Traveling overseas with a handgun?

[Dave R]

Have any of you traveled overseas with your handgun?

I just got back from a trip to Guatemala (1 week service mission to help build a school in a really remote village.) I didn’t take my handgun because I didn’t research early enough. Didn’t think about till almost time to go. So I left it home. But I missed it.

While I was in Guatemala, I ran into “no firearms allowed” signs in a hotel, and at the remote landing strip we took into the bush. I believe it was a private strip. There was minimal security at the remote strip. Just the sign and someone (armed) to check our names on and off as we came and went. They were expecting us. Air travel was Continental into and out of Guatemala, so I believe their policies would not have been a problem. And the bush pilots had no interest in our luggage, so that was not a problem. Only Guatemala laws might have been a problem.

The trip was wonderful, and I plan to go back next year.

So how does one investigate overseas laws? I don’t think there’s a packing.org or equivalent for overseas travel. Any real-world experience? Any experience particularly with Guatemala?

 

[mnrivrat]

Good question if one has the ability or the oppertunity to travel, but I suspect that most have strict laws against visitors being armed.

I would think that the question should be presented to the individual country's councilate (sp) . I don't think you want to spend time in the jails of most other countries -doubt wether they are as nice as the ones here.

 

[Winchester 73]

David,see this recent thread.
I commented on Guatemala.
You will be able to carry there after going through their bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo.
Lots of links for you to pursue.A Spanish speaker(habla espanol?)would be helpful.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=358618

 

[Dave R]

Great info, Win '73. I should've started the paperwork while I was in Guatemala City. I assume you can do paperwork there, and not just in San Jose.

Now I have to go back twice!

 

[Winchester 73]

I should've started the paperwork while I was in Guatemala City.

This is correct,Dave.Somewhere, my daughter and I have the phone number and address in Guat City where you have to make your application.It's through the Guat police.
I'll try to to track them down and send them to you to save you time on your next trip.
But you must be patient.It's about 1949 in Guatemala right now,give or take a year or two.Trying to rush them does no good.
Guess that's part of the charm though.