Firearm Import Regulations

Page Updated: Feb 2020

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The firearm import regulations are listed here for most African hunting countries. It includes information on the number of permitted firearms, rounds of ammunition and all the documentation to complete. For the stipulated minimum calibres for various species, go to the individual hunting country page in the right page menu.

Many African hunting countries require your firearms documents must be notarised or certified before submission for a temporary firearm import permit. There's not much difference between the two procedures...

A notarised copy of a document must be stamped and signed by a registered Notary Public, stating that the document is a true reproduction of the original document presented to him. It does not state that the original document presented is actually valid.

A certified copy of a document can be stamped, signed and dated by the lawyer or other professional person, unrelated to you. Again, it is not a verification of the content within the original document.

If any of your firearm documentation is in a language other than English, you will need to get notarised translations .

South Africa Flag Firearm Import Regulations For South Africa

  • You can temporarily import a maximum of 4 firearms per hunter but not more than 1 of the same calibre.
  • You may only bring ammunition applicable to the firearms that you will be bringing into South Africa.
  • A maximum of 200 rounds of ammunition per firearm is permitted. The amount is obviously limited due to the maximum 5 kg/11 lbs ammunition weight limit allowed on aircraft.
  • No person under the age of 21 may bring firearms into South Africa or apply for a temporary import permit in his/her name.
  • The barrel, frame or action is to be marked with the same serial number.
  • Semi-automatic shotguns or a custom-made handguns can be bought into South Africa for wingshooting/hunting purposes only.
  • No self-protection, automatic or military style firearms are allowed.

As an overseas hunter wishing to bring your own firearm(s) into South Africa, you need to comply with the SA Firearms Control Act 2000.

Application can be made in advance (at least 21 days) by yourself or a third party or you can apply on arrival in RSA.

There is no fee required to obtain a firearm permit in RSA. There will however be a charge if a third party is employed to obtain the firearm permit on your behalf.

Even if you are just transiting in South Africa on the way to/from another African hunting country, it is advisable to make sure you can comply with the SA firearm regulations and carry the required documents, including the letter of invitation. Get a letter of invitation from your hunt outfitter even though you may not need one for your destination country. Should your flight be cancelled, you may need to overnight in South Africa which would require you to complete the whole firearm import procedure.

In-transit permits are required by any passenger spending the night in South Africa or who do not have inter-airline firearm handling, while in transit to another destination country. The same pre-requisites apply as to obtain the normal temporary import permit. Read more

Required application documents:


  • Notarised copy of the photograph & signature page of your passport
  • Notarised copy of proof of ownership of the firearm. For US hunters this may be either US Customs Form 4457 (see below 4457 expiry date issue) OR a letter from your local sheriff in the form of an affidavit confirming ownership OR an invoice from the gun shop where you purchased the firearms. For non-US hunters this must be a notarised copy of your firearms licence.
  • Non-US hunters must provide a notarised copy of documentary proof of export of the firearms. This takes the form of a letter from your local Police or Customs office confirming there is no objection to taking your firearms out of the country. The letter must be on a Police Department/Customs letterhead.
  • A letter of invitation from your outfitter, preferably on company headed paper, confirming the outfitter licence number, the hunt dates, location of the hunt, species you will be hunting, and the firearms he suggests you bring for the hunt (appropriate calibres for the species).

Semi-automatic shotgun or hunting handgun applications:

In addition to the above documents, you must also submit...

  • A letter of motivation stating the reason for wanting to hunt in South Africa with these firearms. It must be an original request with a good reason otherwise consideration will not be granted.
  • If the handgun is custom-made and is not on the Central Firearms Registry computer, you will need to obtain a letter from the manufacturer stating that the firearm is manufactured for hunting purposes only. The Central Firearms Registry may also request additional information, specifications, pictures of the firearm. Your application can be delayed, so allow plenty of additional time.

