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:
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort has launched its 2026 Summer Internship Programme with a record-breaking cohort of 111 high school and tertiary-level students, marking the largest intake in recent years.
The six-week programme, which runs from July 6 to August 14, 2026, is designed to give young Turks and Caicos Islanders hands-on
exposure to the hospitality industry across a wide range of departments.
Human Resources Recruitment Specialist Fitzroy Virgo highlighted the programme’s growing significance, “this is the largest cohort we have had in recent times. We currently have 111 participants with a waiting list of almost another 100. We are happy that we have been able to attract some of the brightest and best young minds in the Turks and Caicos Islands as we have interns from Providenciales, North and South Caicos Islands.”
Virgo also noted that the programme goes beyond technical training, incorporating soft skills workshops in financial literacy, customer service, résumé writing and brand and image management.
General Manager Deryk Meany praised the human resources and training teams for the programme’s sustained growth. “The success of this programme has allowed us to grow each year as we continue to build a conducive learning environment for aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Meany said.
He noted that many of this year’s interns were first introduced to Beaches through educational tours facilitated by the Sandals Foundation. “We are excited to provide training in the various areas but more importantly to train them in the soft skills areas that will allow them to be more marketable after they experience this internship programme.”
Among the interns is Maranatha Academy fifth form student Vernae Handfield, who has set her sights on the culinary arts. “My dream is to
explore the culinary world and to be a Michelin chef in the future — hence my reason for wanting to start my experience here at the largest resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Handfield shared. “I’m looking forward to learning from all these experts who have many years of experience in the different cuisines.”
For others, the programme offers a bridge between classroom theory and real-world application. Keiser University accounting major Sean Astwood II said the opportunity is perfectly aligned with his academic goals. “I want to be able to put into practice my theoretical knowledge into the field of accounting and eventually auditing. Getting the opportunity here at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort is the perfect environment for me to start to build my skills. I’m grateful for this experience to be immersed into this dynamic working environment.”
The programme has also fostered a culture of return, with several interns participating for multiple consecutive years — a testament to the quality and lasting impact of the experience. As Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to expand its community engagement through hospitality education, the 2026 cohort stands as a powerful reflection of the resort’s commitment to developing local talent and strengthening the Turks and Caicos Islands’ hospitality workforce for years to come.
Photo Insert: A section of the audience at the Beaches Turks and Caicos 2026 summer internship programme at the Caribbean Village conference room
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, July 9, 2026- The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Blue Hills area off Tom Lightbourne Road and opposite the dump on Thursday, July 2, 2026, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect Crown land from illegal occupation and encroachment.
The operation brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, the ISU, the Planning Department and the Royal Turks and
Caicos Islands Police Force who provided security for the exercise. Following a briefing, inspections were carried out across a number of parcels of Crown land where illegal structures and other unauthorised uses had been identified.
During the exercise, officers served a total of eleven (11) Letters of Illegal Occupation to occupied structures, while six (6) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorised Occupation were issued in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Act. In addition to illegally constructed buildings, notices were also issued in relation to the unauthorised placement of vehicles, boats and a jet ski on Crown land. Where occupants were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or locations.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that occupying or otherwise using Crown land without lawful authority is an offence under the Crown Land Act. These inspections and enforcement activities form part of a sustained programme aimed at safeguarding public lands, discouraging unlawful development and ensuring that Crown land is managed in the best interests of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Crown Land Unit will continue to work closely with its partner agencies to identify and address instances of illegal occupation across the Islands. Persons occupying Crown land without authorisation are encouraged to comply with all notices issued and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has officially unveiled its newly constructed Team Member Welcome Centre, marking a significant milestone in the resort’s ongoing Beaches 2.0 transformation.
The new facility, introduced as part of phase one of the development, is designed to centralize essential services and amenities for team
members while elevating comfort, convenience and overall workplace satisfaction. The space now houses a state-of-the-art cafeteria, a multimedia training room, the human resources department, expanded locker and changing facilities and an automated banking machine- creating a comprehensive, one-stop hub for team members.
Speaking at the opening, General Manager Deryk Meany emphasized the broader vision behind the investment and its alignment with the brand’s evolution.
“This is one more step in Beaches 2.0 being consistent, providing personalized service and taking it to the next level for our team members to be comfortable. I want my team to know that this resort is the most ideal place to work and we are invested in their comfort and wellbeing” Meany stated.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition within the hospitality sector that employee experience is connected to guest satisfaction. Beaches Turks and Caicos has prioritized modern infrastructure and staff focused amenities to strengthen team engagement while reinforcing its reputation as a leading employer in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Regional Managing Director James McAnally described the Welcome Centre as a space for employees’ well-being and operational excellence.
“This project is a long-term plan that was designed to provide comfort for every team member,” McAnally said. “The new dining space can rival fine dining restaurants on the island. We have provided the best for our team and we want them to enjoy the amenities as we continue to enhance the family atmosphere at Beaches Turks and Caicos.”
The restaurant which is a standout feature of the new facility, offers a modern dining experience with upgraded seating, contemporary
finishes and an enhanced menu selection. Designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, the space reflects the resort’s commitment to quality for its team.
In addition to dining, the multimedia training room introduces advanced learning capabilities, supporting ongoing team development through interactive and technology-driven training sessions. The inclusion of human resources within the same complex further streamlines comprehensive space for staff related services, while the expanded locker and changing areas address a conducive working facilities space for the team.
Long-serving team member Carlton Salmon praised the development, noting its impact on morale and daily operations.
“This place is simply amazing,” Salmon shared.
“The style and design are similar to the new Treasure Beach Village. This is Beaches 2.0. Every team member has given positive ratings for not only the food, but the one-stop shop idea.”
The Welcome Centre’s opening signals more than just a physical upgrade. It shows that Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to position itself as a forward-thinking leader in Caribbean hospitality.
As phase one comes to fruition, anticipation is already building for future enhancements under the Beaches 2.0 initiative, which aims to further integrate innovation, community support and elevated service standards across the resort.
PHOTO CAPTION: The official ribbon cutting at the Welcome Centre has (l-r) Curtis Lee, Hotel Manager, Phildreka Campbell, Learning and Development Manager, Patricia Talbot, Restaurant Manager, Javain Campbell, Diamond team member, James McAnally, Regional Managing Director, Deryk Meany, General Manager, Owenta Coleby, Human Resources Manager, Tanya Swann, Executive Assistant Manager Treasure Beach Village, and Dr Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of Special Education Needs Services
-
Caribbean News1 week agoReturning Haitians Could Be the Answer Haiti Has Been Praying For
-
Health1 week agoTurks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association Secures Landmark Health Insurance Partnership for Tourism Workforce
-
News1 week agoCOURT DENIES BAIL; MISICK, HANCHELL AND CHAL MISICK TO REMAIN BEHIND BARS DURING APPEAL
-
News1 week agoTurks & Caicos Visitors Spend $670 Million in 90 Days as Survey Reveals Top Resorts
-
Bahamas News1 week agoPrime Minister Commissions Completed Rooftop Solar Installations at UB
-
News1 week agoWarning Puts Spotlight on Governor’s Constitutional Responsibility for Financial Services
-
Caribbean News1 week agoFrom Pathways to Investment: Tackling the US $6 Billion Food Challenge for the Caribbean
-
News5 days agoBeaches Turks & Caicos welcomes record 111 interns in 2026 summer programme