Reminder: Firearms, appropriate exportation and importation documentation

December 19, 2018

Reminder: Both Salvadorans and U.S. citizens departing the US with firearms must have appropriate exportation and importation documentation


Removal of a firearm or ammunition from the U.S.
by anyone and by any method is an exportation.  A visitor admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa is prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing a firearm or ammunition with very few exceptions.

With few exceptions, eligible individuals who plan to export a firearm or ammunition outside the US should seek an export license from the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls or the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) prior to exportation. These individuals must also have an import license for their country of final destination, as well as import and export licenses for any countries, which they transit en route to their final destination.

Anyone who fraudulently or knowingly violates U.S. firearms and ammunition export requirements, or in any manner facilitates this activity, will face legal action by the U.S., which includes fines and up to 10 years imprisonment.  U.S. visa holders facing criminal investigation by U.S. and/or El Salvadoran authorities for firearms and/or ammunition violations may have their U.S. visas revoked.

For more information visit: https://sv.usembassy.gov/u-s-firearms-and-ammunition-laws/

For a full review of U.S. Firearms and Ammunition Regulations and Laws, please go to ATF’s public website at https://www.atf.gov/questions-and-answers/firearms-qas.