How to Travel Internationally with Firearms

International Travel with Firearms

Using a travel agency will make the whole process much easier.

Flying internationally with a gun may seem like a daunting prospect, but it can be surprisingly simple if you know what you're doing. Let's talk about what you need to do if you're traveling outside the country with a firearm.

BY Megan Kriss,

Published March 05, 2018

14 Comments

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A while back, I wrote a post about how flying with a gun is actually surprisingly simple, but we focused primarily on domestic travel. It can be an ordeal to deal with just the differences in gun laws, and especially concealed carry laws, from state to state within the US.

Plane Landing — Traveling with a gun doesn’t have to be an ordeal.

As you can probably guess, international travel introduces a whole new set of steps as you have to deal with the laws of multiple countries and the intricacies of taking firearms across national borders. However, regardless of if you’re bringing your firearm for hunting, competitive shooting, or self defense, with the right information and proper planning, traveling internationally doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In this post you’ll find out what you need to know to leave and re-enter the United States, how to navigate firearms laws of different countries, and some tips and tricks to make the whole process easier. Let’s get started!

What Every International Traveler Needs to Know

The short and sweet version of the TSA’s requirements for traveling with firearms is that guns, along with ammunition, must be properly stored in checked baggage and must be declared upon checking your baggage. Remember to declare again when you come back into the US. For more detail, check out our post on flying with a gun.

Most airlines also have rules about flying with firearms, so you’ll also need to find those, either via the airline’s website or by contacting customer service. Remember that you’re technically exporting anything you take out of a country and importing anything you bring in, including your firearms, so you have to comply with import/export related laws, and may be expected to pay related taxes as well. Fortunately, you really only have to work with Customs and Border Protection.

For any trip out of the country, you’ll need a US Customs Form 4457 that has been signed by a US customs official. This verifies that you had your firearms (and any other dutiable personal possessions) before leaving the country, so you don’t have to pay duty when you return to the country – especially important for foreign made firearms. Remember to also include any ammunition on this form to avoid problems bringing any unused ammunition back into the States. This form can be used multiple times, so keep it handy for future travel.

You will also need to file electronic export information (EEI) via the Automated Export System (AES) before you leave the country. To file, you’ll need to know the Schedule B number of the firearms, ammunition, parts, etc. that you want to bring with you. This number is just a way for Customs to catalog what’s coming in and out of the country. Schedule B numbers can be found via the US Census Bureau website. When you return, you’ll also need to remember to declare your firearm and ammunition.

Firearms in Foreign Lands

We’ve covered what you need to know to leave and re-enter the United States, but what about in between? US Customs officials, TSA agents, and airline staff aren’t checking to see if your possessions can be legally imported to your destination. That’s not their job, and like everyone else, they’re not just hopping at the opportunity to do things they aren’t getting a paycheck for. The fact that they let you go will not stop you from being detained, fined, or arrested by customs when you attempt to bring your firearm with you in violation of your destination country’s laws, and law enforcement won’t find “I didn’t know” to be a valid excuse.

Sydney Airport International Terminal Check In

(If something does happen, either contact the country’s US embassy or have the authorities do so for you. The embassy will help you get legal counsel, visit you if you’re detained, and ensure that you’re treated ethically and fairly. That’s what they’re there for.) Not all countries allow the temporary importation of firearms. In these cases, there’s no amount of paperwork that you can do to get to bring your firearm with you. The only solution is to leave your guns behind or pick a new vacation destination. Many countries that do allow temporary importation require a Form 4457, so keep it accessible when crossing borders. Some countries, like Canada, don’t require the form, but having it handy can still speed up the process.

Passport and Chinese Visa Application — Just Keep It with Your Passport

Aside from what the rules are to bring your gun into the country, you will need to know what’s permitted when you get there. Can you carry your firearm concealed? Do you have to register it with local authorities? Will you need some sort of license to carry it at all? You can find out this information pretty easily by simply contacting a diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in the United States for the countries you’ll be visiting or passing through. If they don’t have the information you need available, they’ll try to get it for you or can at least let you know how you can get it.

