Post: #1

As I understand it, every state in the US has the right to keep and bear arms, but I think this only applies to citizens.

At some point in the future I'd like to visit the US (I've heard so much about it you know, I'd like to see with my own eyes etc). As part of that I will want to have the "full American experience" (without the Lindy Wests and Mattress girl parts). If I don't get to casually stroll around outside carrying a piece like its the most natural thing in the world, I will consider that unfulfilled.

So I'm interested if anyone knows the deal with foreigners being able to carry weapons like citizens can, if there are some states that allow that etc. Cheers.

Post: #2

You can not legally own a firearm. You will have to establish residency in the US if I am correct.

Impossible for me to know gun laws in every state but if I'm correct... New Hampshire, PA, and Vermont are all pretty lax.

You should be able to go to a gun range and fire one no problem.

Post: #3

Green card holders can buy and carry, at least in my State.

Without either a valid driver's license or green card, I think that you're going to have an issue. Though, one way to get away with it, in an open carry state like Texas, might be to borrow a weapon from someone and then walk around with it on your hip. That would circumvent the background check. Though, please don't take my advice as gospel and do your own research on this possibility. Tourists very well might be prohibited from carrying.

I'd be surprised if anyone knew the regs for foreigners in a few let alone all 50 states.

If you had a driver's license, I'd recommend going to an outdoor range, renting something, and walking around there like you own the place. Though, admittedly, that isn't quite the "open carry in Starbucks" experience.

Also, be forewarned, that open carry isn't a normal thing to see even in a lot of states where it is legal; with maybe for a few exceptions to include Texas. Expect reactions. Concealed carry generally requires paperwork and thus personal documents.

Post: #4

(07-19-2016 01:14 PM)hydrogonian Wrote:  Green card holders can buy and carry, at least in my State.

Without either a valid driver's license or green card, I think that you're going to have an issue. Though, one way to get away with it, in an open carry state like Texas, might be to borrow a weapon from someone and then walk around with it on your hip. That would circumvent the background check. Though, please don't take my advice as gospel and do your own research on this possibility. Tourists very well might be prohibited from carrying.

I'd be surprised if anyone knew the regs for foreigners in a few let alone all 50 states.

If you had a driver's license, I'd recommend going to an outdoor range, renting something, and walking around there like you own the place. Though, admittedly, that isn't quite the "open carry in Starbucks" experience.

Also, be forewarned, that open carry isn't a normal thing to see even in a lot of states where it is legal. Expect reactions. Concealed carry generally requires paperwork and thus personal documents.

No don't do that in Texas. Open Carry falls under LTC (License to Carry Laws) in Texas, you must have a license to carry a handgun here. Texas laws are not very lax like it would seem to be. You can actually Open Carry a handgun in Louisiana without a license, as long as you are old enough. ( I think 18+ don't quote me on that). You also cannot have any prior felony convictions. It has to be completely visible and in plain sight.

Never carry a handgun in Texas, not registered to you either, without a license. You will be in a lot of legal trouble and it is not worth it.

As for foreigners, I don't know all the rules, but here I think you need permanent residency (a green card). You could still might bomb out on the background check though according to some guys I spoke to at my local gun store. To get a LTC, you cannot even apply if you do not have a green card.

Post: #5

What about no-permit states like Vermont? From what I read it sounds like a free-for-all up there But perhaps there's some "except foreigners" bit I don't know about.

Post: #6

Utah just requires you to be a resident of the state to be able to openly carry a handgun, but you cannot have a round in the chamber, it must be visible in a holster at all times, and the gun must have a safety. Utah is pretty well known for their open carry laws, but even then there are restrictions and little nuances. Like Hydro said, you would need to read about each state to get all the details.

Post: #7

(07-19-2016 01:30 PM)Phoenix Wrote:  What about no-permit states like Vermont? From what I read it sounds like a free-for-all up there But perhaps there's some "except foreigners" bit I don't know about.

According to wiki, looks like you could if you just have a visa.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_Vermont
or
https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/vermont/

Just because it is on wiki or the NRA, does not mean it's okay, I would double and triple check multiple sources. You could even email the state on their public safety contact page for further validation, or call a local police dept. there.

Post: #8

Texas was just an example used to illustrate a possibility.

When in doubt, call or email the local sheriff.

Post: #9

(07-19-2016 01:30 PM)Phoenix Wrote:  What about no-permit states like Vermont? From what I read it sounds like a free-for-all up there But perhaps there's some "except foreigners" bit I don't know about.

This is just a theory. Find some hunters, those guys would probably be cool to take you out with them if you're geniunely interested.

Pretty crazy Vermont is the capital of communism in America.

