3. Gun Laws In El Salvador
Due to violence in El Salvador, gun laws are directed at lowering and regulating private gun ownership.
In short, you must show no criminal record and be at least 21 years old, or 24 for a carry license, pay tax, and do a written test. The wait is short, about three hours total.
4. Costa Rica
In order to obtain a gun license in Costa Rica you must obtain permanent residency or citizenship. You will also need a clean criminal record and a psychological exam.
Once you meet the requirements you are allowed to obtain a range of firearms, up to three handguns, three rifles (for sport, as hunting is illegal for nature conservation), and semi-automatic weapons with calibers between 5.6 to 18.5 millimeters. Guns may be bought at a local licensed gun shop or from a private individual.
To import your guns, you must submit an application with the Ministry of Public Security and declare the weapons once they arrive in customs which will hold the guns until you do the registration process.
5. Guatemala
First, Guatemala’s Constitution gives individuals the right to own a gun. And, if they want to own one for personal use, this does not require any exhaustive approval from the government.
Second, to obtain a license for owning a gun in Guatemala, you have to meet the set criteria, which includes having a clean police record, no mental illness, and for locals a proven service in the police or army.
Gun Laws In South America
6. Colombia
Civilians in Colombia may possess firearms only through a permit issued at the discretion of the local authorities. It is restricted due to security reasons.
In order to own a gun you must be 18 or older and have your guns registered with the military because they hold the national gun registry.
To own small caliber handguns and shotguns you must acquire a license for the purpose of self-defense. The constitution has a ban on civilians carrying their guns at political meetings and elections.
Higher caliber handguns, shotguns or semi-automatic firearms are prohibited unless there are “exceptional circumstances.”
Bottom line, this is one of the least gun-friendly countries in the Americas.
To apply for a gun permit in Colombia, you must:
- Have a valid reason for owning one;
- Pass background check (criminal, mental health, and addiction);
- Have no record of domestic violence;
- Theory and/or practical test required (for surveillance or private security work);
- Licenses must be renewed every 10 years (guns restricted to your property), three years (self-defense guns), or annually (restricted weapons);
- Number of guns allowed is limited to two per person;
- No more than nine rounds per clip allowed, 10 rounds for .22s;
- You may have to join the military reserve to be allowed a permit.
To transport weapons for sanctioned events like hunting and shooting sports, guns must be disabled, i.e., firing pin removed stored separately.
7. Brazil
In Brazil, civilian gun ownership is allowed. You need to be at least 25 years old, and register the firearm with the Federal Police. Handguns and semi-automatic weapons are allowed, assault weapons are prohibited.
Permits must be renewed every 10 years. And, there are penalties for illegal firearm possession.
Most importantly, yYou need to obtain a permit to carry firearms outside of your house. You need to state your reason for carrying the weapon, complete a course on firearm handling and demonstrate that you can strike a target from 16 and 23 feet away with 60% accuracy.
Most importantly, you must also show a clean criminal background, and a mental health certificate from a state approved psychologist. The permit is valid for five years.
