Declaration Requirements

• All firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, and cartridges must be declared to the air carrier during the check-in process.
  

Firearm Transportation

• Firearms may only be transported as checked baggage.
  
• Firearms must be unloaded.
  
• Firearms must be packed in a locked, hard-sided container.
  
• In addition, firearms must be secured with a trigger lock or cable lock.
  
• Multiple firearms may be transported in the same piece of checked baggage; however, airlines impose a maximum number of firearms per passenger, which may vary by airline.
  

Ammunition Transportation

• Firearms and ammunition may be transported in the same piece of checked baggage, but must be stored in separate locked, hard-sided containers.
  
• Original manufacturer packaging for ammunition may be accepted, depending on the airline.
  
• Ammunition should be properly cushioned within the luggage to prevent movement or damage during transport.
  
• Ammunition weight limits apply and may vary by airline.
  

Licensing Requirements

• When transporting or flying with a firearm as a Canadian traveller, you must carry your valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) at all times.
  

Travelling to the United States with a Firearm

• If flying to the United States, you must have an approved and signed ATF Form 6 Part I (5330.3D).
  
• Applications should be submitted approximately 60 days prior to the intended date of importation.
  
• The application can be found Here! Follow the instructions sheet found in the form.
  

*This policy applies to both air travel and land border crossings.

Travelling to Canada with a Firearm

If you do not hold a valid Canadian firearms licence, you must:

• Complete form RCMP 5589: Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (NRFD) (this form acts as the visitors firearms licence while in Canada).

• Pay a CAN$25.00 fee

Once confirmed by a BSO (Border Service Officers), the form acts as the licence and as the temporary registration certificate for the firearms for up to 60 days.

To import restricted firearms you also need an authorization to transport (ATT). You can get one by following these steps (Click here to learn about Canadian Classes of firearms):

• Call the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 to receive an application for an ATT.
  
• Apply and receive approval for an ATT from the Chief Firearms Officer of the province you will be visiting.
  
• When arriving at the border, declare your firearms, present the approved ATT and apply for the form RCMP 5589: NRFD, if required.
  

If you arrive at the border without an ATT for the restricted firearm, the CBSA may hold the firearm for 14 days while you apply for the form. Once obtained, you must present the ATT to the CBSA.

*This policy applies to both air travel and land border crossings.

Prohibited firearms, devices and weapons

Visitors to Canada cannot, under any circumstances, import prohibited firearms, prohibited devices or prohibited weapons.A listing of these items may be found in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted.

REFERENCE: CBSA Firearms import regulations for visitors

Departing from a U.S. Airport

When departing from a U.S. airport, passengers transporting firearms may be required to remain in the check-in area for up to 15 minutes after completing check-in, in case Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers need to inspect the firearm case.

In accordance with TSA regulations, only the passenger may retain the key or combination to the locked firearm container. TSA personnel may request the key or combination solely for the purpose of opening the container to verify compliance with TSA requirements.

REFERENCE: TSA - Transporting Firearms and Ammunition