What are the requirements to check-in a firearm on a flight from the US to Schiphol? What should be expected at Schiphol?
US flights requires firearms to be in locked in a hardside container and in check-in baggage. Not sure if the lock has to be of the "TSA" lock type. I was surprised that ammo can be checked-in.
I imagine that KLM's procedures for flying with firearms to the Netherlands should be indicative of the typical requirements, should other airlines allow their transport at all. KLM's page on weapons states:
Reservation, documents and licences
To be able to take firearms and/or ammunition with you on a flight, you will need to take the following 3 steps:
Make a reservation via your travel agent or via KLM Telephone Reservations
Make sure that you have these documents:
- A licence for the firearm in question
- Import and export licences for the countries in question
- A filled in and signed declaration for transportation of arms and ammunition
Apply for a licence from the Dutch customs authorities for travel with weapons and/or ammunition to, from or via the Netherlands
Apply for a licence to travel with weapons
To gain permission to transport firearms and ammunition, you need to complete an application form for your outward and return trip, and provide copies of the following documents:
- Passport of the weapons licence holder
- The weapons licence
- The invitation or permission of the country in which the hunting will take place
The page also lists exceptions for NL and EU residents and military personnel in certain circumstances.
The declaration form details how you should pack the firearm and ammunition such as ensuring the weapon is unloaded and separated from ammunition and in a hard container. The airline will follow its own procedures to ensure the firearm is securely transported to your destination.
