Air Travel with Swords - Advice?

[shadagirl]

Do I need any document verifying these are just props? I have two large scimitars that I need to travel with. Of course we plan to check them on, but should I be expecting trouble with customs or getting some kind of documentation?

Any helpful advice or stories appreciated!!

Surreyya

[ozma]

Originally Posted by shadagirl

Do I need any document verifying these are just props? I have two large scimitars that I need to travel with. Of course we plan to check them on, but should I be expecting trouble with customs or getting some kind of documentation?

Any helpful advice or stories appreciated!!

Surreyya

Japan doesn't like people bringing in swords. We've had shipments destroyed.

Email my teacher, mishaall at yahoo (dot) com and ask her how to do it, and if you should try. Tell her Ozma sent you.

[shadagirl]

Hi Ozma,

Thank you for the suggestion - I contacted Mishaal and hope she has some great advice. Thanks again!

Surreyya

[zorba]

Oh boy, I can see the headlines now!

[rakgirl]

I thought that we just couldn't travel with them anymore anywhere. I'd like to know what she says. I'm sure it's different in every country tho.

[shadagirl]

Maybe they can be shipped to our destination ahead of time? No response yet but also looking into that as an option.

S

[Halima-Dances]

I realize this is a little different, but perhaps close enough to be helpful.

I'm a former fencer/historical re-enactor, and I used a hard-shell golf bag to "check" my weapons. I said they were sporting equipment. No worries.

[shadagirl]

Halima,

Is this pre- 9/11 travel or within recent years? Thanks for the suggestion!

Surreyya

[Halima-Dances]

Since 9/11. So long as you are checking them, you can check firearms, etc, accompanied by the proper paperwork. No need for any additional paperwork for sporting equipment/swords so far as I know.

[crystalllized]

Yikes! Well, Surreyya, looks like we'll have to make the cardboard ones over there!

Thanks for the advise everyone!

I bought a replica sword in China and was interrogated by freaked-out airport police in Jinan even though I was checking it in. If it weren't for the smooth talking of my friend, they would have taken it away from me. Oddly enough in Beijing, they didn't care that I was checking it in.

[SamiraShuruk]

I travel domestically with mine easily. I have an old guitar case fitted with foam padding. My sword is in it's scabbard in in the guitar case and I throw a couple business cards in- so it's obvious what it's for. They always open it for inspection, but haven't had a problem yet.

[ozma]

The main problem is that Japan specifically prohibits bringing in swords.

I look at that word on my customs sheets every time I come back here. I know there have been dancers who have come here and taught sword related things, but they have been very few in number and I don't know if they found a way around the restrictions or used a sword from the host/sponsor.

[shadagirl]

You are right Ozma - It can be country specific. I am talking with a customs counselor for the airport we fly into in Japan. It is very strict and paperwork is required. I'll post my experience here for others.

As far as domestic travel is concerned, I spoke to TSA and swords of any kind can be checked onto the plane as baggage, as long as the sword is in a case or packaged in a way that a baggage handler can not injure themselves on your stuff.

S

[artemisia_danst]

last november (2007) i taught at a festival in cape town (south africa), the other international guest teacher, leyla nahrawess (from germany) had a three sword routine and she had traveled there with her swords... (damn heavy too)

maybe you can try contacting her too, say hello from Artemisia

here's the link to her website

Home

[shadagirl]

The official response I received from customs in Japan:

*****Thank you for your e-mail.

According to the Firearms and Sword Control Law, handled by the Japan Police Authority, any kind of sword such as following conditions is strictly controlled;

More than 15 cm length of blade

Steel material made

Sword-looking, consisting of blade of sword, hilt, and sword guard

Whether the sword is restricted by above law, police can judge

If it is subject to the above law, you are required to obtain "Certificate of Registration" or "Permission of Possession".

Certificate of Registration is issued by the Prefectural Board of Education if the sword is regarded as objects of virtu.

Even though these are not real sword, Shinken, they aren't allowed bringing them into Japan.

If the Certificate of Registration can not be issued, you need to obtain permission of possession issued by the local Public Safety Commission. However, I hear that this permission can be issued for use of only very specific purposes like use for religious festivals etc.

Please be advised that the sword has to be kept under custody by the airport police until you can obtain above registration or permission.

If it is not restricted sword, its import is permissive.*****


I think we will either ebay some to be shipped to a family member there or try to buy them while in Japan. Ack!!

Surreyya

[ozma]

Originally Posted by shadagirl

I think we will either ebay some to be shipped to a family member there or try to buy them while in Japan. Ack!!

Surreyya

Shipping: If they figure out there is a sword in a package...it will be opened...and destroyed. Trust me.

Because of these problems, it's hard to buy a sword in Japan. I know that fis-fis carrys them. If you have someone in Japan who can navigate the on-line ordering. Pricey.

Asaya, Sword..etc

[shadagirl]

Thanks for your awesome advice, Ozma! wow - that is super expensive!

S

[crystalllized]

Okay, heck with the swords, we are going to balance fishing rods instead.

[Shivaun]

I have never had any trouble traveling between Canada, Turkey and Germany with my sword. I just make sure it is well padded and in my checked baggage, then inform the person at the check in that I have a sword that is a dance prop in my checked baggage; however, I should note that my sword is not sharpened.

[monsoondancer]

Wow- Im so glad we dont have the restrictions here in Australia that Ozma has in Japan. The sword is my fav prop!! I couldnt do without it :( Im having to travel with my sword in a couple of weeks and I am leaving from work (Argyle Diamonds minesite) I will have to go through security screening with it as check on baggage. I was a bit worried about it, but I checked with the airport security manager and he found it rather amusing I dance with a sword-he said there is no problem as long as it is checked on and hes allowed to have a look and point it out to everyone (me thinks he was making fun of me :) ) I have paperwork to show that it is a dancing prop and unsharped, just in case.