Newer South Africa Revenue

[375Fox]

When I paid for a meet and greet they took me past the normal customs line to the VIP customs. I was done with customs and SAP's while some were still in the customs line.

There are two types of meet and greet for hunters. Off plane and outside customs hall. Off plane costs more. Gracy would try to include it for the extra fee if I didn’t catch and request standard.

 

[Sabre]

I have not paid for the meet and greet from the plane, just for firearm. But I have seen people met at the plane and taken to the front of the line skipping everyone waiting in line for customs, they paid for the meet and greet.

I don't know the cost for this because I have never looked into it before. But I might do it next time as the customs line felt like it took forever last time and I was exhausted getting off the flight. I guess I'm getting old.

 

[375Fox]

I have not paid for the meet and greet from the plane, just for firearm. But I have seen people met at the plane and taken to the front of the line skipping everyone waiting in line for customs, they paid for the meet and greet.

I don't know the cost for this because I have never looked into it before. But I might do it next time as the customs line felt like it took forever last time and I was exhausted getting off the flight. I guess I'm getting old.

Extra $150

 

[Hyde Hunter]

Request it and pay the extra fee. Standard meet and greet and firearm assistance you are met outside customs. VIP meet and greet meets you off the plane.

there was 6 of us and we paid for the VIP service was no different than regular service. leaving in 25 hours and using Rifle Permits and paid for the VIP service so will see what happens

 

[375Fox]

there was 6 of us and we paid for the VIP service was no different than regular service. leaving in 25 hours and using Rifle Permits and paid for the VIP service so will see what happens

Might want to clarify what VIP service means with Rifle Permits. Could be a difference in terminology between the businesses that offer it.

 

[CJ007]

So this is a newer thing I saw. Last time I went I didn’t need to do this. Usually I just clear passport control and walk right past customs, who are usually kicked back and playing on their phones at OR Tambo.

Anyone had any issues with it? I completed the online form and tells me to follow the green channel which, I had planned on anyway. I am also being met by Mr. X so I would think we would bypass customs regardless. Are they even looking at the form or proof of completion?

I was in Johannesburg airport over 20 years ago..
and custom held me for over an hour to clear my gun, waiting for some form, that didn't existed..
They just waiting for a bribe..my PH was with me and he refused to have anything to do with it..
So after and hour or so, the custom official...you are good to go..

 

[Hyde Hunter]

there was 6 of us and we paid for the VIP service was no different than regular service. leaving in 25 hours and using Rifle Permits and paid for the VIP service so will see what happens

That was with me x with the 6 of us, I will see how it goes with Rifle Permits pm Saturday night when I land

 

[Sabre]

there was 6 of us and we paid for the VIP service was no different than regular service. leaving in 25 hours and using Rifle Permits and paid for the VIP service so will see what happens

I have seen it listed separately as an option. Like "Rifle VIP Service" and "Meet and Greet"

I never bothered to look into the Meet and Greet portion because I wasn't that interested in the past.

Extra $150

That might be worth it. Thanks for the info.

 

[Sabre]

I was in Johannesburg airport over 20 years ago..
and custom held me for over an hour to clear my gun, waiting for some form, that didn't existed..
They just waiting for a bribe..my PH was with me and he refused to have anything to do with it..
So after and hour or so, the custom official...you are good to go..

This is why having the rifle service is worth every penny. There are many stories like yours. I recognize that it is basically pre-bribing. I don't care. I would rather do it and be in and out in 5 minutes then hit a situation like this.

 

[JimP]

There are two types of meet and greet for hunters. Off plane and outside customs hall. Off plane costs more. Gracy would try to include it for the extra fee if I didn’t catch and request standard.

This is why having the rifle service is worth every penny. There are many stories like yours. I recognize that it is basically pre-bribing. I don't care. I would rather do it and be in and out in 5 minutes then hit a situation like this.

Mine was with Air 2000. They met us right off the jet way holding a sign with our names on them. After a 15 hour flight it was hard keeping up with them as we went through the airport. They left us when we got to security on our way to Port Elizabeth. They met us on our return trip just outside of the baggage area after we picked up our rifles. Took us to the front of the line at the ticket counter and then waved goodbye as we went through security.
.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I use Gracy, meet & greet and don't stand in any lines except in country flights' security. IIRC, the signs for passport control say "Assisted Passengers". I'm an old fart so I guess that's my application. If flying an A380, in to Joberg, it's a huge time saver.