The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Aviation Security
Shooting enthusiasts - plan before you travel to the UK


Inform the airline that you wish to carry a gun in your checked baggage at the time of booking your flight. Give details of the weapon/s if requested.

Check in early. Carry all appropriate documentation for your weapon and ammunition. (Licence/ Certificate and the Licence/ Authority to have and use the weapon once at your country of destination.)

Declare the gun and any ammunition to airline check-in staff at the airport. Passengers carrying firearms will be required to sign a declaration that the weapon is unloaded.


A Visitors Shotgun Permit will allow you to bring one or more of your own shotguns into the UK. You may, in addition, ask for permission to purchase or acquire one or more shotguns whilst you are visiting the UK. For the purposes of the certificate, a shotgun is defined as a smoothbore gun, with barrel(s) at least 24" (610mm) long. Semi-automatics and pump-actions must have a magazine capacity of no more than two shots: this must be a permanent, irreversible restriction, verified by either the London or Birmingham Proof Houses - therefore it is extremely unlikely that any semi-automatic or pump-action will qualify, unless it has already been to Britain, and been approved by the Proof House.

To obtain a Visitors Permit, a UK resident will have to 'sponsor' your application. Aside from providing details of make, serial number, calibre and type of each gun, you will also have to satisfy the police authority issuing your permit of arrangements for the secure storage of the gun(s) when not in use. In the case of a Visitors Firearms Permit, it is standard practice that you - or your sponsor - will be asked to provide details of where you intend to use the gun(s). Suitability of the land may then have to be checked by police. It is likely that you will also have to supply proof of your home country's permission for you to own the gun(s). This may take the form of a permit to own guns; but as this is not required in some countries, gun club memberships and hunting permits will usually suffice.

A Visitors Firearms Permit will show the make and serial number of any firearm that a visitor to Britain is permitted to bring in to the country with them, or borrow whilst here. It is not possible to purchase a firearm with a Visitors Firearms Permit, but ammunition may be acquired if such authorisation is shown. Limitations on the type of firearm that you import are the same as for U.K. residents; and restrictions will apply as to where the firearm may be used. No semi-automatic or pump-action rifles are permitted, other than in .22 rimfire calibres. Handguns are effectively banned and would require specific permission from the Home Office. Semi-automatic and pump-action shotguns, capable of taking more than two cartridges in their magazines, fall within the Firearms Permit category, as do air rifles with muzzle energy greater than 12 ft-lbs, or 6 ft-lbs for air pistols.

I presume it is wise to leave things like moderators behind.

yes I'm sure the Americans will be greatly amused by your neutered gun.