Firearms 🇨🇦 Canada
PAL required; restricted and prohibited classifications
Can I bring Firearms into Canada?
PAL required; restricted and prohibited classifications
With PAL or temporary authorization
- PAL or Canadian Firearms Declaration
- Registration certificate
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Canada classifies firearms as non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited under the Firearms Act. Personal import requires a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) or temporary import authorization. Handguns are restricted. AR-15 style rifles are prohibited since 2020. Temporary import for sporting/competition with Canadian Firearms Declaration.
Temporary import possible with Canadian Firearms Declaration. Many firearms classified as prohibited since 2020.
With PAL or temporary authorization
- PAL or Canadian Firearms Declaration
- Registration certificate
Firearms Act (S.C. 1995, c. 39)
This page covers destination customs rules in Canada. Whether you can carry firearms through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Firearms rules in other countries
Firearms
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Strict prohibition on most firearms
Firearms
🇦🇺 Australia
Prohibited without import permit
Firearms
🇯🇵 Japan
Complete civilian ban
Firearms
🇲🇽 Mexico
Illegal to bring firearms without SEDENA permit
Firearms
🇺🇸 United States
Second Amendment; state laws vary widely
Firearms
🇸🇬 Singapore
Complete civilian ban; severe penalties