The importation or transhipment of firearms into the UK for the purpose of sport or hobby shooting is permitted but is subject to specific regulations. An overview of these regulations is available from the Metropolitan Police Service. Please note that personal security is not a valid reason for possessing, importing or transhipment of firearms in the UK.

Certain weapons are prohibited from import. A complete list of the prohibited weapons and ammunition is available from the Metropolitan Police Service.

Prospective visitors should also contact their chosen airline at the time of booking reservations and determine the airline's regulations and provisions for transporting firearms on flights.

 

Short-Term Visitors to Britain

England, Scotland and Wales

Visitors wishing to bring firearms and/or ammunition into England, Scotland or Wales must first obtain a British Visitor's Firearms Permit. Two types of permits are available, one for shotguns and one for non-prohibited rifles and handguns.

Specific guidelines on applying for a permit, as well as the criteria for which they are granted, is available from the Metropolitan Police Service.

US visitors should be aware of the following:

• Visitors from the United States can not apply for a visitor's permit. A person resident in the United Kingdom (the "sponsor") must apply for the permit on behalf of the visitor. The sponsor can be a private individual, a club, shooting organisation, a country estate, or a shooting syndicate.
• A period of approximately six to eight weeks is required for the application process to be completed.
• When a permit is granted, the sponsor forwards it to the visitor, who must present it to Customs when the visitor arrives in Great Britain.

 

Northern Ireland

The application procedures and requirements for bringing firearms into Northern Ireland are different from those in the rest of the United Kingdom.

All visitors wishing to bring firearms of any kind into Northern Ireland must have a Northern Ireland Firearm Certificate. Applications for the certificate must be made to the Police Service Of Northern Ireland at least two months prior to arriving in the United Kingdom.

Additional information, as well as a copy of the application form, is available from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Individuals Intending to Take up Residence in the UK

Individuals wishing to import firearms and/or ammunition prior to taking up residence in the United Kingdom must apply for a British Visitor's Firearms Permit (see above).

If an individual imports a firearm and/or ammunition after becoming a resident of the UK, he will need to apply for a firearms or shotgun certificate. Application must be made to the Chief Officer of the Police for the area in which he is resident. The Metropolitan Police Service provides specific information on firearms certificates and shotgun certificates.

 

Transhipment of Firearms

In addition to acquiring the appropriate Visitor's Firearms Permit, visitors arriving in the United Kingdom in transit to other locations, transferring to other airport terminals or airlines, or transferring to other airports, will have to make additional arrangements.

Departure from a different terminal to that of arrival (within the same airport)
or
Transfer of firearms from one airline to another (within the same airport)

Visitors are not permitted to take possession of the firearms while at the airport. Therefore, arrangements must be made with the airline(s) to transfer the firearms from the terminal of arrival to that of departure, or from one airline to another.

Departure from a different airport to that of arrival

It is not possible for an individual to take possession of the firearm while it is in transit. Visitors are advised to contact their airlines to determine the best means for handling the transhipment of the firearms or ammunition.

Alternatively, visitors can arrange for the services of a bonded carrier who would collect the firearms/ammunition at the point of arrival and deliver it to the point of departure.

The British International Freight Association  can provide a list of its member companies that provide a bonded carrier service for firearms.

 

Airline Requirements

Please note that the above guidelines may not be the only restrictions on importing firearms to the United Kingdom. Some airlines may have their own arrangements that must be satisfied. It is, therefore, advisable that you consult with your airline prior to departure.