Domestic Flying in South Africa
Declare at check-in. It goes through the airport SAPS firearm desk.
Leaving SA Taking it abroad
Temporary export and re-import permit on SAPS 520.
Visitors Visiting South Africa
Temporary import permit on SAPS 520, ideally 21 days ahead.
2 Firearms per case (SAA)
6 mo Longest an import or export permit lasts
21 days How far ahead visitors should apply
Flying within South Africa
The rules come from the airline, so check with yours before you book. SAA’s rules are typical:
- Firearms may not go in your normal checked luggage.
- Declare it at check-in. It’s processed at the airport’s SAPS firearm desk, where you make it safe yourself.
- At most two firearms per case.
- There’s a fee per firearm per flight. SAA listed R500 when we checked in November 2026.
- Book it in advance, and arrive early.
Carry your licence with you. Ammunition has its own limits and packing rules, so check those too.
Taking a firearm out of South Africa
You need a temporary export permit and a matching re-import permit (section 73):
- Apply on form SAPS 520 at any DFO (regulation 62(5)).
- Get the destination country’s import permit as well.
- The permit lasts up to six months unless SAPS decides otherwise (regulation 62(7)).
Apply well before you travel.
Visitors bringing a firearm into South Africa
Visitors also use form SAPS 520 (regulation 62(4)):
- Send it to the Central Firearms Register at least 21 days before arrival, or apply at the port of entry.
- It’s only issued for set reasons, such as hunting (with a letter from your outfitter or professional hunter), shooting competitions or trade shows.
- You need proof that your home country allows you to export the firearm.
- You must be 21 or older, unless SAPS waives this.
- The firearm must leave with you, and you may only bring the amount of ammunition written on the permit.