Import of Firearms into Namibia

[Graham Hunter]

Oh and USA to Canada 50 bucks and 5mins to 1.5 hrs. Canada to USA pre approved ATF form 6 and 5 mins to 1.5 hrs.

 

[gebo824]

I haven't heard anything yet.

I just got back from Namibia. It would have been super easy on arrival, IF my gun & checked bag made the flight from Joburg. The small office was right there after going through customs & an officer was there to check it, but it wasn't there. I guess an hour & a half layover wasn't enough time to transfer my bag & rifle from the Delta flight to the SAA flight. I arrived in the pm so was staying in a guesthouse anyway. They had called ahead to the lost baggage office in Windhoek, so when I went there I got a small slip of paper with phone number & claim number. Luckily my bags made the morning flight. I had contacted the outfitter that evening & they sent the driver again the next morning to take me back to the airport. All was there. I did have to find an officer this time, as she was walking around BS'ing with others but only waited a few minutes. I had the form filled in already, so the process then only took a few minutes.

She did ask if I had emailed the form, but I hadn't. There was also a letter taped to the wall with the email address. So maybe this process will work. If you fill out the hardcopy form prior to arrival, I can't see how this could go any faster via email, maybe save 2 minutes.

Checking back in was also super easy. He asked how much ammo I was taking back. I said none, that I was a lousy shot, & used it all up!

Too bad there isn't a direct flight from the US to Windhoek...

 

[sestoppelman]

I too just got back and did not email ahead, but brought one with me filled out. Two guys in the office, piece of cake. In and out in less than 5 minutes, no request for beer money or any other funny business. On the way out, the officer did ask about ammo amount, gave him a guestimate, offered to show him, he said not necessary. On my way in 3 minutes.

 

[gebo824]

Here was the sign taped on the wall by the Namibian Police room at the airport. It would be interesting to hear if someone tries the email & if any benefits.

 

[Fred Gunner]

Does anyone have a downloadable copy of the form that can be filled out on an apple iMac? Will Firearms Control Division accept e-signatures?

 

[sestoppelman]

I had asked my outfitter about the email thing and he told me not to bother, wont save anything. I showed up with filled out form in hand and out in 5 minutes.

 

[Bwana Bob]

I had asked my outfitter about the email thing and he told me not to bother, wont save anything. I showed up with filled out form in hand and out in 5 minutes.

Heading to Namibia in October and did my permit via email. Also asked if they received all of the information they required. They replied yes and that they will have the paperwork ready when I get there. Will see how it goes

 

[jpr792]

With an invitation like that it may be time to plan on going to Namibia!

sierraone
The WELCOME mat is always open at the Namibian border...

 

[jpr792]

Heading to Namibia in October and did my permit via email. Also asked if they received all of the information they required. They replied yes and that they will have the paperwork ready when I get there. Will see how it goes

Bwana Bob
Keep us posted. Our clients have applied - permits were issued for some, and some not...
It would be interesting to hear from others on their experience in the event you have applied in advance.

 

[Bert the Turtle]

I haven't heard back from the application I sent in June. I just emailed again to check on the status. Based on how easy it has been in the past to do it on site, I'm not sure if the email is worth the effort.

 

[jpr792]

I haven't heard back from the application I sent in June. I just emailed again to check on the status. Based on how easy it has been in the past to do it on site, I'm not sure if the email is worth the effort.

Bert the Turtle
You are right...since there is no guarantee that they process your application in advance anyway.
However, keep us posted.

 

[RogerHeintzman]

My 2 previous trips to Namibia before this new process were a walk in the park.

 

[sestoppelman]

I guess I must be one lucky guy in some respects, living near several seaports as I do. Customs offices are all over the place. I read earlier here that some had to go to the airport for a CBP office?? Even if I did the nearest is only about a half hour away and SeaTac is over 2 hours, but no way do I go there except to fly out. Someone else had to pay big bucks for something, time lost? Must have a pretty well paying job if you lose $900 by taking a day off, lol. RSA makes you do a new 4457 every year? How? I don't get that one. As long as it has the latest expire date, should be good to go. I updated mine this year just in case I had to layover in JO, glad I didn't. Biggest hassle I had this trip was getting out of Namibia without getting arrested! Upon leaving we were met by a rather stern lady who insisted we fill out (again) the little landing form, and when I asked why she got pretty indignant with me and read me the riot act. Told me not to "disturb their peace". I suspect I was about one smart crack away from a visit to the local PD. I remember 10 years ago also leaving Kutako and having some issue with the officialdom, don't remember what. If I ever go there again, I may assume another identity!

 

[IdaRam]

Come on ses! Nobody is going to believe that you of all people would pipe off to a member of the "officialdom"!

 

[sestoppelman]

Afraid sometimes my mouth gets ahead of my good sense. But we managed to escape,,,, for now.

 

[Areaonereal]

We dealt with the same lady....Ms Personality...she's not. Rude....she is.

 

[Philip Glass]

I have never spent more then five minutes in the police office before this.
What's funny is they want to stream line the process even further for hunters.

That is what I was thinking! Namibia is the easiest country to take guns to.

 

[Bert the Turtle]

I haven't heard back from the application I sent in June. I just emailed again to check on the status. Based on how easy it has been in the past to do it on site, I'm not sure if the email is worth the effort.

I am happy to report I just heard back and my permit is waiting for me upon arrival!

 

[sestoppelman]

Probably wont save you any time especially since its a quick process anyway. and they still have to compare serial numbers. One advantage I can see to the email things is at least YOU wont lose your paperwork, they might, but you wont.

 

[Jaegger]

All - I just went thru the new email weapons permit process & can report:

1/. I submitted my documents late April for a 11 May 2018 arrival - there will be no advance notification from Namibia Police ahead of your arrival as the email process merely streamlines their in-house process ahead of your arrival.

2/. Snafu - I was informed by the Airport Police Officer, " ... email process uses the POL Form 574 not POL Form 573 & the fact I submitted the POL 573 by email has caused him extra work." I asked to see the POL 574 & he provided a brief glance @ another Hunters submission.

I explained, "I was merely following instructions provided by the Lodge which seemed to irritated him even more." Awkward moment - there was only 3/hunters clearly rifles On the early Frankfurt flight.

This was my 4th trip to Namibia w/ rifle in tow & POL 573 submission in-person w/ documents was a seamless less intense process vs. new email. Just my viewpoint off recent experience & not to influence anyone's personal decision.

The post above from Ignatius Nangombe, Deputy Commissioner clearly depicts the POL 573 - which I have on-file & I am not able to locate POL 574?

Ciao