News
Traveling with Firearms
April 29th, 2024
While you’re packing your sunscreen and snorkel gear, don’t forget to check your luggage and clothing to remove all guns and ammunition. Many countries in the Caribbean do not allow possession of firearms or ammunition unless you have a local permit and, if arrested while traveling, the United States Embassy will not be able to secure your release.
What to Know Before You Go:
- Declaring a weapon in your checked luggage with an airline carrier does not grant you permission to bring the weapon into other countries. It is the responsibility of the traveler to research local laws and complete all necessary forms prior to travel.
- Research the laws of the country you will be traveling to. Check the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs and contact the foreign embassy in the United States prior to travel to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
IF YOU’RE TRAVELING TO THE CARIBBEAN, KNOW THAT IT IS ILLEGAL TO IMPORT OR EXPORT FIREARMS OR AMMUNITION TO OR FROM ANY CARICOM (CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY) MEMBER(LINK IS EXTERNAL) STATES UNLESS YOU HAVE A FIREARM IMPORT LICENSE OR A FIREARM EXPORT LICENSE
GRANTED BY THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY (SUCH AS THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE).
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important safety information regarding your travel and to help the local U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.
- If you are arrested for gun trafficking abroad, you could be imprisoned, fined or both, and the State Department will not be able to secure your release.
- Any person who wishes to export a firearm subject to the National Firearms Act must submit ATF Form 9 (5320.9), Application and Permit for Permanent Exportation of Firearms and obtain approval from ATF prior to export. (ATF)
Where Are You Traveling To?
Full Member States
Do not enter Antigua and Barbuda with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Antigua and Barbuda government. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs or firearms are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Contact the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda(link is external) with questions regarding travel with firearms.
Firearms, ammunition, and other weapons are not permitted in The Bahamas. According to The Bahamas Firearms Act, individuals found to have a firearm or ammunition in their possession without a legally issued Bahamian gun license face a penalty of up to 10 years’ incarceration and $10,000 fine. Declaring the weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into The Bahamas.
If you have a firearm or ammunition onboard a boat entering Bahamian waters, you must declare it with Bahamian Customs at the first point of entry. Only declared shotguns and handguns are allowed in Bahamian waters. You must provide the serial number, name of the manufacturer, and an exact count of ammunition. Declared firearms cannot be removed from your boat and must be kept locked at all times.
If a U.S. citizen illegally brings a firearm or ammunition into The Bahamas, the U.S. Embassy will not be able to secure their release. All foreign nationals are subject to Bahamian law and must follow local law enforcement procedures.
Do not enter Barbados with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Barbados government. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs or firearms are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Contact the Embassy of Barbados(link is external) with questions regarding travel with firearms.
Do not enter Belize with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the government of Belize. Contact the Embassy of Belize(link is external) with questions regarding travel with firearms.
Do not enter Dominica with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Dominican government. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs or firearms are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Contact the Embassy of Domenica(link is external) with questions regarding travel with firearms.
Do not enter Grenada with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the government of Grenada. Contact the Embassy of Grenada(link is external) with questions regarding travel with firearms.
Do not enter Guyana with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Guyana Police Force. Visit the Guyana Police Force(link is external) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection websites for more information.
Possession of firearms, ammunition, and dangerous weaponry is strictly prohibited to any person, unless the individual has a Haitian license or has been specifically authorized by Haitian authorities. In order to bring a firearm into Haiti, an owner must obtain written permission in advance from the Director-General of the Haitian National Police (HNP). Contact the “Centre de Renseignement de la police”/Information Center (CRO) at cropnh@yahoo.fr(link is external) or by telephone at (+509) 3838-1111 / 3837-1111/3839-1111 for additional information. Travelers caught entering Haiti with any type of weapon, including firearms or ammunitions, will likely face severe penalties, including prison time. U.S.-issued permits allowing an individual to carry weapons are not valid in Haiti.
Jamaica strictly forbids importing or possessing firearms in Jamaica without prior authorization of the Firearms Licensing Authority of Jamaica. A U.S. concealed carry permit does not allow you to bring a firearm or ammunition into Jamaica. On Nov. 1, 2022, the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act 2022(link is external) went into effect. This new law includes mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years for possession of even a single cartridge.
If you bring an unauthorized firearm, firearm components, firearm parts or ammunition to Jamaica, you will be arrested and prosecuted. This will result in a large fine and/or incarceration for an unspecified amount of time. Bringing mace, pepper spray or knives into Jamaica without authorization will also lead to arrest.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal firearms are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Do not enter Montserrat with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the British government. Contact the British Embassy(link is external) before you travel with questions regarding travel with firearms.
Do not enter Saint Kitts and Nevis with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs or firearms are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Contact the Embassy of Saint Kitts and Nevis(link is external) before you travel.
Do not enter Saint Lucia with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Saint Lucia government. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs or firearms are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Contact the Embassy of Saint Lucia(link is external) with questions regarding travel with firearms.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Do not enter Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines government. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs or firearms are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Contact the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines(link is external) before you travel with questions regarding travel with firearms.
