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SAPS 520 IMPORT APPLICATION

Completing the SAPS 520 form is the first step in applying for a South African temporary firearm import permit. Use our fillable form and follow the instructions below to complete the sections normally required from visiting hunters.

Download SAPS 520 Form
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Before You Begin

Download the SAPS 520 form, save a working copy to your computer and open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Do not complete the form in your web browser, as entered information or signatures may not save correctly.

Use the step-by-step guide below while completing the form. When finished, save the completed file as:

SURNAME-FIRSTNAME-SAPS520.pdf

  • Complete and submit all eight pages, including pages with sections that do not apply to you.
  • Enter all information in UPPERCASE.
  • Enter all dates in the format YYYY-MM-DD.
  • Complete every highlighted field that applies to you.
  • Ensure that names, passport details, firearm information and serial numbers match your supporting documents exactly.
  • Do not list two rifles of the same caliber for one applicant. SAPS accepts only one rifle of each caliber per traveler.
  • Use Adobe’s E-Sign / Fill & Sign tool to add your handwritten signature where required.
  • Save, close and reopen the completed PDF to confirm that all information and signatures remain visible before uploading it.
  • Do not list two rifles of the same caliber for one applicant. SAPS accepts only one rifle of each caliber per traveler.
  • Do not list two rifles of the same caliber for one applicant. SAPS accepts only one rifle of each caliber per traveler.

Important Signature Information

You do not need to print and scan the form. You may draw your handwritten signature using Adobe Acrobat Reader’s Fill & Sign tool. Do not use the PDF’s Digital Signature field, as this adds certificate information to the document.

Complete the Form Step-by-Step

Step 1 - Download, Save and Open the Form

Select the Download SAPS 520 Form button and save the PDF to your computer.

If the form opens inside Chrome, Edge, Safari or another web browser, select the browser’s Download icon and save the file. Do not complete the form inside the browser, as entered information or signatures may not save correctly.

Locate the downloaded PDF and open it using the desktop Adobe Acrobat Reader application.

When the form opens, click inside the highlighted fields and enter the required information. You do not need to select E-Sign until you are ready to add your signature.

  • Temporary Import Permit for hunting in South Africa.
  • In-Transit Permit when transiting South Africa to another destination.

Complete all highlighted fields in the Applicant Information section, including your personal details and emergency contact information.

You must also provide details for your spouse or partner. If you are single, divorced, separated or widowed, provide the details of an emergency contact instead. Do not leave this section blank.

If the person does not have a passport, enter another government-issued identification number, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID number.

Complete all highlighted fields in the Import and/or Export Details section.

  • Country of Origin: Enter the country from which your firearm and ammunition will travel to South Africa. For most TWG.travel clients, this will be UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
  • Country of Destination: Enter SOUTH AFRICA if you will be hunting in South Africa. If you are only transiting South Africa with firearms and ammunition, enter the country where you will be hunting.
  • Port of Entry: Enter the first South African airport or city where your firearm will enter the country. In most cases, this will be JOHANNESBURG (JNB).
  • Port of Exit: Enter the final South African airport or city from which your firearm will leave the country. In most cases, this will also be JOHANNESBURG (JNB).
  • Reason for Permit: For a South African hunt, this field is set to HUNTING IN SOUTH AFRICA. For transit, enter IN TRANSIT TO [DESTINATION COUNTRY], for example, IN TRANSIT TO ZIMBABWE.
  • Period Permit Is Required: Enter the complete period during which your firearm will be in South Africa, beginning with your arrival date and ending with your departure date. For transit, enter the dates covering your entire South African transit period.

Enter all dates in the format YYYY-MM-DD and confirm that they match your airline itinerary.

Enter the details of every firearm included in your application. For each firearm, provide the type, action, caliber, make, model and complete serial number exactly as shown on your supporting documentation.

IMPORTANT: The South African Police Service accepts only one rifle of each caliber per applicant. Do not enter two rifles of the same caliber on the same traveler’s SAPS 520 application.

If you are traveling with more than one rifle, each must be a different caliber. Before continuing, confirm that every firearm entry matches your CBP Form 4457 and outfitter’s invitation letter exactly.

Complete the type (calibre) and quantity of ammunition being imported.