Third party applications:

  • A letter or a form authorising the application for a firearm import permit on your behalf.
  • A copy of your flight itinerary.

US CUSTOMS FORM 4457 EXPIRY DATE & SAPS

    As far as US Customs are concerned the 4457 form does not expire and you may use it multiple times from year to year...except if you are using it as proof of ownership of a firearm you intend to import into South Africa for a hunt.

  • As of 23 March 2017, the South African Police announced they would no longer accept US Customs Form 4457 as proof of firearm ownership, if the date in the top right hand corner has expired.
  • It transpired that some versions of 4457 forms issued to hunters had no expiry date at all in the top right corner. US hunters were advised that the SAPS would accept an undated 4457 if the form was stamped in 2017.
  • So US hunters seeking to import firearms into South Africa must check their US Customs Form 4457 is stamped with the date/year that they are hunting in the country. The 'expiry date' on the top right corner of the form just reflects when that Customs print runs out.
  • You can download a Customs Form 4457 here.

How To Complete The SAPS 520 Form:

It is very important to complete this form accurately and legibly or it may be rejected.

  • Download SAPS 520 Application Form - 8 pages.
  • Download SAPS 520 Instructions.
  • Write in BLACK ink only.
  • Date format is YYYY-MM-DD.
  • Not all sections are required to be completed but you must submit ALL 8 pages.
  • If you are applying on arrival in South Africa and wish to complete the form in advance, do NOT pre-sign Page 6 Section J - wait until you are in front of the firearms officer so he may witness your signature.

Only complete the following sections:

  • Page 2 Section D - Type of Permit - Mark with X - #5 for 'Temporary Import or Export Permit' (for hunt duration in South Africa only), #4 'In-transit Permit' (for no interline firearm transfer, short layover in SA before flight to other country) or #1 Multiple Import or Export Permit (for entry into SA, exit to another country, return entry & exit to/from SA.
  • Page 2 Section E - Particulars of Applicant - parts 1 to 25.4
  • Page 4 Section G - Import/Export Details - parts 1 to 9.2. Sections 9.1 & 9.2 'Period which Permit is required' - don't give the exact dates of the hunt or flight dates. Always add extra days either side in case there is a unavoidable change of itinerary, travel delay or cancellation. This will mean your permit won't expire, need extending or completely re-issuing.
  • Page 5 Section 1 - Details of Firearms - all parts.
    Note for 1.7 Barrel serial number is not necessary unless the barrel has a different serial number from the receiver or the only number is on the barrel and not the receiver.
  • Page 6 Section 1 - Declaration by person who is lawfully in possession of the firearm - parts 3 to 4.4
  • Page 6 Section J - Signature of Applicant - parts 1 to 4

On Arrival At Johannesburg (Oliver Tambo) Airport:

  • You will proceed through Immigration, then to the baggage hall where you must identify your firearm and ammo case to security staff and collect other baggage. Then you proceed through customs into the main arrivals hall and go to the firearms office.
  • On arrival, the firearms & ammo will be removed from the aircraft by security staff and brought to the baggage hall where you must identify them. The firearms officer will then carry it to the firearms office where the firearms will be kept under lock and key.
  • In the Firearms Office you will be reunited with your firearms after a check to ensure that the firearm make & serial numbers correlate with the details on SAPS 520 and personal ID. The final step is the issuing of the SAPS 525 - the actual temporary firearm import permit.

On Departure From Johannesburg (Oliver Tambo) Airport:

  • On departure, the firearms are checked in at the check-in desk and tagged for the flight. You then carry them through to the firearms office which is located before the main security check area. You check the serial numbers and ammunition with the officer and leave them there. You then proceed through security and immigration into the departure hall. The firearms & ammo will be taken by security staff to be boarded on the aircraft.

Tanzania Flag Firearm Import Regulations For Tanzania

  • Each hunter may import up to 3 firearms into Tanzania.
  • Handguns, semi automatic and automatic firearms are strictly prohibited.
  • Maximum amount of ammunition permitted is 200 rounds per firearm. The amount is obviously limited due to the maximum 5 kg/11 lbs ammunition weight limit allowed on aircraft.

