Bringing Firearms Into Canada

As of January 1, 2001, non-resident customers will need a firearms licence to import or borrow firearms, and to acquire ammunition. For customers who bring their own firearms into Canada, a confirmed Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (form JUS 909 EF) will serve as a licence and registration.

Non-Residents who wish to borrow firearms while in Canada will need a Temporary Firearms Borrowing Licence (form JUS 715 EF), or a possession and acquisition licence (PAL) or a valid Firearms Acquisition Certificate (FAC). SOME CHANGES REGARDING THIS LICENSE CAME INTO EFFECT IN 2005, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca

Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form

The form will be your temporary firearms licence while you are in Canada

1. The PREVIOUS FEE of $50.00 Canadian, has DECREASED to $25.00 as of April 10, 2005 and is valid for a twelve month period. You can pay the firearms fee by cash, Mastercard, Visa, or personal cheque. Please note that personal cheques will not be accepted unless drawn on a Canadian banking establishment. Cheques should be made payable to the Receiver General of Canada.

2. This licence is valid for 60 days, you may extend this licence by calling the Canadian Firearms Centre 1-800-731-4000 and you will be transferred to the Chief Firearms Officer in the province you are visiting. There is no additional fee for extending your licence.

3. Forms are available at any Customs Office, or you can call the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000 and a form will be mailed to you. You can also download a form (you will need three copies) from their web site at www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca

4. Forms must be filled out in triplicate (you may fill these out before coming to the border to avoid delays), but each copy must be signed in front of a Customs Officer. The Customs Officer may inspect your firearm(s).

5. Every time you bring a firearm into Canada, you must show your temporary licence to a Customs Officer to obtain a new confirmation number. If you are bringing the same firearms each time, you may use the same form and have it reconfirmed at the border. If you are bringing different firearms into Canada on successive visits, you must complete a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration-Continuation Sheet (form JUS 910 EF) in triplicate, also to be signed in front of a Customs Officer.

Borrowing A Firearm in Canada

You will not need a licence to borrow a firearm if you only use it under the direct and immediate supervision of an adult who can lawfully possess that firearm. Please contact the Chief Firearms Officer of the province where you wish to use the firearm to determine the exact stipulation for this option: 1-800-731-4000.

1. Otherwise, those 18 years and older will need either a Temporary Firearms Borrowing Licence or a valid Canadian licence that allows you to acquire firearms (either a valid PAL or FAC).

2. A Temporary Firearms Borrowers Licence costs $30.00 Canadian. It can be renewed once within a 12-month period at no extra cost. Any additional renewals will cost $30.00. A sponsor may apply on behalf of a non-resident for the borrowers licence.

3. If you frequently come to Canada to hunt, you may prefer to get a Canadian possession and acquisition licence (PAL). A five year PAL costs $60.00 Canadian. If you have a PAL, you will not need a borrowers licence to borrow firearms, nor will you need a confirmed declaration to import firearms that are registered in Canada. However, you will need a confirmed declaration for any firearms not registered in Canada, whether or not you have a PAL. Before applying for a PAL, you must pass the test for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. You can pass the test without taking the course.

Ammunition

You may import sporting and competitive ammunition for personal use. Non-residents can import 200 rounds duty free for hunting purposes, or up to 1500 rounds duty free for use at a recognized competition.

1. You must possess a Firearms Licence, a Confirmed Declaration, or a Temporary Borrowers Licence to buy ammunition in Canada.

Further information on all these topics may be obtained from the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000