FLYING WITH FIREARMS

Sporting firearms ( i.e. shotguns, target rifles, pellet guns etc.,) are permitted as checked baggage under special conditions. There is no limit on the amount of firearms that can be checked in as part of your free baggage allowance. However, you must have the correct paperwork confirming that you are allowed to own the item and must be aware that you will be subject to excess baggage charges if you are in excess of your free baggage allowance.

Virgin Atlantic defines a weapon as anything that fires a projectile, whether it uses air, string or explosive. This includes the following items:

• Sporting rifles
• Pellet Guns
• Cross bows
• Antique weapons (providing they have been decommissioned and can no longer fire)

Virgin Atlantic defines any of the following items as ammunition:

• Lead pellets
• Arrows
• Cross bow bolts
• Bullets

No limit is set on the amount of firearms that can be checked-in by you.

Please note: firearms must be empty.



If you are travelling with Firearms to South Africa

If you are visiting South Africa you need a temporary import licence to carry a weapon into the country. These can be obtained on arrival and there is currently no charge. Residents of South Africa do not need an import licence but must be in possession of the necessary South African firearm permit.

If you are travelling to either Johannesburg or Cape Town you must contact a member of our ground staff when disembarking the aircraft, so that you can be escorted to the relevant official to obtain this licence.

Although Virgin Atlantic is not required to check you are in possession of the correct documentation, the following information is required:

• Valid passport
• Return airline ticket (to country of origin)
• Weapons licence (s) or proof of ownership
• Proof of export from the country of origin
• Invitation letter from the Outfitter (professional hunter) in South Africa
• All the weapons the passenger is travelling with
• All ammunition (to be inspected by the South African Police Service)

If the above information is not correct on arrival the South African Police will hold the weapon until you return home.



If you are planning to travel with Firearms to Shanghai

With the exception of diplomats, no firearms are permitted on this route.



If you are travelling with Firearms to the USA

The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) have recently published a regulation that effects non-immigrant aliens importing firearms and ammunition into the United States.

Under the new rule, the ATF requires all non-immigrant aliens temporarily bringing firearms or ammunition into the United States for lawful hunting or sporting purposes to first obtain an approved Form 6 import permit from the ATF.

This form can be obtained by either contacting the US Embassy or downloading a form from the ATF Website at www.atf.treas.gov/

Permission to carry firearms for those making International connections must be applied for 1 week in advance of travel.



Ammunition

In line with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, Virgin Atlantic limits the amount of ammunition that can be carried to 5kgs per passenger. No 'pooling' is permitted.

All ammunition must be in its original packaging, locked in a solid case, separate from firearms.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct documentation for import / export and carriage within the country of origin and destination. The firearms must be empty.

Any ammunition containing explosive bullets, toxins or incendiary projectiles will not be accepted for carriage under any circumstances.

Virgin Atlantic does have Home office permission to carry Hand Guns classified under section 5 of the Dangerous Weapons Act. Like sporting firearms, the passenger must have the appropriate documentation for ownership and carriage.