One option is to call or email the mission, but it may be easier and more straightforward to schedule an appointment, especially if the mission is fairly near to where you live or you have to go anyway for other travel paperwork, to make sure you understand and can ask any questions you have. You may also be able to go ahead a fill out and submit any paperwork that requires you to go to the mission, letting you go ahead and get started.

Making the Process Easier

This is a lot of information to gather, and some documentation, including the EEI, can take some time, so it is vital that you start getting it together sooner rather than later.

It’s also a good idea to allow yourself a buffer in case there are complications with getting your paperwork processed. It is far better to have everything ready a month before your trip than to be trying to rush things through at the last minute. You’ll also want to book direct flights and other means of travel as much as possible to avoid having to go through extra and unnecessary customs. Remember, you have to conform to customs requirements even if you’re just passing through. It may be tempting to try to go around these rules by shipping your firearm, but that just requires more steps and a greater time commitment.

Mail Insurance Form — Even More Paperwork

The best thing you can do to simplify your trip is to use a travel agency that specializes in travel for shooting sports. These people help travelers do exactly what you’re trying to do all the time, so they have the most up to date knowledge on requirements for both the United States and other countries, and have the know how and connections to make getting the proper documentation go much smoother.

If you’re attending a shooting event, even just contacting event staff can be invaluable in helping you get any information you need. They may also have a travel agency that they recommend. Of course, if you’re taking your gun with you for defense, rather than sporting, travel agencies may not be as helpful. It’s still worth a shot to contact one or two to see if they can help you ensure that you obtain and file the correct paperwork.

Wrapping Up

Planes at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Let’s recap:

Don’t forget the TSA’s requirements,
Remember to fill out your Form 4457 and file your EEI,
Contact an embassy or consulate to find out what firearm related laws are,
Simplify your trip as much as possible to minimize your work and avoid complications.

Now I want to hear from you guys. Have you ever traveled internationally with firearms? Where did you go and how was your experience? Tell us your tips, tricks, and exciting stories in the comments!

14 Leave a Reply

Jozef

I am not able to file up an EEI . They ask me to make export account. I don’t like this, because I’m not exporter, I have just my own firearms.

May 6, 2024 10:05 am

Roger Greene

I plan to sail my boat from the US to other countries (Canada, Mexico, Central America, beyond?). I know every county has different rules regarding firearms, but I am interested in having a pellet gun on board rather than a weapon that uses actual cartridges. Are pellet guns generally regarded the same as a weapon that uses cartridges?

January 28, 2024 2:45 pm

MavEryck Stevenson

Hi everyone,

I conceal carry every day in the U.S. everywhere that it is legal for me to do so. I have permits and/or reciprocity for most of the United States. I'm literally on a plane right now with my firearm checked in and riding in cargo below me.

I also travel internationally often but have never considered taking my firearm with me on any inteenational trips.

This article is very helpful. Can anyone add any information they have been able to find?

Thanks,

MavEryck

November 24, 2022 9:56 am

Chris

Just woke up from a bad dream that I was on a flight to Turkey and noticed that I still had my concealed carry on. At first I was happy and then terrified at what to do next.
There’s no good options in that dream, glad I woke up.

November 7, 2021 9:07 am

Teddy J Ndouba

Hey everyone! I am going to apply for those forms before taking my personal pistol and hunting gun I bought for my dad to Africa in January. I'll let you guys know about my experience.

December 4, 2020 4:35 pm

James

How did it go? Which African country and what process did you follow? Did you have to return with the guns as you said you bought one for your dad. If you did not return with the gun, what was your reason? I'm trying to do same and will like to hear about your experience. Thanks

May 7, 2021 8:04 am

charles

Where do you go to file an EEI? Airport? I can't seem to find a website? Same for the 4457 can it be done at the airport when leaving?

October 12, 2018 11:09 am

Maribel Costa

You probably found this by now, but just in case... I found the 4457 form at the U.S. Custom site on this page: Form 4457 - Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad

January 7, 2024 5:50 pm
Jozef lopata

Yourself, by online or find a broker.
Option 1
The quickest option would be to have a Broker or Authorized Agent file all of the Electronic Export Information on your behalf. If you are not a US citizen and do not have a US Social Security Number then this will be your only option for obtaining an ITN.

