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 recently collaborated with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the Department of Social Services to support a youth camp hosted at the Oseta Jolly Primary School, underscoring the resort’s ongoing commitment to youth development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The camp, which brought together security forces, government agencies and private sector entities, focused on equipping young participants
with practical life skills and character-building tools. A team from Beaches Turks and Caicos’ leadership and training departments joined the programme to deliver sessions on basic table etiquette, dining mannerisms, polite demeanour and public speaking fundamentals, all designed to help the students present themselves confidently in formal and professional settings.
General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, Deryk Meany, said the resort views national development as an integral part of its corporate social responsibility. “We are always happy to be supporters in the development of the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We continue to commit our team to help in creating the next generation of leaders who will provide support to the islands and help in its development,” Meany noted.
The initiative also received strong endorsement from the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Community Development, which has been championing holistic programmes aimed at building well-rounded young citizens. Minister Rachel Taylor highlighted the importance of collaborations like the camp in helping youth access structured guidance and mentorship. “We are happy to join in celebrating the growth and development of our youth here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to be one of our primary supporters in helping to develop well rounded individuals. This commitment from this resort has grown with the vision of the youth ministry to help in their overall development,” she said.
Taylor further emphasized that the camp’s timing was especially significant, coming as youth across the islands seek positive outlets and
constructive engagement. “This camp came at the most ideal time for our adolescents. With the support of our governor, the security forces, the social services along with Beaches Turks and Caicos, we are confident that the training needed for them to improve is on the right track,” she added.
Beaches Turks and Caicos Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan, described the collaboration as an exemplary model of cross-sector partnership. “To be able to join with the security forces to provide support for the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands is exceptional. We are happy to provide the necessary support to equip them to grow into being productive citizens of these islands,” Morgan said.
He noted that the resort team focused on practical etiquette and hospitality-driven skills that can be carried into the youths’ future experiences. “As a team, we were able to share in the basic table setting and dining etiquette for them, skills we are sure that they will be able to use in their next fine dining experience,” Morgan added.
Organizers expressed optimism that the camp’s blend of discipline, mentorship and soft skills training will have a lasting impact on participants. With stakeholders pledging continued support, the Beaches Turks and Caicos team and their partners aim to expand similar initiatives, further investing in the personal and professional growth of the next generation of Turks and Caicos Islanders.
TCIG knew from April that fuel factor could surge almost 80%; Minister says $500 cost-of-living payment was part of Government’s response
PROVIDENCIALES — The Turks and Caicos Government knew months before July’s shocking electricity bills that consumers faced a potentially massive increase in the fuel factor.
Minister of Information Technology and Energy E. Jay Saunders revealed Friday that Pelican Energy warned his Ministry in April that generation fuel costs were projected to rise from $3.09 per gallon in May to $4.79 in June and July.
That translated into a projected fuel factor jump from about 17.5 cents to 31 cents per kilowatt-hour — an increase of almost 80%.
Saunders said he personally advised Cabinet of the projected increase and presented options for cushioning the impact.
He characterised Government’s $500 cost-of-living payment as its “initial response” to rising fuel costs, before a separate fuel-factor subsidy was approved.
Cabinet records show Government agreed on June 24 to provide funding to mitigate the fuel-factor impact, with the relief programme approved July 8.
Eligible residential customers — those averaging less than $1,500 monthly over the previous three bills — are capped at 22 cents per kWh from July through October.
Pelican confirmed Friday that Government’s contribution was already applied to July bills, meaning the bills now triggering widespread public outrage would have been even higher without the subsidy.
Saunders did not disclose the programme’s total cost.
His admission that Government knew since April, however, raises another question amid the backlash: why were consumers not directly warned by Government about the scale of the approaching increase?
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
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