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Firearms Regulations by Country
FIREARMS and the CRUISER: ©
by
Gord May
Over they years I've participated in, and
listened to, many interesting and spirited (often "heated")
debates on the advisability of carrying firearms aboard a cruising
vessel. Aside from anchoring, nothing seems to generate more
passion than this important subject. I'll try to keep my opinions
and biases to myself, and merely provide some of the background
information that may help to refine your thinking on the subject.
Every country you visit on your cruise
will be less tolerant of guns than is the USA. All will require
you to declare them upon entry, and some will require you to
turn them over to the authorities while you are in the country.
Some even require you to account for every round of ammunition.
Some countries require you to clear in and out of customs at
each port of call. That means you are constantly turning in and
picking up your guns.
Some countries allow you to keep a gun
on board, if you have a secure gun locker that customs can seal
with tape. I cannot define "secure gun locker."
Of course you could lie on the customs
form and not declare your gun. Now you have an illegal firearm,
in a country whose gun laws you do not know. Even if you were
in a situation where you had a legal right to use the gun, you
may have forfeited that right by smuggling the gun into the country.
If you are sailing in the Caribbean, you
will be sailing to many countries with a Spanish (not Anglo Saxon)
heritage. Guns are a macho thing. Customs agents like them. If
you are required to check your guns, you will very likely find
that they have been taken out for a little target practice when
you get them back. If you get them back.
Many experienced cruisers advise that you
disable your firearm, in the presence of the authorities, prior
to handing them over for "safekeeping". Ask for a receipt.
If you wish to bring firearms into any
country, inquire at the country's embassy or consulate about
the permit required. Some countries impose a stiff prison term
for importing illegal firearms.
Returning US citizens do not require an
import permit for firearms they have taken out of the country;
however, this previous export must be proven by registering the
firearms before departure with either customs or the ATF.
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility
for their own personal security while traveling overseas. American
travelers should exercise caution and are strongly encouraged
to register either online at: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs
or at the Consular Annex of the U.S. Embassy prior to or immediately
upon their arrival.
Disclaimer: The author does not warrant
or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness, or usefulness of any information disclosed herein.
The information is provided for informational purposes only,
and is not intended for legal purposes.
Anyone who knows a lawyer is specifically prohibited from reading
this report.
Due your own due diligence !!!
What you can expect by Country:
I've attempted to provide a representative list, sampling some
of the many Countries a cruiser might wish to visit. This list
is, of course, incomplete.
The Bahamas: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...s/cis_989.html
Tourists who arrive by private boat are required to declare firearms
(and every round of ammunition) to Bahamian Customs, and leave
firearms on the boat (in a secure compartment) while in The Bahamas.
In the event of your being boarded by Customs or the Royal Bahamas
Defence Force, the information on your cruising permit will be
checked carefully against your actual supply. Ammo' must match
cruising permit exactly.
The Turks and Caicos: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1048.html
The importation of all firearms (including those charged with
compressed air) to the Turks and Caicos is strictly forbidden
without prior approval in writing from the Commissioner of Police.
U.S. citizens may contact the Turks and Caicos Customs Department
at (649) 946-2867 for specific information regarding customs
requirements.
In practice, your guns will be confiscated for the duration of
your stay, and returned immediately prior to your departure.
Once you've retrieved your firearms, you'll be expected to depart
immediately. Spear guns, Hawaiian slings, controlled drugs, and
pornography are also illegal.
The Dominican Republic: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1103.html
The DR is one of those places that confiscates your weapons,
requires you to check in and out of every port, and allows cruising
yachts to stop at only a few ports.
U.S. Virgin Islands:
Firearms must be declared and need a permit. For further information
on firearms write to the Commissioner of Public Safety, St Thomas,
USVI.
British Virgin Islands: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1079.html
Firearms must be bonded and are held by the proper authorities
until time of departure. Contact BVI Customs & Immigration
at (1)(284) 494-3475, the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Washington,
D.C. or one of the UK''s consulates in the United States for
specific information regarding customs requirements.
Anguilla: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1107.html
You need a permit to own any gun on Anguilla. Firearms should
be licensed and must be securely locked on board, under the captain's
control only.
Antigua & Barbuda:
Antigua and Barbuda customs authorities may enforce strict regulations
concerning temporary importation into or export from Antigua
and Barbuda of items such as firearms.
Fire arms must be declared and if customs are satisfied that
they are safely secured, you may be allowed to keep them on board.
