Traveling With A Handgun: Canadian Border Rules

Canada has strict laws regarding firearms, and any visitor bringing a gun into the country must declare it in writing at the border via a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. A $25 fee must also be paid at the Port of Entry. Most handguns fall into the restricted firearms category, and a restricted firearm can be transported into Canada only if the individual has obtained an Authorization to Transport (ATT) permit in advance from a Provincial Chief Firearms Officer. A Firearms Declaration form must also be signed in front of a border officer. This declaration will act as a temporary registration and license certificate valid for 60 days, and can be renewed for free for as long as 12 months. However, due to legislation introduced in October 2022 that prohibits the sale, purchase, or transfer of handguns within Canada, bringing a handgun across the Canadian border is likely no longer possible.

Handguns are restricted firearms in Canada

Canada has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to bringing a gun into the country. There are three classes of firearms in Canada: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. Most handguns fall under the restricted firearms category.

Restricted firearms include semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that can discharge centre-fire ammunition, have barrels between 105mm and 470mm in length, and are not otherwise prohibited. They also include firearms designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660mm by folding, telescoping, or other means, and firearms restricted by regulations.

To bring a restricted firearm into Canada, you must obtain an Authorization to Transport (ATT) permit in addition to a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form or a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). The ATT must be obtained in advance from the Chief Firearms Officer of the province where the firearm will be going or where it will cross the border. The Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form can be obtained at the border for a fee of $25, and it acts as a temporary registration and license certificate valid for 60 days, which can be renewed for up to 12 months. The PAL is a five-year licence that requires applicants to pass a written and practical test for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.

In addition to the above, individuals and businesses importing a restricted handgun into Canada require an import permit issued by Global Affairs Canada. This regulation was introduced on October 21, 2022, as an amendment to the Authorization to Transport Restricted Firearms and Prohibited Firearms Regulations.

You must be 18 or older to bring a firearm into Canada

Canada has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to bringing a gun into the country. If you are planning to bring a firearm into Canada, you must be 18 or older. This is a personal requirement that must be met in addition to the extensive paperwork and procedures that must be followed when bringing a firearm into Canada.

Minors and Firearms

Minors aged 12-18 can bring firearms, but they must first obtain a minor's license. This requires them to pass a firearms safety course and be accompanied by an adult at all times when they are in possession of the firearm. The adult will be legally responsible for the firearm. Additionally, minors are only permitted to use non-restricted firearms.

Non-Residents and Firearms

If you are a non-resident of Canada, you must declare your firearm in writing at the border via a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form and pay a $25 fee. This form acts as a temporary license and registration certificate for the firearms for up to 60 days and can be renewed for free before expiration. It is important to note that this process is separate from the requirement that you must be 18 or older to bring a firearm into Canada.

Restricted Firearms

Most handguns fall into the category of restricted firearms. To transport a restricted firearm into Canada, you must obtain an Authorization to Transport (ATT) permit in advance from the Provincial Chief Firearms Officer of the province you will be visiting. Upon arrival at the border, you must declare your firearm, present the approved ATT, and apply for the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form if required.

Prohibited Firearms

Visitors to Canada are not allowed to import prohibited firearms under any circumstances. Prohibited firearms include assault-type weapons, fully automatic or converted automatic guns, and handguns with a barrel length of 4.1 inches or less.

Valid Purposes for Importing Firearms

It is important to note that bringing a firearm into Canada requires a valid purpose, which does not include self-defence. Valid purposes include hunting during hunting season, in-transit movement, and protection against wildlife in remote areas. These purposes are limited to non-restricted firearms only.

You must declare your firearm at the Canadian border

If you are planning to bring a firearm into Canada, you must declare it at the Canadian border. This applies to all firearms, including antique firearms. The declaration must be made in writing via a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form (form RCMP 5589). This form can be filled out ahead of time to save time at the border, but it must not be signed until you are in front of a Canadian Border Services Officer at the border. The form must be accompanied by a CAD$25 fee, which can be paid by credit card.

