The summer season is upon us. Kids are getting out of school and family vacations are just around the corner.
For some, those vacations may involve taking a trip on a plane. If you are planning to bring a gun with you, there are some rules it is imperative you know.
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So far this year, Transportation Security Administration agents have detected 118 firearms at security checkpoints at Bush Intercontinental Airport and 43 at Hobby Airport.
Violating laws about transporting firearms on planes can be costly, resulting in trip delays, fines, even criminal charges. Here are some things you need to know.
Domestic Travel
The Transportation Security Administration lays out the rules when it comes to legally transporting a firearm on a flight.
The biggest thing you need to know is that ammunition and unloaded firearms may only be transported in a locked, hard-sided container as checked baggage. Ammunition and firearms (loaded or unloaded) are prohibited in carry-on baggage. Also, be sure to research the firearm laws in the state you are planning to visit as they vary depending on where you are.
More rules on firearms
- Firearms and parts must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported in checked baggage only. Certain firearm parts, including firearm frames and receivers, are prohibited in all carry-on baggage.
- All firearms, and certain firearms parts as described in the Federal Register, must be declared at the airline ticket counter during the check-in process. Ammunition does not need to be declared, but must be securely packaged in checked baggage.
- Replica firearms may be transported in checked baggage only.
- Travelers are encouraged to check regulations related to carrying firearms where they are traveling from and to, as laws may vary by destination.
- Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked bags.
- TSA considers a firearm to be “loaded” when both the firearm and its ammunition are accessible to the passenger. For example, if an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket, or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered “loaded” for purposes of assessing a civil penalty.
Ammunition
- Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm.
- Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber for a rifle or pistol and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as described in the packing guidelines above.
International Travel
Traveling internationally with a firearm is a bit more complicated. Each country has its own rules when it comes to bringing guns into the country. Be sure to research the laws before you try to transport a firearm internationally. Many times, paperwork must be filled out before a weapon can legally be brought into many countries. I’ve selected two nearby countries to talk a little bit about what is required.
Canada
Firearms can be brought into Canada, but you must have a valid reason to do so and must fill out several forms.
The Canada Border Service Agency has some information on what is required before a weapon can be legally brought into the country.
To import firearms into Canada you must have a valid purpose. Valid purposes can include (but are not limited to) the following:
- hunting during hunting season (limited to non-restricted firearms only)
- use in competitions
- repair
- in transit movement, i.e., moving in the most direct route possible from point A to point B, through Canada
- protection against wildlife in remote areas (limited to non-restricted firearms only)
There are several different classes of firearms in Canada. Be sure to research what kind of firearm yours is classified as before you try to bring it into the country as the rules vary for each kind.
Non-restricted firearms
If you are importing non-restricted firearms and you hold a valid Canadian firearms license, you will need to show the license to a border services officer.
If you do not hold a valid Canadian firearms license, you must:
- complete Form RCMP 5589: Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (this form acts as the visitors firearms licence while in Canada)
- pay a CAN$25.00 fee.
Once confirmed by a border services officer, the declaration has the same effect as a temporary license for the firearms for up to 60 days.
Restricted firearms
Visitors who do not hold a valid Canadian firearms license or registration certificate for their restricted firearm must:
- pay a CAN$25.00 fee
Once confirmed by a border services officer, the form acts as the license and as the temporary registration certificate for the firearms.
Visitors who hold a valid Canadian firearm license but do not have a registration certificate for their restricted firearms must:
- pay a CAN$25.00 fee
Once confirmed by a border services officer, the declaration has the same effect as a temporary registration certificate for the firearms for up to 60 days.
To import restricted firearms you also need an authorization to transport (ATT). You can get one by following these steps:
- call the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 to receive an application for an ATT
- apply and receive approval for an ATT from the Chief Firearms Officer of the province you will be visiting
- when arriving at the border, declare your firearms, present the approved ATT and apply for the Form RCMP 5589: Non-Resident Firearm Declaration, if required
If you arrive at the border without an ATT for the restricted firearm, the CBSA may hold the firearm for 14 days while you apply for the form. Once obtained, you must present the ATT to the CBSA.
Prohibited firearms, devices and weapons
Visitors to Canada cannot, under any circumstances, import prohibited firearms, prohibited devices or prohibited weapons. A listing of these items may be found in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted.
For more information on rules for bringing firearms into Canada, click here.
Mexico
Mexico has very strict laws regarding firearms. The ATF says the laws in Mexico vary from state to state, but it is generally illegal for travelers to carry weapons of any kind including firearms, knives, daggers, brass knuckles and ammunition (even used shells). Illegal firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico is a major concern, and the Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against taking any firearm or ammunition into Mexico.
If you are caught entering Mexico with any type of weapon, including firearms or ammunitions, you likely will face severe penalties, including prison time. U.S.-issued permits allowing an individual to carry weapons are not valid in Mexico.
As always, check with authorities in the country you are planning to visit well in advance, especially if you plan to bring a firearm. This is a general overview of what is expected and necessary, but it is important to check on the rules and laws yourself.