St. Kitts & Nevis:
Firearms must be declared and usually are bonded on board.
Guadelupe:
Non-French nationals on a tourist visit to Guadeloupe for less
than 185 days can import two hunting guns and 100 cartridges
for each. Other firearms are not permitted. All weapons should
be declared.
Dominica:
It is illegal to take firearms into or out of Dominica. Don't
even think of it - Dominican jails are very basic!
'Noonsite' says "Firearms must be declared."
Martinique:
Firearms and ammunition are a heavily restricted item
Prior approval required from the French Ministry of Defense to
import firearms. (Import permit issued by Directorate General
of Customs, bureau D 3.)
'Noonsite says "Firearms must be declared."
St. Lucia:
Licensed firearms must be declared and are subject to immigration
and police regulations.
Firearms must be declared, but no action is taken if staying
less than three days, after which they must be sealed on board
by a customs officer. Yachts temporarily imported will have weapons
held by customs in Castries or possibly by police if a longer
permit is obtained.
Undeclared and unlicenced firearms will be seized by the authorities.
St. Vincent & The Grenadines:
Licensed firearms must be declared and are subject to immigration
and police regulations. An application must be made to the Commissioner
of Police for a local licence. Undeclared and unlicenced firearms
will be seized by the authorities. Firearms must be declared
on arrival, and can be sealed on board, but if a yacht has no
suitable locker, the firearms will be held in the custody of
customs or police until departure.
Grenada:
Firearms must be declared to customs and will be sealed on board
in a proper locker or kept ashore in custody until departure.
A receipt will be issued by the police.
Barbados: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1022.html
Firearms must be licensed and declared immediately to customs
on arrival. They will be kept in custody until departure. Penalties
for non-declaration or possessing an unlicensed firearm are severe.
Trinidad & Tobago:
Firearms and ammunition must be declared on arrival and will
be taken by the customs boarding officer and placed in custody
at the central police station. Requests for their return prior
to departure must be made to customs at least 48 hours before
clearance; failure to do so may result in a delay to departure
or departure without the firearms. To keep firearms in your possession
during the stay, it is necessary to apply to the Commissioner
of Police for a licence.
Venezuela:
Columbia: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1090.html
Colombian law prohibits tourists and business travelers from
bringing firearms into Colombia. The penalty for illegal importation
and/or possession of firearms is three to ten years in prison.
Mexico: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...s/cis_970.html
Vessels entering Mexican waters with firearms or ammunition on
board must have a permit previously issued by the Mexican Embassy,
or a Mexican consulate. Mariners do NOT avoid prosecution by
declaring their weapons at the port of entry. Before traveling,
mariners who have obtained a Mexican firearms permit should contact
Mexican port officials to receive guidance on the specific procedures
used to report and secure weapons and ammunition. Entering Mexico
with a firearm, some kinds of knives or even a single round of
ammunition is illegal, even if the firearm or ammunition is taken
into Mexico unintentionally. The Mexican government strictly
enforces its laws restricting the entry of firearms and ammunition
along all land borders and at air and seaports. Violations have
resulted in arrests, convictions, and long prison sentences for
U.S. citizens.
Cuba: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1097.html
If a yacht is staying a long time in one of the marinas, firearms
will be impounded by the Coast Guard (Guarda Frontera). If the
yacht is cruising along the coast, firearms must be declared
every time the boat checks in at a new port, and may be confiscated
until departure, or alternatively sealed on board, placed under
the responsibility of the captain. The seals and arms will be
inspected when clearing out.
American vessels seeking to travel to Cuba
must obtain a temporary sojourn license from the Department of
Commerce. Temporary sojourn licenses are NOT available for pleasure
boaters.
Cayman Islands: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1084.html
Firearms are held by customs for the duration of the yacht's
stay, unless a yacht is fitted with a proper safe, which can
be sealed. Spearguns and their parts are prohibited, and possession
of spearguns or pole spears or Hawaiian slings, are illegal.
These must be declared to customs at the first port of arrival,
and will normally be taken off the boat and put under bond until
departure.
Jamaica: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1147.html
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against taking any
type of firearm or ammunition into Jamaica without authorization
from the Ministry of National Security. Entering Jamaica with
a firearm or even a single round of ammunition is serious crime
that can result in a long prison sentence.
Noonsite says: Firearms must be declared
and will be kept in the custody of customs until departure.