You can locate a broker on the CBP website below:
Option 2
Alternatively, you may register on the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and file this information for yourself.

May 7, 2024 9:00 am
Jozef

Option 1
The quickest option would be to have a Broker or Authorized Agent file all of the Electronic Export Information on your behalf. If you are not a US citizen and do not have a US Social Security Number then this will be your only option for obtaining an ITN.
Or
Option 2
Alternatively, you may register on the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and file this information for yourself.

May 7, 2024 9:03 am
Jozef

You can locate a broker on the CBP website “ find broker”

May 7, 2024 9:05 am

Janos

"You will also need to file electronic export information (EEI) via the Automated Export System (AES) before you leave the country."
Great article! However, could you please expand on the filing of an EEI? I researched and it is not as clean cut as I thought it would be. Gets a bit confusing. ...at least to me. Can I as an individual get this done? Do I have to hire a company to do it for me? etc.
Thank you in advance!

August 30, 2018 6:08 am

Clint

I have never traveled internationally with my firearm, although I carry daily in the U.S. and have traveled extensively internationally. I have taken a domestic flight to a firearm training facility and it was fairly easy. I am wondering if Italy and/or Panama has laws restricting carry (open or concealed). I am planning trips to both countries.

August 27, 2018 6:48 pm

Will Martin

Awesome story, great info

March 10, 2018 12:51 pm

Jozef

I am not able to file up an EEI . They ask me to make export account. I don’t like this, because I’m not exporter, I have just my own firearms.

May 6, 2024 10:05 am
Roger Greene

I plan to sail my boat from the US to other countries (Canada, Mexico, Central America, beyond?). I know every county has different rules regarding firearms, but I am interested in having a pellet gun on board rather than a weapon that uses actual cartridges. Are pellet guns generally regarded the same as a weapon that uses cartridges?

January 28, 2024 2:45 pm
MavEryck Stevenson

Hi everyone,

I conceal carry every day in the U.S. everywhere that it is legal for me to do so. I have permits and/or reciprocity for most of the United States. I'm literally on a plane right now with my firearm checked in and riding in cargo below me.

I also travel internationally often but have never considered taking my firearm with me on any inteenational trips.

This article is very helpful. Can anyone add any information they have been able to find?

Thanks,

MavEryck

November 24, 2022 9:56 am
Chris

Just woke up from a bad dream that I was on a flight to Turkey and noticed that I still had my concealed carry on. At first I was happy and then terrified at what to do next.
There’s no good options in that dream, glad I woke up.

November 7, 2021 9:07 am
Teddy J Ndouba

Hey everyone! I am going to apply for those forms before taking my personal pistol and hunting gun I bought for my dad to Africa in January. I'll let you guys know about my experience.

December 4, 2020 4:35 pm

charles

Where do you go to file an EEI? Airport? I can't seem to find a website? Same for the 4457 can it be done at the airport when leaving?

October 12, 2018 11:09 am

Janos

"You will also need to file electronic export information (EEI) via the Automated Export System (AES) before you leave the country."
Great article! However, could you please expand on the filing of an EEI? I researched and it is not as clean cut as I thought it would be. Gets a bit confusing. ...at least to me. Can I as an individual get this done? Do I have to hire a company to do it for me? etc.
Thank you in advance!

August 30, 2018 6:08 am
Clint

I have never traveled internationally with my firearm, although I carry daily in the U.S. and have traveled extensively internationally. I have taken a domestic flight to a firearm training facility and it was fairly easy. I am wondering if Italy and/or Panama has laws restricting carry (open or concealed). I am planning trips to both countries.

August 27, 2018 6:48 pm
Will Martin

Awesome story, great info

March 10, 2018 12:51 pm

What Every International Traveler Needs to Know

Firearms in Foreign Lands

Making the Process Easier

Wrapping Up

14 Leave a Reply

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