Application for your firearm import permit must be made well in advance of your hunt dates so that it is at the airport on your arrival. If it is not, you will not be allowed to take your firearms out of the airport.

Application will be made on your behalf by the outfitter.

A fee is payable to obtain a firearm permit. Depending on the outfitter, it is usually between US$200-350 per firearm and will usually be included in your hunt costs.

Your hunt outfitter will either send you a form to fill out and return with your firearm details (make, action, calibre & serial number) or he may just ask for them in an email. Either way, make sure it is completely accurate with no typos, particularly with the serial number.

You must also give the exact number of rounds of ammunition you are bringing into Tanzania.

Required Application Documents:

Your outfitter must ask you to send the copies of the following documents to him via email:

  • Copy of your passport photograph/details page.
  • Copy of proof of ownership of firearm. Either US Customs Form 4457 for US hunters or Firearm Licence/Permit for non-US hunters. Both documents must include the firearms you intend bringing into Tanzania.
  • 6 passport size photographs. Obviously you only need to email 1 and copies can can be made for the rest.
  • As of 2016, you will are required to send photographs of the firearm(s) showing the serial numbers.

Once you have sent all your firearms details & documents to the outfitter, you can not change your mind and bring a different rifle or ammo amount.

If there is a serious and unavoidable issue like a rifle breaking and you have to bring another rifle, inform your outfitter immediately - depending on when you are arriving, he may or may not have time to get another permit.

On Arrival At Dar es Salaam International Airport:

  • On arrival, you proceed through Immigration to the Baggage Hall where a company representative of your outfitter should meet you with your firearm permit.
  • After retrieving your baggage and firearms, you both proceed to the Customs desk where an officer will check the firearm serial number correlates with that on the firearm permit. The officer may also count your rounds of ammunition.
  • If you have more than a total of 100 rounds of ammunition, the officer may decide to charge you ammunition tax, payable there in US$ cash.

On Departure From Dar es Salaam International Airport:

  • Get to the airport early and leave plenty of time to complete the firearm office procedure before your flight.
  • On departure, the outfitter representative will meet you before check-in and take you to the firearms office. He will have with him your firearm export permit which is checked against the serial numbers and your remaining ammunition rounds may be counted by the officer. Once this is done you take the firearms and check them in with the rest of your baggage as usual.

Botswana FlagFirearm Import Regulations For Botswana

  • A maximum of 2 rifles and 1 shotgun per hunter are allowed into Botswana.
  • A maximum of 100 rounds of ammunition per firearm is permitted. The amount is obviously limited due to the maximum 5 kg/11 lbs ammunition weight limit allowed on aircraft.
  • Handguns, automatic, semi-automatic or military style firearms are prohibited.

Application for your firearm import permit for Botswana must be made well in advance of your hunt dates so that it is at the airport/land border crossing on your arrival.

Application will be made by your outfitter on your behalf.

There is a fee per firearm to obtain an import permit for Botswana.

Required Application Documents:

  • Download & complete the Botswana Firearm Permit Application Form.
  • You must send your outfitter a Letter of Proxy to allow him to apply and obtain your firearm permit on your behalf.
  • Notarised copy of your passport photograph/details page.
  • Notarised copy of proof of ownership of firearm. Either US Customs Form 4457 for US hunters or Firearm Licence/Permit for non-US hunters. Both documents must include the firearms you intend bringing into Botswana.

Your outfitter will usually send you the application form and will expect it completed and returned with copies of the other documents in plenty of time before your hunt (at least 35 days).

You will need to complete the South African firearm import procedure if you are going to be overnighting in Johannesburg before flying on to Botswana or to another SA domestic airport then travelling by road across the border to Botswana. (This last route is commonly used for hunters going to the Tuli Block.) Ask your outfitter in Botswana to supply a letter of invitation for this eventuality. Ensure you get a South African multiple entry firearm permit as you will require the same permit on your return from Botswana.

