came back , from RSA , thru JFK and the checked before we left and escorted after we came back. I have many things on my 4457 form . Cameras ect. good luck.
we had no problems any where.

Thanks all

Brad

quote:

Originally posted by BEGNO:
Last year RSA required a copy of the 4457 attached to my SAPS paper work. ...

Same here and Zambia this year as well.

There is typically no problem with having multiple items (guns, cameras, binoculars, etc.) on a single 4457. However, since some foreign customs officials regard the 4457 as a "gun permit", I like to list only the gun or guns I have with me on a 4457 that is separate from any 4457 with non-gun property. U.S. Customs will issue you as many 4457's as you are willing to fill out, so my practice is to separate the guns and the non-guns.

On return to the U.S., the only purpose the 4457 serves is to provide evidence that the property you are returning with was in your possession when you left and is therefore not subject to import duties -- or in the case of a gun, is not subject to import restrictions.

I was at customs yesterday to consolidate my 4457's into one with 6 guns on it.

I have many 4457's with multiple items on them as stated above, including guns, scopes, binos, cameras, etc. etc.

Anne at Air 2000 who I have handle my permit for RSA emailed me yesterday say I need to have the caliber on my 4457 RSA police are asking for it. I checed the official site and it says a signed and stamped 4457 will sufice and Customs does not require the caliber on the form. I don't have the caliber on most of my 4457, in fact only one has the caliber and I did that for my convience as it has 2 Ruger #1's and it easier to check by caliber than #. I guess I will see when I get there.