Posted Jun 18th, 2020 in Gun Laws by Country – An Overview (2020)
Gun Laws by Country – An Overview (2020)
The world today is becoming increasingly globalized and many Americans are choosing to move abroad for a variety of reasons, be it cheaper costs of living, a new and exotic lifestyle, or just better opportunities on offer.
However, before one plan on settling in a new country, it helps to know better about the local laws. Many Americans may be surprised to find that many liberties that we take for granted are seen as a privilege rather than a right in many other countries. This includes the right to purchase and own firearms as a civilian. This guide will give an overview of gun laws of each country so you can be better aware of the restrictions (or lack of them) you might face there.
Note: Before reading, be sure to know that the list is by no means exhaustive. Some countries were omitted because of a lack of information on their gun policies (e.g. Maldives). Others (such as Afghanistan and Somalia) were not included because neither are they safe destinations for Americans nor is state law actively enforced there. Others have been omitted simply because they are not a popular choice for American citizens.
Status: Legal
Note:
*Permit for handguns restricted
**May issue
*Some firearms permitless
**Permits restricted
Note: *Permit may issue
*Permits restricted
*Handguns prohibited
Note: *handguns and long guns above a certain caliber illegal
*Not applicable in large public gatherings
*Laws a bit ambiguous
Status: Restricted
*No permit required
*Pre-1978 registered autos are legal
**Non-restricted firearms only
**Not applicable in case of self-defense firearms
*Permits highly restricted
*Semi-autos permit restricted
**Permits highly restricted
***Certain firearms excluded
*Rifles with a caliber greater than 5.6 millimeters and certain modified weapons illegal
*Only shotguns, all other firearms illegal
Note: *Permits restricted
*Not applicable for shotguns pre-2001
**No restrictions for short firearms
Note: *Permits for most firearms greater or equal to 9mm are restricted. Handguns are prohibited with some exceptions.
*Long guns are prohibited
*Applicable to only members of the Estonian Defense League
Status: Illegal
*With some exceptions, no permit required.
*Restricted to one firearm per person
**No permit required
*Permits for handguns restricted
*Permit limited to 3 firearms per person
*Permits not issued for self-defense
*Handguns are prohibited
Note: The carrying and possession of all firearms is illegal under the threat of the death penalty.
*Handguns with a caliber over 9mm prohibited. Firearms limited to 10 per person.
**Somewhat restricted
***Not required for hunting rifles
****Criminal record may be checked for certain firearms
*Permits highly restricted. Most firearm types are prohibited.
*Pre-1946 firearms excluded
*Most firearms types prohibited
*No permit required for antique weapons
**Permits somewhat restricted
*Permits somewhat restricted
*Permits maybe restricted
*Not required for certain firearms
*May issue in case of self-defense firearms
*No permit required with some restrictions
*Permits for self-defense firearms restricted
**Maybe be required under specific conditions
*Also allows carry without permit
**Permits for self-defense firearms restricted
*Most firearms permitless
***Not required for hunting rifles and certain other firearms
****Criminal record maybe checked for certain firearms
*Firearms limited to amount indicated on the license
*non-hunting firearms prohibited
*prohibited in case of self-defense except in Northern Ireland.
*As stated in Federal Law. Full firearm regulations will vary depending on the type of firearms as well as from state to state. For more in-depth information, please refer to the main article on US gun laws. (Gun Laws by U.S State – The Complete Guide 2020)
**Automatic firearms registered before 1986 are legal.
If you were to move to a new country, which would it be? Share your answers with us in the comments below!