On arrival in Botswana either at the airport or land border crossing you will be required to pay an import tax on ammunition - in Botswana Pula cash only.

Namibia Flag Firearm Import Regulations For Namibia

  • There is no limit on the number of firearms that can be imported into Namibia, though NAPHA recommend a maximum of 2 firearms per hunter.
  • Handguns, semi-automatic and automatic firearms are prohibited.
  • A maximum of 80 rounds of ammunition is allowed per firearm. The amount is obviously limited due to the maximum 5 kg/11 lbs ammunition weight limit allowed on aircraft.
  • Only ammunition for the specific calibre firearms is permitted.

Application for a Namibian Temporary Firearm Import Permit must be made by yourself on arrival in Namibia.

There is no fee required for the issuing of a firearm permit.

On completion of the permit application form at the airport in Namibia your firearm permit will be issued.

If you would like to complete the form ahead of time, download Namibia Firearm Permit Application Form

Though it is not necessary for the firearm import procedure, you should still carry your home country firearm licence/permit or US Customs Form 4457 while hunting in Namibia.

You will need to complete the South African firearm import procedure if you are going to be overnighting in Johannesburg before flying on to Namibia. Even if you are checking your firearm straight through to Windhoek via Johannesburg, it is always recommended to be able to comply with SA firearms import regulations & documents (including the letter of invitation) just in case you have an unintended layover due a flight cancellation.

Mozambique FlagFirearm Import Regulations For Mozambique

  • Only 2 rifles and 1 shotgun per hunter are allowed into Mozambique.
  • Semi-automatic, automatic firearms or military style weapons are prohibited.
  • A maximum of 60 rounds of ammunition per firearm is allowed. The amount is obviously limited due to the maximum 5 kg/11 lbs ammunition weight limit allowed on aircraft.
  • Only ammunition for the specific calibre(s) you are bringing may be imported.

The Mozambique temporary firearm import permit must be obtained on your behalf by your outfitter at least 8 weeks before your hunt dates.

Your hunting licence has to be obtained by your outfitter before a firearm import permit can be issued.

Your outfitter will submit your application for a firearms licence from the Police and a Temporary Firearms Permit from Customs on your behalf as all official correspondence takes place in Portuguese.

There is a fee per hunter, depending on the number firearms and ammunition.

Once the temporary importation of firearms and ammunition has been obtained, your outfitter should apply for a tax exemption with Customs at your port of entry in Mozambique, so you do not have to pay import duties. Check this has been done.

Required Application Documents:

  • 2 certified copies of the photograph/details page of your passport.(Only 1 copy if using email)
  • 4 Passport photographs. (Only 1 if using email)
  • 2 certified coptes of Proof of firearm ownership - US Customs Form 4457 or firearm licence. (Only 1 copy if using email)

You will need to complete the South African firearm import procedure if you are going to be overnighting in Johannesburg before flying on to Mozambique. It is always recommended to be able to comply with SA firearms import regulations & documents (including the letter of invitation) just in case you have an unintended layover due a flight cancellation. Ensure you get a South African multiple entry firearm permit as you will require the same permit on your return from Mozambique.

Zimbabwe FlagFirearm Import Regulations For Zimbabwe

  • There is no limit on the number of firearms a hunter may bring into Zimbabwe for hunting.
  • Automatic, military style and semi-automatic rifles are prohibited. You can bring in a semi-automatic shotgun for hunting birds only.
  • A maximum of 100 rounds of ammunition per firearm is allowed. The amount is obviously limited due to the maximum 5 kg/11 lbs ammunition weight limit allowed on aircraft.
  • Only ammunition for the specific calibre(s) you are bringing may be imported.
  • Handguns can be imported as a hunting firearm on ptivate, communal ot tribal land. A handgun permit must be obtained in advance (at least 2 months) via your outfitter and there is afee for this permit.
  • Black powder firearms are allowed with a minimum caliber .40 for hunting. You will have to arrange a supply of black powder and percussion caps with your outfitter as it is illegal to transport these items on an aircraft.
  • Only compound bows are allowed for hunting (no crossbows, recurves or longbows) and your outfitter will need to apply in advance (at least 6 months) for a special permit and there is a fee for this permit.

