Air Travel with Firearms and/or Ammunition

Many shooters may anticipate that security arrangements will make taking a firearm and/or ammunition on a plane too difficult. Not so!

Procedures applicable to travelling by Qantas/Jetstar, are simple and free of “red-tape”. If you wish to use other airlines you will need to determine the procedures required by them.

CARRYING FIREARMS AND/OR AMMUNITION ON THE QANTAS GROUP NETWORK

The movement of firearms and/or ammunition on the Qantas Group network, (Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar, Cobham and Network Aviation flights) is governed by Qantas Airlines. It is the passenger’s responsibility to apply for any necessary approvals or permits.

Carrying Firearms
Passengers only carrying firearms (no ammunition) do not require operator (airline) approval.
Firearms or parts of firearms are not permitted in the aircraft cabin.
When presented at check-in the firearm must be:

• unloaded and packed in a suitable case (preferably lockable);
• declared to airport staff during the check-in process; and
• accepted as checked baggage only.

If requested, passengers must be able to produce:

• a firearms license or its equivalent valid in the country of origin;
• an Import Permit for the destination country; and
• an International Visitor Firearm Permit valid in the Australian state of arrival.

Where travel includes both a domestic and international flight, the firearm must be collected at the domestic arrivals Baggage Services desk and re-checked at international departures.

Carrying Ammunition

In accordance with dangerous goods regulations, the carriage of ammunition requires operator (airline) approval.
NOTE: A copy of the approval must be carried and presented at check-in.
Qantas Dangerous Goods will issue approval to an individual for the carriage of ammunition on receipt of the following:

• the passenger’s full name;
• firearms license number;
• firearms license expiry date;
• amount of ammunition (max 5kg* ); and
• flight details.

The maximum allowance is 5kg* gross per passenger and the following is applicable:

• ammunition is not permitted in the aircraft cabin;
• allowances for more than one passenger cannot be combined;
• ammunition must be securely packaged – individually separated in a container;
• ammunition may be packed in checked baggage with other personal items; and
• there must be no indication on the suitcase to identify the contents.

Departures from Australia to New Zealand

In addition to the above, passengers must be able to produce an Export Permit (Restricted Goods Permit) and Export declaration when departing the country.

You will also have to apply for a New Zealand temporary firearms permit to enter New Zealand.

Departures from Australia

In addition to the above, passengers must be able to produce an Export Permit (Restricted Goods Permit) when departing the country.

It is the sole responsibility of the passenger travelling to ensure all relevant country specific import/export permits and documentation (including Australia) are obtained prior to travel.
Some countries can have specific requirements regarding the carriage of firearms and/or ammunition (eg. Dubai and Singapore require a permit to be obtained through the airline prior to departure).
Further information is available on the Qantas Dangerous Goods website:
http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/dangerous-goods/global/en#ammunition

Also: There has been an amendment to the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 – Firearms and Weapons. This amendment relaxes some of the requirements for taking your firearms overseas.

Click Here to see how the amendment may affect you.. (PDF file)

TAKING YOUR GUN AND/OR AMMUNITION INTO THE USA

If you’re traveling to the US please allow 6-8 weeks when submitting your ATF form. The completed permit form may be lodged via the ATF Fax no. +1 304-616-4554 or: email to imports@atf.gov An email lodgement may get earlier processing.