Taking Weapons out of USA

B

bahama flier

Pre-takeoff checklist
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bahama flier
No difference if its a boat or aircraft, all firearms are to be registered and permitted by the CBP. There is a registration card issued for each item, and it is free, just contact you nearest CBP to request an appointment.... do not take your firearm into a CBP facility unless pre authorized by a CBP Officer,,,get his or her name, other wise it is a Federal Offence no matter what the reason.

If you take the weapon to the Bahamas in your aircraft, you are required to turn the weapon over to the Police until you leave. (this defeats the purpose). If you do this, when you return to USA, the weapon must be unloaded, in plain sight, left in you aircraft with the permit to take it out of the USA. DO NOT take weapon into the CBP facility, again its a Federal offense.

If you take a weapon into a CBP facility in you baggage, and it is searched or x-rayed, it is still a federal offense... just don't do it.

If you take the weapon in a boat, the same requirement of CBP permit applies, but in the Bahamas you may keep the weapon on the vessel, but are not permitted to take it off the boat . You must declare weapon, and exact number of ammo. Some boat searches were made near Nassau during a fishing tournament and boat owners were fined $10.00 per round of all rounds incorrectly stated, some paid fines of hundreds of dollars for rounds not declared.

Just my advice, don't take a weapon on your aircraft leaving the USA, if you do be sure it is registered with CBP, declare it when you land, and expect it to be taken by the Police until you leave.

If you go by boat, be sure all weapons are registered with CBP and declare it when you reach the other counties, and keep them on the boat. If you are stopped when returning to USA, don't try to retrieve it, just tell the Boarding Officers where it is, they do not want to see a weapon in your hand when they board you.

I have had my problems with both boat and aircraft,,,, just heads up. Some of you may have had different issues, these were what I have encountered.
 
Yeah, I have never had the Bahamians take firearms off the boat. They ask, if I have them, they take the info, if I don't have them, they look at me like I'm either lying or an idiot, but either way, they don't question it. Have you ever had them search the plane?:dunno:
 
I have not had Bahamas search my plane, but often search my baggage.

The penalties' for having an unauthorized weapon in the Bahamas is a very serious offence if they find you caring one.

My baggage was x-rayed by US CBP and I asked what they were looking for, they told me weapons, if they find one in the baggage it was a serous Federal Offence, and I would be charged if one was found. The first time I came back to USA and cleared with a weapon, I was asked for my permit to take a weapon out of the Country. I did not have one, but I did show the paperwork where it was recorded in the Bahamas on entry, so I was just given a warning.

First I had heard of it, but I made an appointment forth the local CBP with my weapon and passport and the permit was issued on the spot.. They check for stolen weapon and warrants against you.
 
I forget, why would I want to take my weapon with me to the Bahamas only to drop it off with the police?
 
Brad Z said:
I forget, why would I want to take my weapon with me to the Bahamas only to drop it off with the police?
Click to expand...

If you were stopping overnight or so on your way to South America, or if you were one of those people who always carries, then you would need it for the US portion of the trip. Few places in the Bahamas where you would want one unless you were in the cocaine business, maybe Nassau, though I've never had a problem there.
 
Lots of pilots have gone up to Canada on a hunting trip, taking their rifle along, without any problems. You have to satisfy Canadian Customs first, and the US Customs on the way back. I don't think it's illegal or impossible. Just follow the rules.
 
Use Form 4457 for transporting your firearms.

Since the USA doesn't have gun registration, foreign countries use a 4457 to show proof of firearm ownership of a US citizen.

You should use the 4457 to travel out/in the US border with expensive items to show US Customs that you did not acquire the item outside the USA, and are not liable for import duty.
 
I've been travelling to various countries in Africa to hunt for the last ten years or so. I like to take my own firearms, which gives me this experience of hauling guns across borders. Usually no problem if your paperwork is well thought out. Patience and understanding is the key to African travel.

The 4457 form is located at www.forms.cbp.gov

I use the pdf fillin form and take the completed 4457 out to the US Customs office at my local intl airport, KMAF. A phone call and the Customs agent meets me outside in the parking lot and inspects the S/N on my firearms to match what I put on the 4457. He signs and inkstamps a CBP on it.

Some countries like to see it notarized, too. It doesn't have an expiration date, so it could be laminated after you scan it. Good idea to have several copies since gate agents, police, and customs officials can disappear with the 4457 you present at arrival. Put one copy inside your gun case too with the firearms just in case some official cuts the padlocks off, which they are not supposed to do. Usually I identify the S/N on the riflescope, binoculars and rangefinder I am bringing as well. Like I said, you gotta be laid back and flexible while travelling with guns in Africa or other third world places.

Getting back into the USA with your firearms is no problem with your 4457. The CBP agent is often a hunter, too. But, I've hit snags on reentry to the US on occasion, so just remain polite and don't hesitate to ask for a supervisor.
A good resource is Steve Turner at www.travelwithguns.com
 
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