Travel with firearms can be stressful and time consuming…
if you don’t have the right information. Worry less and let Travel Express guide you through the process.
We strongly recommend travelers take a minimum of 4 copies of ALL important documents. That includes items such as passport, itinerary, proof of insurance coverage, 4457, firearm declaration or transit permit, visa, and invitation letter.
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AIRLINE TRANSIT PERMITS
Ethiopian Airlines – Emirates – Qatar Airways
COUNTRY TRANSIT/ IMPORT PERMITS
Amsterdam, NL – Frankfurt, DE – Munich, DE
Namibia – New Zealand – South Africa – Zimbabwe
U.S. CUSTOMS INFORMATION
Persons departing the U.S. for international destinations must have proof of ownership for firearms or other valuables. Otherwise, you may have to pay duty on the item each time you bring it back into the U.S., unless you can prove that you owned it before you left on your trip. Documents that fully describe the item—such as sales receipts—are acceptable forms of proof.
To make things easier, you can register certain items with CBP on a form 4457 before you depart — specifically firearms — as long as they have serial numbers or other unique, permanent markings. Most international destinations, and some airlines, require proof of a “firearm license” (or 4457 for US citizens). Take the items to the nearest CBP office prior to traveling and request a Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad (CBP Form 4457). CBP officers must see the item being registered in order to sign the certificate. This is a lifetime form for the owner listed so keep the certificate for future trips. Please see the link below for information on finding a CBP office near you and also their hours of operation.
CBP Form 4457 is not only requested upon re-entry into the U.S., but it’s also required by most countries for entry with weapons.
Locate a US Customs Port of Entry Near You
CBP FORM 4457 – Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad (updated 2024)
AIRLINE TRANSIT PERMITS
Most airlines require advance notification and approval when traveling with weapons. Below are a few examples that require more formal documentation/ additional forms.
Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines require notice of intent to carry firearms in advance of travel, in addition to having printed copies of the declaration to be provided during transit. Notice should be given at least 72 hours in advance, and travelers should take a minimum of 4 printed copies of the declaration. We recommend taking printed copies of passport, 4457, invite letter, and country import permit (if required) as well.
Emirates
Emirates require a transit permit to be submitted online in advance of travel. Permits may not be submitted any earlier than 30 days prior to departure, and it’s recommended to submit no later than 20 days prior. If approval is not obtained, your weapons will be denied boarding without exception. We recommend taking printed copies of passport, 4457, invite letter, and country import permit (if required) as well.
NOTE: FIREARMS AND ARCHERY EQUIPMENT MUST BE APPROVED IN ADVANCE FOR TRANSIT ON EMIRATES.
Qatar
Qatar Airways require advance approval of all weapons. Final approval is granted upon arrival and inspection at the airport. Details should be submitted at minimum 30 days prior to departure, and it’s recommended to submit no later than 20 days prior. If approval is not obtained, your weapons will be denied boarding without exception. Take 4+ printed copies of passport, 4457, invite letter, and country import permit (if required) as well.
NOTE: FIREARMS AND ARCHERY EQUIPMENT MUST BE APPROVED IN ADVANCE FOR TRANSIT ON QATAR AIRWAYS.
COUNTRY IMPORT & TRANSIT PERMITS
Amsterdam, Netherlands
When passing through the Netherlands with rifles and ammunition, you must get pre approved for transit, even if you do not leave the airport. In addition to the Application for Consent for Weapons and Ammunition you must also submit a scan of your passport, CBP form 4457, airline itinerary, and letter of invitation from your PH.
This paperwork must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to departure. When approved a copy of the consent form will be emailed, and this is what you will carry as proof of acceptance. If you do not receive an approved copy before departure, your weapons are NOT approval for travel and will be denied boarding.
Frankfurt, Germany
When passing through the Frankfurt with rifles and ammunition, you must get pre approved for transit, even if you do not leave the airport. Transit permits for travel via Frankfurt must now be submitted online.
You’ll need to upload copies of your documents to include passport scan, 4457, letter of invite, and pay the EUR 23.00 fee. If the application is approved, you will receive a secure email with a link to download and print the permit. Print and take 4+ copies of all documents.
Munich, Germany
Permission to transit via Munich must be granted over email in advance of travel, even if you do not leave the airport. We recommend submitting documents at least 30 days prior to departure. Only when approval is given will you receive the permit via email. You must provide passport copy, home address, phone number, firearm and ammunition details, 4457, flight details, and letter of invite. Print and take 4+ copies of all documents.
Namibia
Namibian Police have advised that you must submit your Application for Import/ Export Permit (POL 573) online, in advance. You must send your passport scan, invite letter, 4457, and completed application to the police via email. Note that the permit will only be granted on arrival after inspection of all documents, passport, and firearms.
New Zealand
New Zealand Police require permits to be submitted at least 4-6 months prior to arrival. This application information is submitted electronically online along with your passport copy, flight details, 4457, a form of hunting license (concealed carry, hunting tag, hunters ed, or similar), recent photo, and application fee of NZD 25.00. You will also be asked for contact and secure storage details for your firearms while in New Zealand. The license is approved in advance, then granted upon arrival, after inspection of documents and firearms.
South Africa
The South Africa Firearm Import Permit (SAPS 520) can be submitted on arrival OR in advance by an expeditor. If you do it yourself, make sure you fill out the permit correctly and have several copies of all required documents. If applying through an expeditor, paperwork must usually be submitted 30 days in advance. 4457’s must be unexpired (upper right corner), please double check yours!
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Visitor’s Certificate to Possess Firearms and Ammunition (Form No. FR20) is submitted on arrival. It is recommended to have at least four copies of the completed certificate in hand on arrival.
