Canada Gun Laws For Non-Residents, 2026 Import Rules, Declaration Requirements & What You Can Bring
Non-residents can temporarily import non-restricted firearms into Canada for hunting, sport shooting, or in-transit purposes by completing a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (Form RCMP 5589) and paying a $25 fee at the border. However, visitors to Canada cannot, under any circumstances, import prohibited firearms, prohibited devices or prohibited weapons. Restricted firearms like handguns require advance Authorization to Transport (ATT) from a Provincial Chief Firearms Officer, making temporary import extremely difficult.
What Non-Residents Need To Know About Canada’s Firearm Import Laws
Anyone importing firearms to Canada must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid purpose. Valid purposes include hunting during legal seasons (non-restricted firearms only), sport shooting at approved ranges, in-transit movement through Canada, and protection against wildlife in remote areas.
Canadian gun laws for non-residents differ significantly from domestic licensing requirements. While Canadian residents must obtain a Possession and Acquisition License (PAL), non-residents can use the temporary declaration system for short visits.
However, this doesn’t mean bringing firearms into Canada is simple. Any illegal or undeclared weapons will be seized and never returned, and Americans crossing the Canadian border with a gun must have a “valid purpose” for importing the firearm.
Non-Restricted Firearms: The Simplest Import Process
What You Can Bring As A Non-Resident
Non-restricted firearms include most normal hunting rifles and shotguns, and are allowed to be transported into Canada by an adult on a temporary basis for sporting or hunting use. This includes common hunting rifles like Remington 700, Winchester Model 70, and shotguns like Mossberg 500 or Browning BPS.
Non-restricted guns can also be brought into the country by people who are driving through Canada to or from Alaska. This in-transit exception allows travelers to transport firearms through Canada without a hunting or sporting purpose, provided firearms remain unloaded and properly stored.
How To Declare Non-Restricted Firearms At The Border
Complete Form RCMP 5589 (Non-Resident Firearm Declaration) available at all Canadian ports of entry. Declare each firearm individually with make, model, serial number, and caliber information.
Pay the $25 fee (credit cards accepted) at the border. The 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.
Present your declaration to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer along with valid identification. Officers may inspect firearms to verify they match your declaration and are not prohibited.
Store firearms unloaded in locked cases during transport. Ammunition must be stored separately from firearms.
Restricted Firearms: Handguns And Special Requirements
Why Bringing Handguns Is Nearly Impossible
Restricted firearms like handguns require advance Authorization to Transport (ATT) permit from a Provincial Chief Firearms Officer before crossing the border. This process takes weeks or months and requires proving specific purposes like competitive shooting at approved ranges.
Since the national handgun freeze took effect in October 2022 and was codified into law in December 2023, importing new handguns for acquisition is banned. Non-residents can only temporarily import handguns they already own for approved competitive shooting events.
The ATT application requires documentation proving participation in sanctioned shooting competitions, membership in Canadian shooting clubs, and detailed itineraries. Casual sport shooting or self-defense purposes are not valid reasons for ATT approval.
Similar to restrictions discussed in Is Open Carry Legal In Canada, carrying handguns in public is illegal even for non-residents with valid ATTs.
Prohibited Firearms: Absolute Ban For Visitors
Visitors to Canada cannot, under any circumstances, import prohibited firearms including:
- AR-15, AR-10, M16, M4 pattern rifles and all variants
- AK-47 and AK variants
- Over 2,500 assault-style firearms banned since May 2020
- Fully automatic weapons
- Sawed-off rifles and shotguns
- Handguns with barrel lengths of 105mm or less
- Handguns chambered for .25 or .32 caliber
Many firearms legal in the United States are prohibited in Canada. Before attempting to cross the border, verify your firearm’s classification on the RCMP website. As detailed in What Guns Are Legal In Canada, prohibited firearms lists expanded significantly in 2025.
September 2024 Changes: Ammunition And Parts Licensing
Starting on September 1, 2024, a valid firearms licence is required to acquire firearm barrels, handgun slides, cartridge magazines and ammunition. Non-residents must present a confirmed Non-Resident Firearms Declaration form to import these items.
This means you cannot bring ammunition, magazines, or firearm parts into Canada without a valid declaration or PAL. Individuals can import these goods only if, at the time of importation, they present a valid firearms licence to a border services officer.
Critical Mistakes Non-Residents Make
Failing to declare firearms at the border. Undeclared firearms result in immediate seizure, criminal charges, and lifetime firearm prohibition in Canada.
Assuming U.S.-legal firearms are automatically legal in Canada. Verify classification before travel—many common American firearms are prohibited.
Bringing handguns without advance ATT approval. Border officers will deny entry and seize the firearm immediately.
Not carrying proper documentation. Always bring original purchase receipts, registration documents, and Form BSF407 if previously exported from Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Handgun To Canada For Self-Defense?
No. Self-defense is not a valid purpose for importing firearms into Canada. Unlike Stand Your Ground Law Texas, Canadian law prohibits carrying firearms for personal protection.
Do I Need A Canadian Gun License As A Non-Resident?
No. The Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (Form RCMP 5589) serves as your temporary license for up to 60 days, renewable to 12 months.
Can I Buy Ammunition In Canada Without A PAL?
No. As of September 2024, you must present your confirmed Non-Resident Firearms Declaration to purchase ammunition or magazines in Canada.
💡 Pro Tip
Always verify your firearm’s classification on the RCMP website before traveling to Canada. Over 300 firearms were reclassified as prohibited on March 7, 2025, and December 1, 2024. A rifle legal in the U.S. and previously allowed in Canada may now be prohibited, resulting in criminal charges at the border.
Disclaimer: This article about Canada gun laws for non-residents is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Canadian firearms regulations for non-residents change frequently and vary significantly from U.S. gun laws. Non-residents must comply with all federal Canadian firearms regulations and provincial storage and transport requirements. AllAboutLawyer.com does not provide legal services or border crossing assistance. For specific questions about importing firearms into Canada, contact the Canada Border Services Agency at 1-800-461-9999 or the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000.
Next Steps: Before traveling to Canada with firearms, complete Form RCMP 5589 (download at rcmp.ca/en/firearms), verify your firearms are not prohibited, and confirm your valid purpose for import. For additional context about firearms regulations, review Are Guns Legal In Canada.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Last Updated: January 11, 2026 — We keep this current with the latest legal developments
This article provides general information about Canadian firearms laws for non-residents and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney or contact the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program for specific legal guidance.
Sources
- Canada Border Services Agency – Firearms and Weapons: Canadian Border Requirements: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/iefw-iefa-eng.html
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) – Canadian Firearms Program: https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms
- Firearms Act (SC 1995, c. 39) – Section 35 (Non-Resident Authorization): https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/f-11.6/fulltext.html
- Public Safety Canada – Firearms Regulations: https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/frrms/index-en.aspx
- Government of Canada – New Firearms Licensing Requirements (September 1, 2024): https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2024/08/new-firearms-licensing-requirements-to-increase-public-safety-coming-into-force.html
- Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms as Prohibited or Restricted: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-98-462/
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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