Firearm Users Visiting Canada
The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for controlling items brought into Canada. However, here is some basic information if you wish to bring a firearm or other item regulated by the Firearms Act into Canada.
The Firearms Act is a federal law and applies all across the country. Provinces may have additional requirements, especially with respect to hunting.
You must be at least 18 years old to bring a firearm into Canada. If you are younger than 18, you may use a firearm in certain circumstances, but an adult must remain responsible for the firearm.
If you have been convicted of anything considered a criminal offense in Canada, including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will need to get approval of rehabilitation or a temporary immigration permit from Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration before you can enter Canada. Contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for more information.
Classes of Firearms and Devices
There are three classes of firearms in Canada:
- Non-restricted (most common rifles and shotguns): These may generally be imported for purposes such as hunting, protection from wild animals in remote wilderness areas where firearms are allowed, or target-shooting. They may also be taken in transit through Canada by a reasonably direct route.
- Restricted: These are allowed for certain purposes, such as target shooting at an approved club or range, but they are not allowed for hunting or self-protection.
- Prohibited: You cannot bring a prohibited firearm intoCanada.
Some firearms are classified as restricted or prohibited under the Criminal Code based on their general characteristics (e.g. barrel length or caliber); other restricted and prohibited firearms are specified by name in Criminal Code Regulations.
Some large-capacity magazines are prohibited even if the firearms to which the magazines are attached are allowed. As a general rule, the maximum capacity is:
- five cartridges for most magazines designed for a centre fire semi-automatic long gun; and
- ten cartridges for most handgun magazines.
There is no maximum magazine capacity for other types of long guns, including semi-automatics that discharge only rim-fire ammunition.
Licensing and Registration Requirements
Firearm owner and users in Canada need a valid firearms license allowing them to possess firearms and a Canadian registration certificate for each firearm in their possession. A license issued under Canada’s Firearms Act is different from a provincial hunting license.
As a non-resident, you have two options for meeting the Canadian licensing and registration requirements
Option 1
You can declare your firearms in writing, in triplicate, using the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (form CAFC 909).
If you are bringing more than three firearms, attach a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Continuation Sheet (form CAFC 910).
Please fill out the declaration form ahead of time to save time at the point of entry. However, wait until you arrive at the point of entry to sign the form because a customs officer must witness your signature.
Once the customs officer has confirmed your declaration, it will have the same effect as a license for you and a temporary registration certificate for all the firearms you bring to Canada. It is valid for 60 days. You can renew your declaration at no additional fee, if you renew it before it expires, by contacting the CFO of the province or territory where you are staying. To renew it, call 1 800 731-4000.
A confirmed declaration costs a flat fee of $25, regardless of the number of firearms listed on it. It is only valid for the person who signs it and for those firearms listed on the declaration. If you come with others who will be using firearms in Canada, you will each need to meet these requirements.
Option 2
You can apply for a five-year Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) and register your firearms in Canada. You must wait until you get your PAL before you register your firearms.
If you apply for a PAL, you must provide evidence that you have passed the written and practical tests for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. If you wish to be licensed for restricted firearms, you must also have passed the tests for Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course. A course from your own country would not meet the requirements of Canadian law. You can take the tests without taking the courses.
Contact the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) of the province where you will most likely be using the firearm for information on any other documents you need to provide from authorities in your country to assist with the background safety check.
Once you have your PAL, you can apply to register your firearms online for free or by submitting a paper application (CAFC 998). The firearms must be verified by an approved verifier before they are registered. Call 1-800-731-4000 (Canadaand theU.S.) or 1-506-624-5380 (outside Canada and the U.S.) for help to verify your firearms.
If you have a valid license and registration certificate, you will not have to complete the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration and pay a fee. However, you will still have to make an oral declaration to the customs officer.
Buying or Importing Ammunition
A valid PAL, a confirmed Non-Resident Firearm Declaration or a Temporary Borrowing License (for Non-Residents) will allow you to buy ammunition in Canada. As well, you may bring up to 200 rounds of ammunition into Canada with you.
Fees (in Canadian Funds)
- A confirmed Non-Resident Firearm Declaration costs $25. This fee covers all the firearms listed on the declaration.
- An initial PAL costs $60 for non-restricted firearms only, or $80 for any combination of restricted and non-restricted firearms. It is valid for five years.
Information
Application forms for non-resident firearms declarations and temporary borrowing licenses may also be obtained from Canadian tourist offices, customs offices, gun clubs and outfitters.
For information on the declaration process, please call the Canada Border Services Agency at the following numbers:
Within Canada: 1 800 461-9999
Outside Canada: 1 204 983-3500 or 1 506 636-5064
