So, you’ve decided to leave the country on a trip and bring your guns along. Here are some essential tips to ensure smooth travels on your adventures.
1. Secure Your Gun Case Properly
When flying, every single opening in your gun case that can accommodate a lock must have a lock. Avoid the mistake of showing up at the airport with just a couple of locks, as TSA or gate agents will likely send you away to get more locks. Some agents might also require shorter locks if they think the ones you have are too long. Ensure your locks fit snugly and every lock hole is secured.
2. Know the Rules for Ammo
Check the regulations for storing ammunition and the total amount allowed before you leave. All ammunition should be in a manufacturer’s box—reloaded ammo in non-factory boxes isn’t permitted. Rules about ammo storage vary: in the U.S., it usually needs to be locked with the gun, while in South Africa, it must be in a separate locked container and treated as its own checked bag. In Canada, ammo must be in the original manufacturer’s box in your clothing bag with a label on your luggage tag indicating its presence. Never have loose ammo in your luggage, as this can cause significant issues in other countries. Always return ammo to its original box after use in the field to avoid problems later.
3. Document Serial Numbers
Write down your gun’s serial numbers and take clear photos of them. Having this information readily available on your phone can speed up paperwork and save time at checkpoints. Also, have photos of your passport as well to speed up the process.
4. Prepare Paperwork in Advance
For many destinations, you can fill out gun forms ahead of time, and they usually want this completed beforehand if possible. Most countries also charge a fee for bringing a gun into their country. Once everything has been approved through customs, keep this paperwork with you at all times, including on your hunt and in camp, alongside your hunting license. This is crucial documentation.
5. Hire Local Assistance
If you’re traveling to Africa or Mexico, it’s worth paying for local assistance to help handle paperwork upon arrival. These professionals will meet you at the airport, help with the police station paperwork, and ensure everything goes smoothly.
6. Get a Customs Form 4457
This form acts like a passport for your guns and other expensive items, proving you owned them before leaving so you won’t be taxed on return. List your guns, camera equipment, and optics on the form, including make, model and serial number. A customs agent will verify and sign off on it. Note that while these forms used to never expire, some countries now require an expiration date, necessitating a new form for each trip. If you live near a customs office, this is a minor inconvenience; otherwise, plan ahead. I do not recommend doing this the day you fly as it can take much longer than expected.
Additional Tips
- Original Documents: Ensure you have original documents, especially when traveling to places like Mexico, where they do not accept copies. This can save you from unnecessary questioning and delays.
- Airline Check-In: Inform the airline attendant at check-in that you have a firearm. Keep your gun case locked and only open it when asked. Sign the orange card verifying your gun is unloaded and safe to fly, and place it inside the case once the attendant has filled out her portion on the card. The attendant will walk with you to take your gun case to the oversized luggage area for TSA screening, and they require you to be present during the process in case they need to inspect it and have you open the locks and then close it back up.
- Traveling with guns doesn’t have to be a hassle, but it requires extra time and preparation. From checking in at the airline to retrieving your luggage, everything takes longer, so allow ample time for each step, and don’t book tight connections upon entering a country. Once you land, look for the oversized luggage area or go directly to the airline’s baggage office to retrieve your gun as it will not come out on the luggage belt. With these tips, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey with your firearms.