Steve Pavlidis (author of 'Exuma Cruising
Guide' and others says: "...You are permitted to bring guns
into Jamaica and if the Customs officer feels that the locker
you keep them in is secure, you will be allowed to keep them
aboard. If he feels the locker is not secure, he will take your
weapons, give you a receipt, and deposit said weapons with the
local police until you leave. The only problem you have here
is when you DON'T declare your firearms and they find them."
For more information on Steve's excellent cruising guide series,
and more, goto: http://www.islandhopping.com/
Bermuda:
All firearms and ammunition must be declared on arrival to the
customs officer, who will either impound them until departure
or seal them on board. Firearms include spear guns, Verey pistols
and flare guns.
France:
France has stringent regulations on firearms and ammunition .
As a rule, firearms which have no legitimate sporting or recreational
use are not permitted entry into France.
French firearms regulations are a bit complicated, so see the
French Embassy site: http://www.info-france-usa.org/intheus/customs/6000.asp
The French West Indies: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1746.html
The French West Indies consists of the islands of Martinique,
Guadeloupe, St. Martin (the French side) and St. Barthelemy.
United Kingdom:
Firearms and ammunition, including gas pistols and similar weapons,
may not be imported.
Spain:
Firearms must be declared.
Italy:
Firearms must be declared on arrival. The penalty for non-declaration
is imprisonment.
Greece:
Firearms must be declared.
Denmark:
Firearms must be declared.
Netherlands:
All firearms must be licensed, and a copy of the licence carried.
There are restrictions concerning signalling pistols. Very type
flare pistols must be accompanied by a firearms certificate issued
in the country of origin.
Norway:
Firearms must be declared. All firearms must have a licence from
the country of origin. Firearms must be re-exported within three
months, if not an application for a permit must be made.
French Polynesia:
Firearms and ammunition must be declared. If staying less than
three days they can be kept on board, otherwise must be bonded
by the authorities in each island until departure.
Philippines:
Firearms must be declared to customs on arrival.
Austrailia:
Firearms must be declared on entry. All military-type firearms
(greater than .22), machine guns, pistols, revolvers, ammunition,
as well as flick knives and knuckledusters are prohibited imports,
and will be sealed on board or taken into custody at the first
port of entry. Arrangements can be made to transport them to
the port of departure if sufficient notice is given of that port
and the date of departure. Sporting rifles and shotguns may be
kept on board if a permit is obtained from the police.
New Zealand:
Firearms must be declared to customs, and are normally kept in
police custody until departure. If there is an onboard safe for
firearms, this may be approved by the police.
Indonesia:
Firearms may be left on board if they can be locked and sealed.
If not, they will be taken ashore and bonded until the yacht
leaves.
Malaysia:
Firearms must be declared and then sealed by the customs officer.
A permit for firearms is required.
Sri Lanka:
Firearms must be declared on arrival and held in custody by customs
until departure. One must ensure that a receipt is obtained for
the firearms.
Yemen:
Firearms must be declared.
Somalia:
Firearms will be retained.
The waters in the vicinity of the Somali coast, both south and
west of the Horn of Africa, are now considered to be dangerous
for both commercial shipping and small boats. The US authorities
have issued a warning advising vessels to stay at least 30 miles
off the African coast. The east coast is just as dangerous. Boats
are strongly advised to avoid passing between the island of Socotra
and the African mainland, while those approaching from the east
through the Gulf of Aden should stay well clear of both the Somali
and Yemeni coasts, as both are considered to be dangerous. The
best approach is to sail in convoy with other yachts and try
to be in permanent contact with someone ashore who knows one's
position at all times and could alert the authorities in an emergency.
Maldives:
Firearms must be declared on arrival and will be confiscated
until departure. One must make sure one gets a receipt. One should
have a firearms permit, otherwise on departure one has to go
to the Ministry of Defence with the receipt to get approval for
the return of the firearms. Any firearms and ammunition not declared
will be seized. Firearms without a licence or official documents
could be confiscated; this includes spear guns.
India:
Certain firearms and weapons are prohibited, and those permitted
require a Possession Licence. All arms and ammunition will be
sealed by customs and treated as bonded goods onboard the vessel.
Egypt:
A list of firearms, with their type and details, must be handed
to the authorities on arrival.
Madagascar
Firearms may be removed for the duration of the stay.
