4457 Process?

[channelkat]

I have been reading through previous posts (tried calling customs a few times, got nowhere) and think I understand the process. Can someone give me a quick sanity check to make sure I understand this right?

I simply need to fill out a form for my rifle and a second form for my Binos. Then I take the forms, binos and cased rifle to the nearest CBP (Sea-Tac Airport I think, for me) find out where the CBP office is ask them to stamp, no appointment needed?

Outfitter is asking for this, so I need to get this done. Thanks folks!

 

[JimP]

Pretty much.

Just call the CBP office and ask for what they want you to do. Some may want you to call from the parking lot to be escorted into their office area, some want you to set up a appointment, others you can just walk in anytime.

 

[Rick HOlbert]

Channelcat, I usually list the firearm, scope and sometimes binos on the same form. Take the items to customs (in hardcase) and have never had a problem getting the form signed off. I make copies to place in each bag and keep the original in my passport wallet.

 

[C.W. Richter]

All declared belongings on 1 form for trips from '07-'19. (camera, phone, laptop, rifles) didn't worry about cheap leupold binos (as it's not a stretch to think you'd take them on Safari, and an American carrying American products-not importing!) they will black out all unused white space on the form upon signing. I always did it the day of departure at the CBP office at the airport. (Form was filled out already, they check everything in their office, sign and you're on your way.) Process takes 5+ min, longest was <30 min as I was waiting for an officer to return to the office. I typ budget an extra 30 min to deal with this at the airport. TSA will also want to see your guns and you must declare to the ticket agent that you're traveling with firearms.

 

[Red Leg]

I definitely WOULD NOT do it the day of departure! Should any little thing delay the process, you are in a real bind. If you can't get them on the phone, bring the rifle to the airport, leave it in the vehicle, and go in to see how they want you to handle it. I always fill the whole thing out in their presence. I have never put binos or other items (laptop?!?) on mine. I travel with those sorts of items internationally all the time when not hunting (cameras, binos, Ipad, etc). So does everyone else on the plane, and no one uses a 4457.

 

[kdenn]

Echo @Red Leg above, don't do day of flight unless you allow several hours extra. At Louisville separate building few minutes walk from airport. At Nashville it was 10-15 minute drive to separate building. At Louisville carried everything inside, at Nashville go inside to let them know you are there then wait for agent to come outside to your vehicle. No real issues getting it done but different protocol.

 

[C.W. Richter]

'Agreed w/ the diff airport procedures/locales issue. NYC JFK just go downstairs (international departures terminal) to the CBP office-same day no problemo! They are HIGH traffic and quite accustomed to doing it quickly. On the last safari in '19, armed officers noticed our firearms case immediately upon entering the airport and escorted us to the CBP office (they were super nice-no problems- carrying .223s, they had rifle envy!!) Then TSA takes them into a backroom for inspection at the time of check-in.

 

[375Fox]

The 4457 serves two purposes. For US customs it is simply a declaration you owned the items before leaving USA. For African countries it’s essentially a US gun license. Print out a 4457 and fill out all you can for your rifle, call your CBP office and make an appointment before your trip, bring rifle, have them verify, sign, and stamp the form. You can list anything you want on a 4457 for US customs but you will not have any issue with binoculars or scope. If you’d like to list them on a 4457 I’d suggest making a separate form to keep the 4457 you are presenting as a gun license in Africa as clean and neat as possible, gun only. Make lots of copies and I think it’s a good idea taping a copy inside your gun case as well.

 

[wesheltonj]

Don't waste your time with a 4457 for your Binos or anything else. Just the gun and scope.

 

[Scott CWO]

I do mine well ahead of the trip. Your outfitter may want a copy in advance to start securing African gun permits and same for your travel agent to inform your airline. I only list one rifle per form and make several copies to take with me. I have had airline check-in agents ask for them so I hand them a copy in case they keep it. I’m happy to show them the original but do not give it to them. Save the original for coming back into the USA at US Customs. In addition, airline check-in agents sometimes will ask for a copy of your African gun permit or Mexican gun permit. Usually, your outfitter should email you a copy of your African or Mexican gun permit well before you leave your house. These are all things to work on MONTHS or at least WEEKS before your trip.

 

[Doug3006]

Back in Jan I had the CPB stamp my 4457 for my trip in June. No last minute drama for this boy! They didn’t even open the case. Just stamped and signed the form. Maybe because the small office was packed with a large family getting their Visas renewed? Anyway, I’ve done this several times now and I’ve had no trouble at all. Sure as I would procrastinate there would be some issue.

 

[shootist~]

What country are you headed to?

If South Africa, the 4457 (actually a noterized copy of same) is also the first step of preparing the SAPS firearms import license.

 

[Doug3006]

I’m going to South Africa. Yep we have the 4457 filled out along with our SAP license back in January

 

[channelkat]

What country are you headed to?

If South Africa, the 4457 (actually a noterized copy of same) is also the first step of preparing the SAPS firearms import license.

Mozambique, through JNB a day or so prior. Stressed with work and behind on all my paperwork!

 

[channelkat]

I do mine well ahead of the trip. Your outfitter may want a copy in advance to start securing African gun permits and same for your travel agent to inform your airline. I only list one rifle per form and make several copies to take with me. I have had airline check-in agents ask for them so I hand them a copy in case they keep it. I’m happy to show them the original but do not give it to them. Save the original for coming back into the USA at US Customs. In addition, airline check-in agents sometimes will ask for a copy of your African gun permit or Mexican gun permit. Usually, your outfitter should email you a copy of your African or Mexican gun permit well before you leave your house. These are all things to work on MONTHS or at least WEEKS before your trip.

Mine does want a copy, been asking for two weeks (been on the road)!

 

[channelkat]

Pretty much.

Just call the CBP office and ask for what they want you to do. Some may want you to call from the parking lot to be escorted into their office area, some want you to set up a appointment, others you can just walk in anytime.

I wish CBP would talk to me over the phone. I can never get anyone to answer. Perhaps try the duty officer? Thats the only option I have yet to try...

 

[Hunt anything]

I just did my rifles and scopes, it does feel a little weird walking into a government building with a rifle on your shoulder though. I just carried mine in a soft case.

 

[channelkat]

I just did my rifles and scopes, it does feel a little weird walking into a government building with a rifle on your shoulder though. I just carried mine in a soft case.

Exactly! Especially in my part of the US.

 

[Hunt anything]

Mozambique, through JNB a day or so prior. Stressed with work and behind on all my paperwork

Where in Mozambique are you going?

 

[channelkat]

Where in Mozambique are you going?

Niassa, block b. My first, just got to get personal crap in order, but it is all I can think about!