Apply for a European firearms pass
In most cases, a licence is required to handle weapons or ammunition.
If you are travelling in and through
- Countries of the European Union (EU) or
- the states of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Take weapons with you - for example to a shooting competition? Then you will need a European firearms pass.
In some countries, the prior consent of the competent authority of the country you wish to enter is required before travelling. This must be entered in the firearms pass.
For hunters and sport shooters, certain simplifications apply in some member states.
Tip: You should therefore enquire about the exact conditions at the diplomatic mission responsible for your country of residence (embassy or consulate general) before travelling.
Responsible authority
the district police authorities
Depending on where you live, the district police authority is
- the district administration,
- the municipal administration (in urban districts and large district towns) or
- the administrative community
Details
Prerequisite
A prerequisite for the issue of the European Firearms Pass is that you are authorised to possess the weapons that are to be entered in the European Firearms Pass.
Procedure
You must apply for the European firearms pass at the competent authority. The application form is available there. Depending on what the authority offers, the application form is also available to download electronically.
Deadlines
The European firearms pass is valid for five years. You can have it extended twice for five years at a time. If sport shooters and hunters only have single-shot long guns with smooth barrels registered, the validity period is ten years.
Required documents
- Weapon ownership card in which the weapon you wish to take with you is registered (only for weapons subject to authorisation)
- Photograph
- Identity card or passport
Costs
The amount of the fees depends on the municipal fee regulations. Please enquire with the responsible authority.
Legal basis
Waffengesetz (WaffG):
- § 32 Mitnahme von Waffen oder Munition in den, durch den oder aus dem Geltungsbereich des Gesetzes, Europäischer Feuerwaffenpass
Allgemeine Waffengesetz-Verordnung (AWaffV):
- § 33 Europäischer Feuerwaffenpass
Release note
Machine generated, based on the German release by: Innenministerium Baden-Württemberg, 21.10.2025