Can you conceal and carry in Italy?

Asked by: Kristopher Macejkovic DDS  |  Last update: February 1, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (12 votes)

Yes, you can conceal carry in Italy, but it's very difficult to get a permit, requiring proof of a specific, demonstrable need for self-defense (like transporting valuables), not general fear, with licenses renewing annually and being stricter than sporting or hunting permits. Open carry is banned for civilians, and while a concealed carry license (Porto d'Armi) exists for personal protection, it's rarely granted and reserved for high-risk professions or situations, unlike easier-to-get sporting licenses.

Is concealed carry legal in Italy?

Italy has a complex regulatory framework: Concealed Carry: Legal with a permit, but obtaining one is not easy. Permits: Applicants must demonstrate a need for self-defense or be involved in specific professions. Travel Implications: Firearms can be brought into Italy for sporting purposes, but strict regulations apply.

Can a US citizen bring a gun to Italy?

To be able to import a firearm in Italy, even if for transit purposes only, is necessary to request a special authorization issued by this Consulate General. The authorization is usually issued once the request and the payment of the consular fees have been accepted and processed.

Can you use a gun for self-defense in Italy?

52 ( self-defense) and Art. 55 ( culpable excess) of the Criminal Code provides that: The citizen is authorized to use “a legitimately possessed weapon or other suitable means” for the defense of “his own or others' safety”, or rather, of “his own goods or those of others”.

Are civilians allowed to have guns in Italy?

Italy - There is no explicit right to bear arms in Italy, but Italians over the age of 18 may possess “common” firearms with a license. Citizens are not allowed to possess automatic firearms, firearms disguised as other objects and certain types of ammunition.

Italian Gun Laws: Better Than You Think

44 related questions found

What percentage of Italians own guns?

Gun owners make up about 5% of Italy's population. But that doesn't mean they aren't enthusiastic.

What country has the loosest gun laws?

Yemen does not require any permit or any license for the acquisition or selling of any types of firearms, including fully automatic firearms.

What weapons can you carry in Italy?

Italian law sets limits on the number and types of firearms civilians can possess: Up to three "common firearms": This category typically includes non-sporting handguns, but can also encompass any firearm not chambered for hunting calibers, such as 10-gauge shotguns or certain . 22 rimfire pistols and rifles.

Why are Italians so good at defending?

Italian footballers are often better at defending due to a deep-rooted cultural and tactical emphasis on the art of defense. This philosophy, historically centered around the catenaccio (door-bolt) system, prioritizes a highly organized and disciplined backline.

Can tourists carry pepper spray in Italy?

Where Is Pepper Spray Legal in Europe? In Italy − where certain formulas can be purchased, carried and operated license-free by anyone above the age of 16. In France –trade is license-free and ownership is legal for those over 18 but carry can be punished with a fine depending from the quantity and concentration.

How hard is it to own a gun in Italy?

In Italy, a license is needed to get your hands on any type of gun. There are 3 licenses that allow individuals to own firearms: a hunting license; a shooting sports license; and a concealed carry license.

Is $10,000 enough for a trip to Italy?

Yes, $10,000 can be enough for a trip to Italy, especially for a couple for 10-14 days, fitting a mid-range budget covering flights (economy), decent hotels/apartments, trains, food, and activities, but it depends heavily on trip length, travel style, time of year (flights are key), and destinations; for a long trip, a family, or luxury travel, it might be tight, while for one person or a shorter budget trip, it's very generous. 

What countries allow concealed carry?

By country

  • United States.
  • United Kingdom.
  • Canada.
  • Brazil.
  • Czech Republic.
  • Mexico.
  • Pakistan.
  • Philippines.

Are AR-15s legal in Italy?

Laws were loosened in September. Italian culture, linked in the popular imagination with fine art, fashion and good food, does not typically conjure up the image of assault weapons. But in September, the government loosened gun laws, making it possible to own more guns like the AR-15, an assault rifle...

How are the laws in Italy different from the United States?

Italy follows a civil law system, tracing its lineage directly from ancient Roman law. In contrast, the United States operates under a common law system, where precedents set by individual cases hold equivalent authority to statutes and regulations.

Is there gun crime in Italy?

According to the 2021 report of the Italian State Police Department more than 90% of organized crime's victims were killed by firearms [5]. In Italy 1.31 firearm related-deaths per 100.000 inhabitants are reported with a homicide rate per year of 0.35 and a suicide rate per year of 0.87.

What is the Big 3 in Italy?

Italy's "Big Three" typically refers to its three most iconic and popular tourist cities: Rome, the ancient capital; Florence, the heart of the Renaissance; and Venice, the unique city of canals, all offering distinct cultural, historical, and artistic experiences for first-time visitors.
 

Is self-defense allowed in Italy?

Italian law provides that one can resort to personal defense when threatened within their own home or workplace. "Anyone, in order to defend their own or others' safety, who uses a legally held weapon or other suitable means, is not punishable."

Why do Italians say forza azzurri?

Italians say "Forza Azzurri" as a passionate chant meaning "Come on, The Blues!" to encourage their national sports teams, especially soccer, where Azzurri (The Blues) refers to the team's light blue jerseys, a color honoring the House of Savoy, while Forza is used like "Go!" or "Be strong!" in English, embodying Italian spirit and strength, notes DW.com, Oreate AI, Daily Italian Words, Instagram.
 

What is the most gun-friendly country?

There isn't one single "most gun friendly" country, but the United States has the highest civilian gun ownership and very permissive laws in many states, while Switzerland is known for its strong gun culture tied to militia service and relatively liberal ownership rules for certain firearms after background checks, and countries like Yemen also have extremely non-restrictive laws, though often with different cultural contexts. Other nations with high ownership or liberal access include Canada, Finland, and Serbia, often linked to hunting or defense traditions.
 

Can I carry a pocket knife in Italy?

Italy. Italians are restricted from buying and owning double-edged knives, automatic (open-assisted) knives, and swords. Carrying knives is permitted only for a 'valid reason', e.g., camping, fishing, etc., usually not in towns, and never for self-defense.

Can I travel with my firearm internationally?

Yes, you can travel internationally with a firearm, but it's extremely complex and requires extensive preparation, involving strict compliance with U.S. export laws, destination country import laws (often requiring special permits/licenses from their government and the U.S. ATF/State Dept), and specific airline policies, with penalties for non-compliance including fines, confiscation, and imprisonment. Key steps involve contacting embassies/consulates, U.S. Customs (CBP), and airlines early, declaring the firearm, using a locked, hard-sided case, and ensuring it's unloaded in checked baggage, with ammunition securely packed separately. 

What is the freest gun state?

There isn't one single "freest" gun state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota are consistently ranked among the most gun-friendly due to permissive laws like constitutional/permitless carry, strong self-defense protections (Stand Your Ground), and lack of sales tax on firearms. Other states often cited for lenient laws include Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, Utah, and Mississippi, though some recent political shifts in states like Arizona have impacted their rankings.
 

Who has the most relaxed gun laws in Europe?

While laws vary, Switzerland, with its militia tradition, and the Czech Republic, with its extensive gun culture, are often cited as having some of Europe's most relaxed gun laws, alongside Austria, which allows broad firearm ownership with permits for various types, though all require registration and permits for certain firearms. These countries balance high gun ownership with strong rule of law and social stability, unlike many EU nations with tighter restrictions, yet they still adhere to some EU directives.