Post: #10

A roll of quarters or an axe needs no permit.

Post: #11

(07-19-2016 01:00 PM)Phoenix Wrote:  As I understand it, every state in the US has the right to keep and bear arms, but I think this only applies to citizens.

At some point in the future I'd like to visit the US (I've heard so much about it you know, I'd like to see with my own eyes etc). As part of that I will want to have the "full American experience" (without the Lindy Wests and Mattress girl parts). If I don't get to casually stroll around outside carrying a piece like its the most natural thing in the world, I will consider that unfulfilled.

So I'm interested if anyone knows the deal with foreigners being able to carry weapons like citizens can, if there are some states that allow that etc. Cheers.

Generally the RKBA and permit less carry statutes have language explicitly stating that it applies to those who may legally posses a firearm, so if you can not legally posses one than it will be difficult. As a foreigner there does exist a kind of gun tourism in the freer states, Las Vegas in particular has several ranges where you can rent anything from handguns to sub machine guns, to suppressed belt fed machine guns. Perhaps a middle ground would be to see if taking a shooting course with rental guns would be feasible, that way you could "carry" a gun and run around and shoot shit and have a grand time. Likewise finding someone to "sponsor" a day of shooting out in the sticks might be a good idea, depending on your network in the US.

(07-19-2016 01:22 PM)TravelerKai Wrote:  Never carry a handgun in Texas, not registered to you either, without a license. You will be in a lot of legal trouble and it is not worth it.

Small point of contention here, Texas does not have mandatory registration of firearms. Now whether the 4473 is a defacto registration is up for debate.

Post: #12

(07-19-2016 01:36 PM)TravelerKai Wrote:  

(07-19-2016 01:30 PM)Phoenix Wrote:  What about no-permit states like Vermont? From what I read it sounds like a free-for-all up there But perhaps there's some "except foreigners" bit I don't know about.

According to wiki, looks like you could if you just have a visa.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_Vermont
or
https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/vermont/

Just because it is on wiki or the NRA, does not mean it's okay, I would double and triple check multiple sources. You could even email the state on their public safety contact page for further validation, or call a local police dept. there.

Local laws often conflict with Federal laws. Kinda like pot in Colorado and Washington.

Post: #13

You will not be able to carry in any state as a foreign visitor. Every state will either require you are a permanent resident/citizen of the USA, or a resident of that state at the very least.

But the main issue is actually beyond can you carry in a specific state- a non-immigrant alien generally cannot even possess a firearm under federal law, with a few exceptions. Here is the ATF on non-immigrant possession of firearms:
https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/nonimmigrant-aliens

There is a "sporting exception" to this which you could get a hunting license and actually be able to possess firearm, possibly with a restriction on the type (not sure).

But, that still doesn't get you to carry of a firearm, just possession.

As far as "no permit" (Constitutional Carry) states, this just means you don't need to get the actual permit in order to carry- you still must be eligible to carry in order to do so, the laws are still there, the very basic one normally being that you're a citizen or permanent resident of the USA and/or a resident of that state. I don't know of any which don't require one or the other. And again, you first must be eligible to possess under federal law, which you aren't unless you fall under the exceptions.

You can go to gun ranges like in Vegas as was mentioned above and shoot, that's no problem, as that is not "possession".

To sum up in general- No, it will be unlikely that you will be able to carry as a visitor.

Post: #14

I shot at a gun range in Michigan with nothing more than a Canadian driver's license and had no issues. I rented a range gun and bought ammunition directly from the range.

Post: #15

(07-19-2016 04:08 PM)Suits Wrote:  I shot at a gun range in Michigan with nothing more than a Canadian driver's license and had no issues. I rented a range gun and bought ammunition directly from the range.

Yes renting and shooting at a gun range is no problem as was mentioned above.

Carrying is a different matter though.

Best bet for OP is just to vacation near a gun range and make a few visits there.

It won't give him the gun on hip experience he's seeking but at least he'll get to shoot and manipulate firearms, thats where the fun is anyway, whereas carrying you are simply carrying.

---

I didn't mention in my other post, but even if it was possible I would generally say it would be a bad idea for a foreign visitor, someone unfamiliar with the rules, responsibilities, culture, laws etc to carry. I don't say that without consideration, my avatar is the Second Amendment Foundation logo after all. But carrying is a serious responsibility, with very serious and real consequences possible for making the wrong decisions, and not to be taken lightly or done simply to feel a certain way or have an experience. The right mindset is key, along with knowing what not to do while carrying, both from a legal standpoint and from a "best practices" standpoint.

I'd always encourage anyone who shows an interest in learning about firearms and carry- it's just important to understand all that it entails if you're going to carry.