Application for a temporary firearm import permit for Zimbabwe can be made on arrival at the port of entry.

There is no fee for issuing a firearm permit.

If you would like to complete the forms ahead of time, download both pages:

Zimbabwe Firearm Permit Application Form Page 1
Zimbabwe Firearm Permit Application Form Page 2

Print Page 2 on the reverse of Page 1 and make at least 3 copies.

Firearms Embargo & Zimbabwe

In accordance with EU Regulation (EC) No 314/2004 the importation of firearms, ammunition and firearm components & accessories, including those for hunting/sporting purposes, from the EU into Zimbabwe is prohibited. All European and British airlines will not carry firearms or ammunition of any kind on flights direct to Zimbabwe. If you want to take hunting firearms into Zimbabwe and you are flying from an EU country, it will be necessary to get 2 sets of tickets issued - one set for Johannesburg and another set for the onward flight to Zimbabwe.

The above EU regulation applies to EU & UK transit consent procedures. For example, the Netherlands will not issue an in-transit consent permit to hunters with firearms who are ticketed through Amsterdam to Zimbabwe as the final destination.

Canada has also implemented a ban on all firearms and ammunition going to Zimbabwe, which includes hunting firearms. Go to Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada for full details.

You will need to complete the South African firearm import procedure if you are going to be transiting or overnighting in Johannesburg before flying on to Zimbabwe. There is no interline transfer of firearms or other baggage on flights from SA to Zimbabwe. You must comply with the SA firearms import regulations & documents (including the letter of invitation) regardless of those not required for Zimbabwe. Ensure you get a South African multiple entry firearm permit as you will require the same permit on your return from Zimbabwe.

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Burkina Faso Flag Firearm Import Regulations For Burkina Faso

  • Only 2 rifles and 1 shotgun per hunter are allowed into Burkina Faso
  • A total maximum of 50 rounds of ammunition is permitted. No more than 100 shotgun cartridges are allowed to be imported. The amount is obviously limited due to the maximum 5 kg/11 lbs ammunition weight limit allowed on aircraft.
  • Only ammunition for the specific calibre(s) you are bringing may be imported.
  • Handguns, automatic, semi-automatic or military style firearms are prohibited.

Application for your firearm import permit for Burkina Faso must be made in advance (at least 1 month) so that it is at the airport on your arrival.

Application will be made by your outfitter on your behalf.

There is a fee to obtain an firearm import permit for Burkina Faso. Charges will vary with outfitter.

Required Application Documents:

  • Copy of passport photograph/details page.
  • Copy of proof of ownership of firearm. US Customs Form 4457 for US hunters or Firearm Licence/Permit for non-US hunters. Both documents must include the firearms you intend bringing into Burkina Faso.

An outfitter company representative should meet you at the airport with the firearm documentation and assist you in clearing your firearm(s) when you arrive and depart in Burkina Faso.

Cameroon Flag Firearm Import Regulations For Cameroon

  • A maximum of 2 firearms per hunter are allowed into Cameroon.
  • A maximum of 50 rounds of ammunition per firearm is permitted. The amount is obviously limited due to the maximum 5 kg/11 lbs ammunition weight limit allowed on aircraft.
  • Handguns, automatic, semi-automatic or military style firearms are prohibited.

Cameroon Firearm Import Application Procedure:

The Cameroon Embassy in Washington DC can only issue the authorisation to import firearms and ammunition in Cameroon for applicants resident in the USA. Non-US applicants must go to the Cameroon Embassy in their country where the procedure will be similar.

