Zimbabwe rifle import

[bohannon]

Can anyone with experience importing a rifle into Zimbabwe shed some light on what to expect? I'll be hunting there in September 2025. I've been told it's as simple as filling out the import form once you land. On my last hunt to RSA I used RiflePermits for the SAPS paperwork and everything went smoothly; however, they don't operate in Zimbabwe.

 

[grand veneur]

You have to say where you come from, some of us members are not US citizens. If you are an EU citizen you may perhaps have problems if you want to import a rifle from the EU to Zimbabwe. There is an arms embargo.

 

[Racer00]

I was there in December and took two rifles. I landed in Harare and did have my outfitter set up a greeter. They guided me through the process, but it was quite simple. You go to a small room where they have you open your gun case and ammo box. They look at and and photograph your rifles and serial numbers. Watch them closely as they are not extremely careful or versed in firearms safety. The longest part was counting the ammo. Simple math seemed to be a lost art. It took 4 people and dumping of all the cartridges out on the desk, ( I had 3 full ammo boxes of 20 cartridges each). That took 15 minutes alone, and almost a half hour when I left due to loaded and empty cases in the same boxes.
But, overall, if you're patient and calm, it is simple. Everyone was very polite and easy to work with. They issue a permit for your guns that must stay with you and you return the original to them when you are leaving the country to assure you take your firearms with you.

 

[bohannon]

My apologies. I'll be coming from the US, traveling through Johannesburg and getting a SAPS permit for the overnight layover, then flying AirLink to Vic Falls in Zimbabwe.

 

[Racer00]

I should add, my travel agent, Jennifer at Travel Express had sent me the paperwork for entry that they needed to have filled out so I was prepared. If I remember correctly, I waited to sign it in front of them.

 

[Skshyk]

4 trips to Zim used Jennifer every time never had an issue. A 1 page simple form to fill out.

 

[Rare Breed]

Can anyone with experience importing a rifle into Zimbabwe shed some light on what to expect? I'll be hunting there in September 2025. I've been told it's as simple as filling out the import form once you land. On my last hunt to RSA I used RiflePermits for the SAPS paperwork and everything went smoothly; however, they don't operate in Zimbabwe.

I fill mine out in advance and type it. Your ph or travel agent can send it to you in advance as well as their immigration form

 

[godwincp]

Just there in September. Have the paperwork filled out prior to arrival. Be patient ( which I am not). The cartridge counting was maddening. I had 30:06 and 375 cartridges. I had shot two 30:06 cartridges while in SA before traveling to Harare and that caused a major disruption! After it was finally sorted- took five people- I got approved. Make sure you have your outfitter invitation letter available.
I then went to the charter desk and had to do the exact same thing all over again- including the cartridge counting- by the same people who just counted them previously!! Just smile and be patient.
Also make sure you have your outfitter have someone meet you to help in the process. It will all be worth it when you make it to camp.

 

[Manny R]

You also need to apply for a Visa which you can get at the airport.

 

[rookhawk]

Can anyone with experience importing a rifle into Zimbabwe shed some light on what to expect? I'll be hunting there in September 2025. I've been told it's as simple as filling out the import form once you land. On my last hunt to RSA I used RiflePermits for the SAPS paperwork and everything went smoothly; however, they don't operate in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe is shall-issue upon arrival. They don't accept your pre-printed ones off their website because they are trapped in the stone ages with carbon transfer papers. Allow 45 mins upon arrival for your permit.

They check your brass for proper headstamps about half the time. They count the amount of cartridges, opening every box, about half the time.

There is a guy I've used to expedite airport nonsense in Harare named Wengayi. You can PM me if you want his Whatsapp. He got me to the head of the 2 hour covid paper line during the pandemic and he eased troubles when I was bringing in a lot of stuff for the locals. (e.g. preventing taxation and harassment)

I've been there a dozen times, I opted to use Wengayi only twice. He helps if you want to line cut.

 

[Don Hinton]

Make a minimum of 4 copies of all import paperwork. I landed in Bulawayo and the room is about 20x20. Literally you go from one person to another giving the same information to each even though they are 15 feet apart and each one wants a copy of your paperwork. Are you using someone to help you with SAPS. if not you should consider. Did this in 2023. Any questions just reach out
Don

 

[Wahoo]

Can anyone with experience importing a rifle into Zimbabwe shed some light on what to expect? I'll be hunting there in September 2025. I've been told it's as simple as filling out the import form once you land. On my last hunt to RSA I used RiflePermits for the SAPS paperwork and everything went smoothly; however, they don't operate in Zimbabwe.