Seychelles:
All arms and ammunition, including spearguns, must be handed
to the police or customs on arrival and a receipt obtained. The
bonded firearms will be returned on departure.
South Africa:
Firearms will be sealed by customs on board if this is possible.
Otherwise firearms will be removed and bonded until departure.
And finally, my homeland
"the True North, Strong, & Free"
Canada: http://www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca/
Click on: Information for Visitors / Non-Residents
Firearms are strictly controlled.
As of January 1, 2001, visitors bringing
firearms into Canada, or planning to borrow and use firearms
while in Canada, are required to declare the firearms in writing
using a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form.
Prohibited firearms include fully automatic,
converted automatics, and assault-type weapons. Prohibited firearms
are not allowed into Canada.
An Authorization to Transport (ATT) is
required for all restricted firearms. Restricted firearms include:
handguns that are not prohibited; non-prohibited semi-automatic,
centre-fire firearms with a barrel length less than 470 mm; firearms
that can fire after being reduced, by folding, telescoping or
otherwise, to an overall length of less than 660 mm; and firearms
specifically restricted by regulations (including some long guns).
Non-restricted firearms include: any rifle
or shotgun that is neither restricted nor prohibited. Most ordinary
rifles and shotguns are in this category. A non-restricted firearm
may be imported, at the discretion of a customs officer, for
purposes such as hunting during hunting season, wilderness protection,
target-shooting events, gun shows, or transit through Canada.
You must comply with the safe storage, display and transportation
regulations, which includes disabling, and separate ammunition
storage.
In advance of any travel, please contact
a Canadian embassy or consulate, or the Canadian Firearms Centre
(http://www.cfc.ccaf.gc.ca ) for detailed information and instructions
on temporarily importing firearms. In all cases, travelers must
declare to Canadian Customs authorities any firearms and weapons
in their possession when entering Canada. If a traveler is denied
permission to bring in the firearm, there are often facilities
near border crossings where firearms may be stored, pending the
traveler's return to the United States. Canadian law requires
that officials confiscate firearms and weapons from those crossing
the border that deny having them in their possession. Confiscated
firearms and weapons are never returned.
Disclaimer: The author does not warrant
or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness, or usefulness of any information disclosed herein.
The information is provided for informational purposes only,
and is not intended for legal purposes.
Anyone who knows a lawyer is specifically prohibited from reading
this report.
Due your own due diligence !!!
As always, corrections and comments are
most welcome.
References:
See the U.S. Department of State "Consular Information Sheets"
at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...cis_1765.html.
See also:
"Tips for Traveling Abroad" http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html
"FOREIGN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS" http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/...ures_1229.html
And the Noonsite Country Reports:
http://www.noonsite.com/Countries
TRAVEL WARNINGS from Foreign Affairs Canada:
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp
Country Travel Reports are available for every country of the
world. They include information on security and safety, health,
and entry requirements, as well as contact numbers for Canadian
government offices abroad. If an unstable condition exists in
a country, the Travel Report will contain information about this
and will advise Canadians to avoid travel to the country or to
a particular region of the country, and/or to leave.
Piracy & Security Resources:
From Noonsite (Jimmy Cornell): http://www.noonsite.com/
http://www.noonsite.com/General/Piracy
From On.Passage.com (Rod Hall): http://www.onpassage.com/
http://www.onpassage.com/Emergency_M...te_attacks.htm
http://www.onpassage.com/Emergency_M...k_Avoiding.htm
From the International Maritime Bureau:
IMB Piracy Reporting Centre: http://www.icc-ccs.org/prc/overview.php
Weekly Piracy Report: http://www.icc-ccs.org/prc/piracyreport.php
Caribbean Safety and Security Net (Roger
Page & Caribbean Cruisers Association)
http://www.caribcruisers.com/security.htm
Yacht Piracy - Information Centre for Bluewater
Sailors (Klaus Hympendahl):
http://www.yachtpiracy.org/en/dangerous_regions.htm
OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE (ONI) WorldWide
Threat to Shipping: http://pollux.nss.nima.mil/onit/onit_j_main.html
Maritime International Secretariat Services:
http://www.marisec.org/piracy/index.htm
Yacht "Heartsong" ~ Firsthand
Accounts of Piracy and Attempted Piracy (as of Jan. 03) http://www.heartsong3.com/piracy_update.htm
Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA):
http://www.ssca.org/
HTH - Yours in safe & secure cruising,
Gord May
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Gord May
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