Traveling with Firearms
Travel with firearms and ammunition in the United States is governed by the Transportation Security Administration.
Following is a summary of TSA requirements (be sure to go to the website for more information).
• Firearms and Ammunition - Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts may only be transported in
checked baggage. Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts are prohibited from carry-on baggage.
• All firearms must be declared to the air carrier during the ticket counter check-in process.
• The firearm must be unloaded.
• The firearm must be carried in a hard-sided container.
• The container must be locked.
• The passenger must provide the key or combination to the screener if it is necessary to open the
container, and then remain present during screening to take back possession of the key after the
container is cleared.
• Any ammunition transported must be securely packed in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal
boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
• Firearm magazines/clips do not satisfy the packaging requirement unless they provide a complete
and secure enclosure of the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the
magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
• The ammunition may also be located in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it is
properly packed as described above. ** It is very important that you check with your travel
agent to verify the rules and restrictions based on the countries you will be traveling.
• Black powder and percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms are not permitted in
carry-on or checked baggage.
The regulations are strictly enforced. Violations can result in criminal prosecution and the imposition of civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
Air carriers may have their own additional requirements on the carriage of firearms and the amount of ammunition an individual may place in checked baggage. Therefore, travelers should also contact all the air carriers you have scheduled regarding each carriers firearm and ammunition carriage policies.
The countries you travel through may also have specific requirement for transporting firearms and ammunition. For example, South Africa currently requires that ammunition be kept in a locked box. Your booking agent should be able to advise you of country specific requirements.