It is illegal to carry ammunition when arriving, departing or transiting through Trinidad and Tobago. Individuals found with as little as one bullet, a previously discharged bullet casing, or spent ammunition used in items such as jewelry or keyrings on their person or in their luggage at the airport have been detained, charged, and fined.
Associate States
Do not enter Anguilla with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the British government. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs or firearms are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Contact the British Embassy(link is external) before you travel with questions regarding travel with firearms.
The Department of State warns United States citizens against taking any type of firearm, ammunition or component of a firearm into Bermuda. The Bermuda government strictly enforces its laws restricting the entry of weapons and ammunition. Entering Bermuda with a firearm, bladed instruments, an ammunition magazine, or even a single round of ammunition is illegal, even if the weapon or ammunition is taken into the country unintentionally. Permission to import or own a gun in Bermuda must be sought in advance from the Bermuda Police Service(link is external). Any privately owned firearms must be secured at Bermuda Police Headquarters. Violations may result in arrest, convictions, and potentially long prison sentences. Pepper sprays and stun guns are considered dangerous weapons in Bermuda and are illegal.
Firearms entry restrictions may exist for visitors to and foreign residents of the British Virgin Islands. Contact the BVI Immigration Department(link is external) before you travel. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs or firearms are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
You are strictly forbidden to import or possess firearms or ammunition in the Cayman Islands. Even a single bullet inadvertently loose in a carry-on bag can lead to arrest. A conceal carry permit, employment by a police agency, or service in U.S. Armed Forces does not allow you to bring a firearm or ammunition into the Cayman Islands. If you travel with firearms, firearm components or
parts and/or ammunition to the Cayman Islands, you will be arrested and referred to the local courts for prosecution, which will result in a substantial fine and/or incarceration for an unspecified amount of time.
Firearms, ammunition, and other weapons are not permitted in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). TCI authorities strictly enforce all firearm-related laws; penalties include a minimum custodial sentence of 12 years according to the TCI Firearms Ordinance(link is external). Declaring the weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Observer States
Colombian law prohibits tourists and business travelers from bringing firearms and ammunition into Colombia.
Weapons laws in Mexico vary by state, but it is generally illegal for travelers to carry weapons of any kind including firearms, knives, daggers, brass knuckles and ammunition (even used shells). Illegal firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico is a major concern, and the Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against taking any firearm or ammunition into Mexico. If you are caught entering Mexico with any type of weapon, including firearms or ammunitions, you likely will face severe penalties, including prison time. U.S.-issued permits allowing an individual to carry weapons are not valid in Mexico. Vessels entering Mexican waters with firearms or ammunition on board must have a permit previously issued by a Mexican embassy or consulate.
Puerto Rico
Under the “Puerto Rico Weapons Act,” individuals are required to have a license to possess and a permit to carry firearms in Puerto Rico.
More Resources:
- Travelers with Firearms (U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs)
- Temporarily taking a firearm or ammunition outside the United States for personal reasons. i.e., hunting, or other personal recreational activities (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
- Guidance for U.S. Persons Traveling Outside the U.S. with Firearms and/or Ammunition (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
- How do I export defense articles, including firearms and ammunition? (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives)
Original warning from the ATF can be found here:
April 14, 2026 – Team Trinidad and Tobago delivered one of the most commanding performances at the 2026 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, finishing
third overall in swimming and second in athletics, signaling a powerful resurgence on the regional stage.
Competing in Martinique, the swim team amassed an impressive 747 points and 59 medals—20 gold, 19 silver and 20 bronze—in what officials are calling a historic showing. The result marks a significant step forward from previous years, reinforcing the country’s growing strength across disciplines and age groups.
Standout performances came from a deep and talented squad. Zahara Anthony led the charge with 72 points, dominating the Girls 11–12 division across freestyle, butterfly and individual medley events. Liam Carrington followed closely with 69 points, delivering a near-flawless campaign in the Boys 15–17 category, while Marena Martinez, Xaiden Valentine and Serenity Pantin added critical points with consistent podium finishes.
The team’s strength was not limited to individual brilliance. Athletes like Micah Alexander, Ethan McMillan-Cole and Jaden Mills showcased versatility and depth, while relay contributions from swimmers including Julius Ennals and Anpherne Bernard helped secure the team’s overall standing.
The performance drew high praise from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs in Trinidad and Tobago, which welcomed the team home in
celebration of what was described as a defining moment for the programme.
Minister Phillip Watts noted, “This success is not accidental. It is the result of hard work, structure, vision, and belief. Our young athletes are proving that Trinidad and Tobago is rising again.”
He added that every performance sent a clear message across the region that the country is “not standing still… we are moving forward.”
The showing in Martinique underscores the impact of sustained investment in youth development, coaching and systems, with Team TTO emerging as one of the most complete and competitive squads at CARIFTA 2026.