Enter names, dates, locations, and required signatures.

For Place (Location), enter the state where you live followed by USA. For example: TEXAS, USA

Before signing the form, carefully review all entered information and compare it with your supporting documents.

Confirm that:

  • Your name and passport number match your passport exactly.
  • Your arrival and departure dates, ports and destination match your airline itinerary.
  • Each firearm’s make, model, calibre and serial number match your ownership documentation exactly.
  • Ammunition details correspond with the firearm and supporting documents.
  • All applicable highlighted fields have been completed.
  • All dates use the format YYYY-MM-DD.

Important: Even one incorrect letter or digit in a firearm serial number can delay or prevent permit approval. A discrepancy discovered on arrival may result in the firearm being held or refused entry by the South African Police Service.

Before signing, save the information you have entered by selecting Menu → Save.

Two signatures are required, both on page 6: one near the top at line 4.3, and another slightly farther down in Part J, line 3.

Open Adobe’s signing tools

  1. Select E-Sign in the upper toolbar. Depending on your version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, this may be labeled Fill & Sign.
  2. Look at the panel on the left under Fill and Sign Yourself.

Create or select your handwritten signature

  • If your handwritten signature is already displayed in the left panel, click it once.
  • If no signature is displayed, select Add signature.
  • Choose Draw.
  • Draw your signature using your mouse, trackpad, touchscreen or stylus.
  • Select Apply.
  • If Adobe displays a typed signature that you previously created, click the X beside it to remove it. Then select Add signature → Draw and create a handwritten signature.

Place the signature on the form

  1. After selecting or creating the signature, it will attach to your cursor.
  2. Move the cursor over the required outlined signature panel.
  3. Click once inside the panel to place the signature.
  4. Use the resizing handle to make the signature fit completely inside the panel.
  5. Reposition it if necessary.
  6. Click outside the signature when it is correctly positioned or press Escape.
  7. Select the signature from the left panel again and repeat these steps for the second signature line.

Do not select:

  • Request e-signatures
  • Digital Signature
  • Save a certified copy
  • Type when creating the signature

The outlined signature panel will not open the signing tool when clicked. You must select or create your signature first and then place it inside the panel.

Create and Place Your Handwritten Signature

Select any image to enlarge it.

1. Open Adobe’s Signing Tools

  1. Select E-Sign in the upper toolbar. In some versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader, this may be labeled Fill & Sign.
  2. The E-Sign panel will open on the left.
  3. Under Fill and Sign Yourself, select Add signature.

2. Draw Your Signature

  1. Select Draw at the top of the signature window.
  2. Draw your signature using your mouse, trackpad, touchscreen or stylus.
  3. Leave Save signature selected if you want Adobe to remember it.
  4. Select Apply.
Important: Choose Draw, not Type. A typed name is not accepted as a handwritten signature.

3. Select Your Saved Signature

After selecting Apply, your handwritten signature will appear in the E-Sign panel on the left.

Click the signature image itself to select it. The signature will then attach to your cursor.

Do not click the X beside the signature unless you want to delete it. Click the signature image itself to select it.

4. Place the Signature on the Form

  1. Move the cursor over the required outlined signature panel.
  2. Click once inside the panel to place the signature.
  3. Use Adobe’s smaller and larger A controls to adjust the signature size.
  4. Drag the signature to reposition it if necessary.
  5. Make sure the entire signature fits inside the outlined panel.
  6. Select the signature from the left panel again and repeat these steps for every additional signature panel you are required to complete.
When all required signatures have been placed, select Menu → Save As and save the completed form under a new filename.

After completing and signing the form, select Menu → Save As.

Save the completed PDF using the following filename:

SURNAME-FIRSTNAME-SAPS520.pdf

Close the PDF and reopen the saved copy in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Confirm that:

  • All entered information remains visible.
  • All required signature panels have been signed.
  • Each signature fits completely inside its panel.
  • The form contains all eight pages.

Once verified, return to the South Africa Firearm Permit Documents page and use the secure upload section to submit the completed PDF with your other required documents.

NEED HELP?

Questions About Completing the SAPS 520 Form?

If you are unsure about any section of the form or need assistance with your South African firearm travel arrangements, contact TWG.travel before submitting your documentation.

Contact TWG.travel
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