  • You must apply for your tourist visa at the same time as applying for the firearm permit.Once your tourist visa has been granted, it will take 4-5 working days for the firearm permit application to be processed.
  • Application for your firearm import permit for Cameroon must be made in advance so that it is at the airport on your arrival.
  • Applicant musy be over the age of 20 years.
For US Hunters only:

Download the Cameroon Firearm Application Form

Read the instruction information & requirements first.


Required Application Documents:

  • A completed tourist visa application, or proof that a tourist visa has already been issued for the planned hunting trip in the form of copies of your passport photo & details page and the page with the Cameron visa previously issued.
  • 2 firm import application forms must be completed and signed by the applicant.
  • 2 passport-size photographs with white background & showing both ears clearly.
  • Notarised curriculum vitae.
  • A medical certificate indicating your physical and mental health and fitness to hunt in Cameroon.
  • Your ORIGINAL firearm registration certificate AND/OR the ORIGINAL US Customs Form 4457 for the hunting firearm(s) you are requesting to import into Cameroon. Your original documents will be returned to you once the request has been processed. Failure to include these original documents will result in the application being rejected.
  • Payment is required for an Application Fee + Permit Fee (currently a total of US$567.83) paid in the form of a money order, certified check, or cashier’s check payable to 'Embassy of Cameroon'. In addition you must submit payment the application fee and actual tourist visa. Payments with personal checks, checks drawn form a business bank account, or credit cards WILL NOT be accepted and will result in delays or in the rejection of the permit application.

The the issued firearm permit must then be sent to your outfitter in Cameroon to obtain your hunting licence.

Ethiopia Flag Firearm Import Regulations For Ethiopia

  • A maximum of 2 firearms per hunter are allowed into Ethiopia.
  • Hunting handguns are permitted in Ethiopia.
  • A maximum of 120 rounds of ammunition per firearm is permitted. The amount is obviously limited due to the maximum 5 kg/11 lbs ammunition weight limit allowed on aircraft.
  • Only ammunition for the specific calibre(s) you are bringing may be imported.
  • Automatic, semi automatic or military style firearms are prohibited.

Application for your firearm import permit for Ethiopia must be made in advance (at least 2 months) by your outfitter so that it is at the airport on your arrival.

Your outfitter will ask you for the full details of your firearms.

There is a fee per firearm to obtain an firearm import permit for Ethiopia.

Your hunting licence can only be issued after the temporary firearm permit has been issued.

Required Application Documents:

  • Copy of passport photograph/details page.
  • Copy of proof of ownership of firearm. US Customs Form 4457 for US hunters or Firearm Licence/Permit for non-US hunters. Both documents must include the firearms you intend bringing into Ethiopia.

An outfitter representative should meet you at the airport with the firearm documentation and assist you in clearing your firearm(s) on arrival and departure in Ethiopia.

Central African Republic Flag Firearm Regulations For Central African Republic

As of March 2016, airlines to CAR are enforcing the UN arms embargo on CAR which blocks the transport of all arms, ammunition and related materials, including hunting firearms. Air France is the main carrier into CAR for hunters but all other airlines travelling to CAR will also enforce this UN regulation. This embargo has been reviewed and is still applicable in 2020.

In light of the above current firearms embargo and travel embargo to CAR, these import regulations do NOT apply now...

  • Any number of firearms are allowed into CAR with a calibre of over 6mm, 1 rifle of a calibre below 6mm and 1 shotgun.
  • Any amount of ammunition per firearm is permitted. (This will be restricted by airline regulation)
  • Handguns, semi automatic or military style firearms are prohibited.

Application for your firearm import permit for CAR must be made in advance so that it is at the airport on your arrival.

There is a fee per hunter to obtain both a firearm import permit and hunting licence for CAR.