I did this just this past September. I just made sure I had very clear US Custom 4457 forms (in fact prior to travel I politely asked the us customs agent in Chicago to sign/stamp 6 original form 4457 for me so I was presenting an original US document in Zim ), along with my invitation letter, passport, and a copy of my airline itinerary. I also did not prefill the import forms and They had me fill out the Zimbabwe import form as well as the declaration for cash brought in to the country in front of the Zim Customs officers. They checked my firearm serial numbers against the 4457 and counted Ammunition to confirm number of rounds, checked my invitation letter, and checked my passport.

Additionally I used Wengayi (wenhau ? Not sure spelling) service in and out of Zimbabwe. Primarily appeared to expedite the lines at customs and avoid some scrutiny by local airport staff/officials. As a first timer I appreciated the help and do not believe it was a significant cost.

My advice is be organized, be patient, be polite, and be courteous.

 

[Oil & Dirt]

I was there in November and echo most everyone’s advice. I flew into Jo’burg then to Harare next day. I had my PH with me. The check in the little room was slow but at least we were progressing. Then once we got to the charter side the same folks were not very helpful. Our charter pilot came to try to get the show moving, but they made it very clear they were working on their own schedule. On my charter flight return back in to Harare I had a gentleman from the commercial airline help me out and everyone was super helpful!

As others have noted there was cartridge counting and even explanation needed because I was traveling with Barnes TSX and solids for the same caliber. One piece of advice I’ll pass on from PH is to make sure you’re not bringing back any brass on your return trip that you don’t possess a rifle for. Example: PH has a bad ass .500 nitro that he let you shoot and you want to keep the brass for souvenir, just don’t. This trip I ended up just leaving all my unshot ammo in camp

 

[rookhawk]

I was there in November and echo most everyone’s advice. I flew into Jo’burg then to Harare next day. I had my PH with me. The check in the little room was slow but at least we were progressing. Then once we got to the charter side the same folks were not very helpful. Our charter pilot came to try to get the show moving, but they made it very clear they were working on their own schedule. On my charter flight return back in to Harare I had a gentleman from the commercial airline help me out and everyone was super helpful!

As others have noted there was cartridge counting and even explanation needed because I was traveling with Barnes TSX and solids for the same caliber. One piece of advice I’ll pass on from PH is to make sure you’re not bringing back any brass on your return trip that you don’t possess a rifle for. Example: PH has a bad ass .500 nitro that he let you shoot and you want to keep the brass for souvenir, just don’t. This trip I ended up just leaving all my unshot ammo in camp

Don’t bring back your own brass either if you want to make life easy. Dig a hole, bury it. Use your imagination. On a future trip you may need that ammo and the damned 11lb max ammo restriction by the airlines makes it a pain.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

4 trips to Zim used Jennifer every time never had an issue. A 1 page simple form to fill out.

Plus 1.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

My apologies. I'll be coming from the US, traveling through Johannesburg and getting a SAPS permit for the overnight layover, then flying AirLink to Vic Falls in Zimbabwe.

You shouldn't have any problem. I would recommend that yoh call Jennifer at Travel Express, then spend the night in Johannesburg at Africa Sky. They will meet you at the airport, collect your guns, walk them through SAPS, take you to the hotel. Next morning they will take you back to the airport and get you on g ur way to Vic Falls. If your paperwork is done and you have your Letter of Invitation from your outfitter and someone from the company meets you in Zim it will be a piece of cake.

That sounds more complicated to than it is. Travel Express, Africa Sky and your outfitter alk have a lot of experience doing this and everything will go smoothly!

 

[bohannon]

Make a minimum of 4 copies of all import paperwork. I landed in Bulawayo and the room is about 20x20. Literally you go from one person to another giving the same information to each even though they are 15 feet apart and each one wants a copy of your paperwork. Are you using someone to help you with SAPS. if not you should consider. Did this in 2023. Any questions just reach out
Don

Yeah, I'll be using Henry's company RiflePermits for SAPS. Used them last year and it was well worth the small fee.

 

[Rare Breed]

I did this just this past September. I just made sure I had very clear US Custom 4457 forms (in fact prior to travel I politely asked the us customs agent in Chicago to sign/stamp 6 original form 4457 for me so I was presenting an original US document in Zim ), along with my invitation letter, passport, and a copy of my airline itinerary. I also did not prefill the import forms and They had me fill out the Zimbabwe import form as well as the declaration for cash brought in to the country in front of the Zim Customs officers. They checked my firearm serial numbers against the 4457 and counted Ammunition to confirm number of rounds, checked my invitation letter, and checked my passport.

Additionally I used Wengayi (wenhau ? Not sure spelling) service in and out of Zimbabwe. Primarily appeared to expedite the lines at customs and avoid some scrutiny by local airport staff/officials. As a first timer I appreciated the help and do not believe it was a significant cost.

My advice is be organized, be patient, be polite, and be courteous.

Just my experience Vic Falls so much easier than Hare. easy through Vic, pain in the butt in Hare