Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa Flying to Port Elizabeth with Guns

I flew the route two months ago on the Nick Bowker Safaris. The only airline in South Africa that allow guns is Airlink airlines. I booked with Travel With Guns. The airlines need to be informed that you are traveling with guns at least 3 days before each leg of the trip. Travel with guns did this. I emailed them every time to double-check.

Recommend Riflepermits.com

If your flight arrives at night.

• After you clear customs, get your luggage and go to the SAPS office. Ralph from Riflepermits.com will handle everything. You can do it yourself self- which I have but Riflepermits.com gives you peace of mind for a small fee. You will leave with a completed SAPS 520 form
• I stayed at the Skyhouse – they will meet you there and lock up your firearms at the hotel.

Next morning

• The driver from the Sky House drove me to the airport, took me to check in my baggage at Airlink, then took me to the other desk to pay for the gun fee and any baggage fees. He then took me and the rifles to the security firm which will record information from the SAPS 520 form and facilitates your rifles getting on the plane.

Arrival in Port Elizabeth


• Collect your baggage
Go to the security station and they will record your information from the SAPS 520 and give you your rifles.

Departing Port Elizabeth

• Check your luggage in
• Go to Airlink office to pay gun and overweight fees
• Go to the security station where they will once again record your info off the SAPS 520 and take your rifle and get it on the plane.

Arrive Johannesburg

• Collect your luggage.
• Be patient and wait near the exit into the main airport for a security person who will have your rifles. If you miss them their office is right across from the exit.
• They will record your info and give you your weapons
• Go check in with your returning airlines.
• Someone will escort you to the SAPS office to check your rifles out of the country and get them on the plane.

Have a safe flight

Excellent info.

Thanks for all the information Singleshot. Will be taking this route next year.