The declaration acts as a temporary licence for the owner of the firearm and is valid for 60 days. It can be renewed for free before it expires by contacting the Chief Firearms Officer of the province it was issued in.

When declaring a firearm at the Canadian border, you will be required to provide the necessary documentation and answer any questions truthfully. A border services officer will review your paperwork and may verify that the firearm you have with you matches the one described in the documents. They will also ensure that the firearm has been stored properly for transportation and that you have a valid reason for importing it.

It is important to note that failing to declare a firearm or providing false information can result in seizure of the firearm, criminal charges, and/or monetary penalties.

You must have a valid reason for importing a firearm

Canada has strict laws regarding firearms, and you must have a valid reason for importing a firearm into the country. A valid reason must fall under one of the approved purposes for bringing a firearm into Canada. These purposes include:

• Hunting during hunting season—limited to non-restricted firearms only.
• In-transit movement, i.e., moving directly from point A to point B through Canada.
• Protection against wildlife in remote areas—limited to non-restricted firearms only.
• Target shooting.
• Wilderness protection.
• Participating in an organised target-shooting event.

It is important to note that self-defence is not considered a valid reason for importing a firearm into Canada. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old to import a firearm, and all firearms must be unloaded and securely stored during transportation.

If you are importing a non-restricted firearm and have a valid Canadian firearms licence, you only need to present the licence to the border services officer. However, if you do not have a valid licence, you must complete Form RCMP 5589: Non-Resident Firearm Declaration and pay a $25 CAD fee. This declaration acts as a temporary licence for up to 60 days and can be renewed for free before expiration.

For restricted firearms, the process is more complex. You will need to obtain an Authorisation to Transport (ATT) permit in advance from the Provincial Chief Firearms Officer of the province you will be visiting. You will also need to complete the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form and pay the associated fee. This declaration will serve as a temporary registration and license certificate valid for 60 days and can be renewed for up to 12 months.

It is important to declare all firearms and provide the necessary documentation to the border services officer. Failure to do so may result in seizure of the firearm and potential criminal charges and/or monetary penalties.

You must store your firearm properly for transportation

When travelling through Canada, it is important to store your firearm properly for transportation. Here are some key points to ensure safe and legal transportation of firearms:

Unload and Secure Your Firearm

It is crucial that your firearm is unloaded during transportation. This means removing any ammunition from the chamber or magazine. Additionally, a secure locking device, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, should be attached to prevent the firearm from being fired accidentally. Alternatively, you can remove the bolt or bolt carrier if your firearm has one.

Store in a Locked Container or Compartment

Place your unloaded and secured firearm in a sturdy, non-transparent, and locked container. If you are transporting the firearm in a vehicle, it is recommended to store it in the trunk or a similar lockable compartment. If your vehicle does not have a trunk, place the locked container out of sight inside the vehicle and lock the vehicle. Keep the firearm and ammunition separate, storing them in different parts of the vehicle.

Obtain Necessary Permits and Authorizations

Before travelling, ensure you have obtained any necessary permits or authorizations for transporting a firearm. For restricted firearms, such as handguns, you will need to obtain an Authorization to Transport (ATT) permit from a Provincial Chief Firearms Officer in advance. This permit, along with a completed Firearms Declaration form, will serve as your temporary registration and license for the firearm.

Follow Storage Regulations for Different Firearm Types

The storage requirements differ depending on the type of firearm you have. Non-restricted firearms, including most hunting rifles and shotguns, should be stored in a locked case, cabinet, vault, or room that is difficult to break into. Restricted and prohibited firearms, on the other hand, must be stored in a vault, safe, or storage container that meets specific design and construction standards outlined in the regulations. These storage facilities must be made of solid steel or similar materials and be securely anchored to prevent easy removal.

Stay Informed and Up-to-Date

Keep yourself informed about any changes or updates to firearm transportation regulations in Canada. Regularly check government websites, attend firearms safety courses, and consult with local law enforcement or firearms experts to ensure you remain compliant with the latest requirements.

Frequently asked questions