With momentum now firmly on their side, Trinidad and Tobago’s swimmers are not just competing—they are setting the pace for the future of Caribbean aquatics.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
The Bahamas, April 14, 2026 – With the 2026 Bahamian general election set for May 12, the country’s major political parties have now formally placed their plans before the electorate, offering competing visions for governance, growth and relief.
The governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), led by Philip Davis, launched its “Blueprint for Progress 2026” on April 8, 2026, outlining a
46-page plan focused on long-term development and systems reform. The document places heavy emphasis on energy transition, digital government, workforce training and food security, positioning the party as one seeking continuity following its first term. The full plan is publicly available online through official PLP platforms for voters to review.
Just days later, on Sunday, April 12, the opposition Free National Movement (FNM), under Michael Pintard, unveiled its 2026 Manifesto at a major event in Nassau. Spanning 54 pages, the document centers on cost-of-living relief, tax reform, healthcare expansion and housing, offering what the party describes as a more immediate response to economic pressures facing Bahamian families. The FNM has also made its manifesto accessible online.
Beyond the two major parties, the Coalition of Independents (COI) had already entered the policy space earlier, formally unveiling its long-range Vision 2030 framework on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Fusion Superplex in Nassau during a packed national launch led by party leader Lincoln Bain. That framework has since been complemented by a 100-day action plan released in late March/early April 2026, adding a short-term policy layer to its long-range proposals.
These policy rollouts come as the country prepares for a pivotal vote, with the Parliamentary Registration Department confirming a voters’ register of approximately 203,000 eligible voters, one of the largest in the nation’s history. Key dates are now set, with Nomination Day on April 16, followed by advance polls on April 30, ahead of General Election Day on May 12.
With platforms now in the public domain and the timeline locked in, the focus shifts squarely to the electorate—who must now weigh the promises, examine the plans and decide the country’s direction at the polls.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
The Bahamas, April 14, 2026 – At its core, the $65 million water security project is designed to strengthen the reliability, safety and resilience of the water supply across The Bahamas.
If implemented as planned, the investment is expected to improve water quality, reduce contamination risks and support public health,
while increasing supply reliability and limiting service disruptions during droughts or system failures. The project also aims to expand and upgrade infrastructure, including wellfields, pumping stations and storage capacity, and to protect freshwater resources from saltwater intrusion—an increasing threat for low-lying islands. In practical terms, that could mean cleaner, more consistent and more dependable access to water for residents across the country.
The project was first conceptualised in 2019 under the previous administration, when a proposal was submitted to the Green Climate Fund to strengthen the resilience of the country’s water systems. That early work came just months before Hurricane Dorian exposed the vulnerability of national infrastructure, including critical water and sanitation systems, particularly in the northern Bahamas.
The initial phase focused on developing the concept, identifying priority areas and engaging regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Development Bank, to support the design and preparation of a full funding proposal.
Following the change in government in 2021, the project advanced into its most technical and demanding stages. The current administration oversaw the completion of key requirements, including feasibility studies, environmental and social assessments, and detailed financing negotiations with international partners—steps necessary to move the proposal from concept to approval.
That multi-year process has now culminated in approval of a $65 million financing package, combining grant funding with concessional loans to support long-term upgrades to the country’s water infrastructure.
While the project brings significant international support, it is not entirely free money. The package is structured as a blended financing arrangement, combining grant funding with concessional loans—meaning a portion of the funding will ultimately need to be repaid. Based on information released by the Caribbean Development Bank, approximately $25 million of the total package is tied to loan financing, with the remaining portion provided as grant support.
Concessional loans typically carry more favourable terms than commercial borrowing, including lower interest rates and longer repayment
periods. However, they still represent debt obligations that will be borne over time.
Notably, detailed terms of the loan components—including interest rates, repayment schedules and any associated conditions—were not disclosed in the initial announcement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister (Bahamas). Those details are expected to be outlined in formal financing agreements, but have not yet been made public.
For Bahamians, the project represents both investment and obligation. While the grant funding provides a significant boost to infrastructure development, the loan component adds to the country’s long-term financial commitments—making transparency around terms and implementation timelines especially important.
While the approval marks a significant milestone, the timeline for delivery remains a critical factor. Based on information available from project partners, implementation is not expected to begin immediately. The initiative is anticipated to move into its execution phase later in 2026, following finalisation of financing agreements and completion of preparatory requirements.
From there, the project is projected to unfold over several years, with estimates suggesting a multi-year implementation period of up to seven years to fully deliver the planned upgrades to water infrastructure across The Bahamas.
This means that while the funding has now been approved, the benefits will be realised gradually rather than all at once. A definitive completion date has not been publicly outlined, and detailed timelines tied to specific islands or phases of work have yet to be disclosed.
For Bahamians, the question now shifts from approval to execution—when funds are drawn down, when construction begins, and how consistently the project moves from plan to delivery.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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