Weapons Permits

US Weapons Permits

In the United States, each individual state has its own laws, regulations and weapon permits. Each state reserves the right to issue weapon permits to its citizens. In addition, there are reciprocal weapons permits with other states, allowing certain citizens to carry their weapons to these states when they are visiting.

The Mexican Law

In November of 2005 Chief of Liaison of Mexico’s National Defense Secretariat, Brigadier General Efrén Martínez Guzmán, responded in written form to SolutionsAbroad's questions. This is a summary of his questions and answers:

Are foreigners allowed to carry firearms in Mexico?

In accordance with Article 27 of the current law involving possession of firearms, no foreigners are authorized to carry firearms in the Mexican Republic. The only exception, as established in Article 28, is when these have provided documentary evidence that proves they are lawful immigrants.

In the event of foreign VIP’s visiting Mexico and requiring protective services, what companies have been authorized by the National Defense Secretariat to carry firearms to protect their clients?

There is no company legally established in Mexico authorized by this secretariat to carry firearms, if its staff is non Mexican. Further, this secretariat has not issued permits to any private security firms authorizing these to provide security functions to anybody (third parties).

Do not risk your personal safety or create possible legal complications while in Mexico by contracting private security companies that have foreign agents. Refer to SolutionsAbroad's page on The Banking and Industrial Police for information on the possibility of hiring a Mexican private security firm.

By Mario Gonzalez-Roman, a retired Foreign Service National Security Advisor to the United States Embassy, currently a private Security Consultant, columnist at www.securitycornermexico.com

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