Paperwork While traveling to SA

[MarkinMI]

My son and I are headed to SA 18 August for our first safari, 10-day PG hunt w/Matwetwe Safaris. It's been a long time in the making, and I've learned a TON on this great forum, thanks to all who make it such a wealth of info!
Question: SAPS 5520 form, CBP 4457, invite letter...do all of these doc's stay on your person, or should any be packed w/the rifles in the locked gun case, locked ammo case...?
Appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[MarkinMI]

...that would be "traveling"...

 

[Racer00]

Make multiple copies. In the rifle case. On your person. In your carry on. Along with itinerary copies, passport copies, and travel documents for your son if he’s a juvenile.

 

[BRICKBURN]

The SAPS520 is your firearms license while in RSA. Keep a copy with your firearms. The likelihood of being asked for it is remote.
The other stuff I store in a safe place so they are not lost.

 

[Justbryan]

Contact one of the rifle permit companies in SA. The easiest is to do the pre-approval process. I got mine done in a week and that may still be possible. Check with Rifle Permits, Afton House, etc.

These services help shorten the wait time at SAPS office.

 

[JimP]

Are you having a service pre approve your SAP's 520 form? If not I highly suggest that you do, just to alleviate the headaches of it.

I never placed anything inside of my rifle case other than my rifle and a few odds and ends. My passport stays in my shirt pocket 24/7 until I reach the lodge. I keep notarized copies of it in a manila envelope in my carry on along with a copy of my SAP's 520 that hasn't been approved, also a copy on my letter of invite.

Once at the lodge my passport and other papers are locked in the provided safe and or my rifle case. You carry your approved SAP's 520 with your whenever you have your rifle with you. I also have one of the notarized copies of my passport with me.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

Is your son under the age of 18? If so you will need a copy of his birth certificate and possible permission from the non traveling parent to enter South Africa.

HH

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Is your son under the age of 18? If so you will need a copy of his birth certificate and possible permission from the non traveling parent to enter South Africa.

HH

I think that changed a few years ago.

Department of Home Affairs - UPDATED ADVISORY: Requirements for children travelling through South African Ports of Entry

The DHA is custodian, protector and verifier of the identity and status of citizens and other persons resident in South Africa. This makes it possible for people to realize their rights and access benefits and opportunities in both the public and private domains. By expanding these services to...

www.dha.gov.za

 

[Ridge Runner]

Each person should:
1 complete set of copies per bag and 1 complete original set on your person.

Items:

Passport
Drivers license
Birth Certificate
SAPS 520 / Pre Approved SAPS 520
CBP 4457
Flight Itinerary
Letter of Invitation
Outfitters Name and Contact Information
Travel Itinerary
Airline tickets
Health Card/ Immunization Card
Prescription for Meds with Doctors Signature
Prescription Eye Glasses

Makes life easier should you require assistance with:

US Embassy
Medical/Optical Needs
Lost/ Missing Luggage
Replace Damaged/ Destroyed/ Lost Airline Tickets

 

[Mekaniks]

Have two copies. One with you and one with rifle.
Take a good photo of EVERYTHING and save it all on your phone so you know where it is.

 

[Spey]

Doing all that everyone has posted here ahead of time is certainly a P.I.A but is the real work. I just came back from my first SA hunt and was pleasantly surprised how smoothly it all went because of proper prep, there and on the return to the U.S. Have fun, don't stress as much as I did.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Doing all that everyone has posted here ahead of time is certainly a P.I.A but is the real work. I just came back from my first SA hunt and was pleasantly surprised how smoothly it all went because of proper prep, there and on the return to the U.S. Have fun, don't stress as much as I did.

First hunt or 1000th hunt paper work is stressful.

Not having what one needs when needed becomes a hellava lot more stressful!

 

[JimP]

My biggest stress with my paperwork on my last hunt was finding a notary to get copies notarized. One that I tried said that all they could notarize was a signature.

The one who did it had to get her book out and make a phone call, then all was well.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

My biggest stress with my paperwork on my last hunt was finding a notary to get copies notarized. One that I tried said that all they could notarize was a signature.

The one who did it had to get her book out and make a phone call, then all was well.

Some notaries just don't know proper way.
FYI, I am a Notary and do them for all our locals traveling. I have a Notary next door to me that does mine.
Any one in Texas have a question on this can PM me if having issues.