Licence

Visitor鈥檚 firearm permit (Northern Ireland)

You need a visitor's permit from the police to possess a firearm or ammunition as a non-resident in Northern Ireland

Apply for this licence

You need a visitor鈥檚 permit from the police to possess a firearm or ammunition as a non-resident in Northern Ireland.

This does not apply to GB residents who must apply for a separate certificate of approval.

How to apply

Download an from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) website.

The application must be made by a Northern Ireland resident acting as sponsor to the visitor.

As sponsor you must apply no less than 6 weeks before the visit.

You must include information on:

  • visitor鈥檚 details
  • your details as sponsor
  • details of the firearms and/or ammunition
  • reasons for possession in Northern Ireland
  • where the firearms will be used
  • arrangements for storage and safe custody when not in use

Your visitor must have the required permits to hold the firearm and/or ammunition lawfully in their own country. You must include a copy of the visitor鈥檚 current domestic firearms permit.

Fees and charges

A fee of 拢16 is payable per individual permit or 拢80 for a group application of 6 or more permits.

Conditions

The permit will specify the firearm and/or ammunition to which it relates and may be subject to conditions.

Fines and penalties

It is a criminal offence for non-GB visitors in Northern Ireland to carry firearms and/or ammunition without a visitor鈥檚 permit, or to fail to comply with a visitor鈥檚 permit鈥檚 conditions.