Well the Dutch are at it again and have changed up the forms and process for transiting Amsterdam as of May 19.

Thanks to Steve Robinson for I tweeked on to this via his website shakari connection

Other than the fact that it is a 6 page form rather than a 1 page form, it doesn't sound like it will work a whole lot different than before they allowed the "vice versa" box to eliminate the need to apply for one permit each way. Can't imagine what additional information they could need that could take up six pages. Maybe they just made the boxes, in which to put make, model, S/N, number of rounds, etc., a bit bigger, which would be welcome.

Its kind of a pain now as there is 3 different places (pages) you have to enter your information (Name address, etc), plus now you have to attach invitation letter from outfitter. and you have to send in 2 sets of forms, one going and one returning. Just more bureaucratic paperwork.

What it's really about is they're now enforcing the EU ban on firearms to Zimbabwe, hence the new requirement to provide a copy of the letter of invitation. So in other words, if you're hunting Zim, don't fly through an EU country.

On the Dutch website it also says it takes 8 weeks to process permit

For me it's no problem but for others it may be a problem.

I was talking with a friend yesterday who does a lot of travelling from the US to other parts of the world.

He used to fly through Amsterdam, and apparently has had enough, as some layovers were very long.

Now he flies Emirates exclusively.

It seems that anyone travelling to Zimbabwe now has no choice but to avoid Europe altogether.

The sad part is this so called embargo has nothing to do with us as hunters, but makes the bloody politicians feel good about it.

You mean to say simply making a connecting flight through Amsterdam requires all this paperwork?

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
You mean to say simply making a connecting flight through Amsterdam requires all this paperwork?

Yes..... and if you're taking firearms to Zim, it'll be refused.

What a noive! Why I oughta ....

Personally, I find it easier of fly to SA and go north than to fly to Europe and fly south.
Cal

Canada also won't issue a temporary export of firearms permit for Zim....

If I recall, you've had to have a "letter of invitation" for some time. The real pain is that they won't allow the "vice versa" anymore. As in the past, you will have to apply for a permit both ways. The "vice-versa" approval was nice.

They still will wait til the last moment, so you are on pins and needles waiting for the approval, but what else is new?

I should add that this is to Tanzania, not Zim.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
I was talking with a friend yesterday who does a lot of travelling from the US to other parts of the world.

He used to fly through Amsterdam, and apparently has had enough, as some layovers were very long.

Now he flies Emirates exclusively.

It seems that anyone travelling to Zimbabwe now has no choice but to avoid Europe altogether.

The sad part is this so called embargo has nothing to do with us as hunters, but makes the bloody politicians feel good about it.

Believe me Saeed if I could have gone through Dubai I would have, but it entailed 2 extra flights and an overnight layover (16 hrs) in Dubai on the way there and 10 hr layover on the way back. Where Amsterdam route was just 2 flights with shorter layovers.

I just wish that Canada and UAE could come to a deal on more airport landing cities for us.
But then of course Air Canada would go broke not being able to overcharge us.

Canuck 32

Have you had any problems getting a temporary export permit for Zim ???

also the Netherlands is holding off on issuing the permit until the week of your departure.

I received mine only 4 days prior to leaving.
and if you do not have the permit you cannot take your gun or guns with you.

quote:

Originally posted by Canuck32:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
I was talking with a friend yesterday who does a lot of travelling from the US to other parts of the world.

He used to fly through Amsterdam, and apparently has had enough, as some layovers were very long.

Now he flies Emirates exclusively.

It seems that anyone travelling to Zimbabwe now has no choice but to avoid Europe altogether.

The sad part is this so called embargo has nothing to do with us as hunters, but makes the bloody politicians feel good about it.

Believe me Saeed if I could have gone through Dubai I would have, but it entailed 2 extra flights and an overnight layover (16 hrs) in Dubai on the way there and 10 hr layover on the way back. Where Amsterdam route was just 2 flights with shorter layovers.

I just wish that Canada and UAE could come to a deal on more airport landing cities for us.
But then of course Air Canada would go broke not being able to overcharge us.

The UAE operate an "open sky" policy.

That means we open all our airports of entry to you as long as you do the same to us.

The problem with Canada is created by Air Canada and Star Alliance.

They cannot compete with Emirates or Etihad, so they restrict what airport we can land in in Canada.

Last year I had a personal experience with a member of Star Alliance - Lufthansa.

I was on a flight from Stockholm-Munich-Dubai.

First the flight fro9m Stockholm was delayed.

Then our departure from Munich was also delayed - we were in the plane for about an hour before they told us the flight was cancelled!!

Technical problem.

We were told to make our way back to the terminal, where they would arrange hotel and flights.

Munich airport was closed, but the Lufthansa help desk was fully manned.

Everyone was being re-routed on Star Alliance member airlines.

A lady ahead of me was being routed through several airports!!??

When my turn came, I told the man behind the counter I need to be in Dubai next day, and I have absolutely no wish to fly Star Alliance!

You should have seen the look on his face!
I made it worse by saying that I would like to take Emirates the next morning, and if he unable to arrange that, I will do it myself.


I was travelling First Class, so he managed to get me onto Emirates from Frankfort next day.

I have made it a point to avoid any Star Alliance member airlines if I can help it.

quote:

Originally posted by HGC Safaris:
Canuck 32

Have you had any problems getting a temporary export permit for Zim ???

I am headed to Tanzania. Never been to Zim so I have no idea.

Lord help me for what I am about to say, The only Canadian (I use this term loosely) that I can recall going to Zim in recent times is shootaway, so you might (might not) want to ask him about the permit.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana338:
also the Netherlands is holding off on issuing the permit until the week of your departure.

I received mine only 4 days prior to leaving.
and if you do not have the permit you cannot take your gun or guns with you.

Hope this isn't true as 8 weeks for me is July 14th. We shall see I guess.


Well Just received my permit for the transit permit. Glad I didn't have to wait till week before flights.