Required Application Documents

  • Copy of passport photograph/details page.
  • Copy of proof of ownership of firearm. US Customs Form 4457 for US hunters or Firearm Licence/Permit for non-US hunters. Both documents must include the firearms you intend bringing into Central African Republic.
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Zambia Flag Firearm Import Regulations For Zambia

  • A maximum of 3 firearms per hunter are allowed into Zambia.
  • Any amount of ammunition per firearm is permitted and there is a charge (currently US$2) per cartridge. The amount of ammo is obviously limited due to the maximum 5 kg/11 lbs ammunition weight limit allowed on aircraft.
  • Handguns, automatic, semi-automatic or military style firearms are prohibited.
  • Only ammunition for the specific calibre(s) you are bringing may be imported.

Application for your firearm import permit for Zambia must be made in advance so that it is at the airport on your arrival.

There is a fee per hunter to obtain firearm import permit.

Required Application Documents :

  • Completed Temporary Firearm Permit Application form.
  • Copy of passport photograph/details page.
  • Copy of proof of ownership of firearm. US Customs Form 4457 for US hunters or Firearm Licence/Permit for non-US hunters. Both documents must include the firearms you intend bringing into Zambia.

An outfitter representative should meet you at the airport with the firearm documentation and assist you in clearing your firearm(s) on arrival and departure in Zambia.

You will need to complete the South African firearm import procedure if you are going to be transiting or overnighting in Johannesburg before flying on to Zambia. You must comply with the SA firearms import regulations & documents (including the letter of invitation) regardless of those not required for Zambia. Ensure you get a South African multiple entry firearm permit as you will require the same permit on your return from Zambia.

Benin Flag Firearm Import regulations For Benin

  • A maximum of 2 firearms per hunter are allowed into Benin.
  • A maximum amount of 50 rounds of ammunition per firearm is permitted. The amount of ammo is obviously limited due to the maximum 5 kg/11 lbs ammunition weight limit allowed on aircraft.
  • Handguns, automatics, semi-automatic or military style firearms are prohibited.
  • Only ammunition for the specific calibre(s) you are bringing may be imported.

Application for your firearm import permit for Benin must be made in advance so that it is at the airport on your arrival.

There is a fee per hunter to obtain firearm import permit and hunting licence.

Required Application Documents :

  • Copy of passport photograph/details page.
  • Copy of proof of ownership of firearm. US Customs Form 4457 for US hunters or Firearm Licence/Permit for non-US hunters. Both documents must include the firearms you intend bringing into Benin.

An outfitter representative should meet you at the airport with the firearm documentation and assist you in clearing your firearm(s) on arrival and departure in Benin.

Uganda Flag Firearm Import Regulations For Uganda

  • A maximum of 2 firearms per hunter are allowed into Uganda.
  • There is no stipulated maximum amount of ammunition permitted into Uganda. The amount of ammo is obviously limited due to the maximum 5 kg/11 lbs ammunition weight limit allowed on aircraft.
  • Handguns, semi-automatic or automatic firearms are prohibited. Silencers are not permitted for hunting.

Application for your firearm import permit for Uganda must be made in advance so that it is at the airport on your arrival.

There is usually a fee charged to obtain the firearm permit.

Your outfitter will ask for your firearm details and documents and the temporary import firearm permit is issued by the Police in about a week.

The permit is then emailed to you. You must make a copy (a few copies, just in case) and carry it with you on arrival in Uganda.

Required Application Documents :

  • Copy of passport photograph/details page.
  • Copy of proof of ownership of firearm. US Customs Form 4457 for US hunters or Firearm Licence/Permit for non-US hunters. Both documents must include the firearms you intend bringing into Uganda.

On Arrival at Kampala Airport:

On arrival, you must present the firearm(s), ammo and Temporary Import Permit to the Police Officer at the airport. He will then issue you with the Temporary Licence.

On departure from Kampala Airport:

On departure, before check-in you take the firearms to the Police office and the officer completes the firearm exit forms.

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