Firearms licensing: frequently asked questions
How can I take my licensed weapons abroad?
If you are the holder of a shotgun or firearms certificate and you wish to take your weapons abroad within the EEC, then you will need a European Firearms Permit (EFP). The EFP is issued free of charge, upon written application to your Firearms Licensing Department. You will need to specify what weapons you will be taking with you. A European Firearms Permit cannot have an expiry date later than the expiry date on the firearms or shotgun certificate on which the weapons are held. You may also need to send in a current photograph of yourself, signed on the reverse with your usual signature, when you request an EFP.
If you wish to take your weapons to any other country, whether in or outside the EEC, you should seek advice from the embassy or consulate of that country. Even within the EEC other documents may be required other than your European Firearms Permit.
All weapons must be declared to Customs and to the travel company carrying you, whether by land, sea or air.
Holders of British firearm and shotgun certificates, wishing to take their firearms to Northern Ireland, should be aware that a valid certificate of approval, from the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, is also required in addition to their firearm and shotgun certificates.
It should be noted that air weapons are also currently required to be licensed in Northern Ireland, and approval as above is necessary to take them there.
Advice on obtaining approval can be found at www.psni.police.uk/farms .