Which country doesn't allow guns?

Asked by: Monique Collins  |  Last update: April 26, 2026
Score: 5/5 (49 votes)

No single country has a complete, universal ban on all guns, but several have extremely strict laws or near-prohibitions for civilians, including Japan, China, Singapore, and Cambodia, where ownership is highly restricted or only for specific purposes like hunting or sport shooting, with few licenses issued, while Venezuela and others have banned private ownership altogether.

In what countries is it illegal to own a gun?

In some countries, including Cambodia, Eritrea, and the Solomon Islands, private ownership of firearms by civilians is completely prohibited.

What country does not carry guns?

In eighteen countries or territories, the police do not carry firearms unless the situation is expected to merit it: Botswana, Cook Islands, Fiji, Iceland, Ireland, Kiribati, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom (except for Northern Ireland), the ...

What places don't allow guns?

Guns are illegal in some countries like Japan, China, and the UK (for most handguns), while others like Cambodia and Solomon Islands have near-total bans, but restrictions vary significantly, with many nations requiring strict licensing, banning specific types (like assault weapons in Canada), or restricting locations (like schools, government buildings, and certain public spaces within the U.S.). In the U.S., federal law bans guns in places like federal buildings, prisons, and military bases, while states and local jurisdictions add bans in schools, parks, or prohibit certain types of firearms.
 

Did New Zealand ban guns?

After the Christchurch massacre New Zealand enacted an outright ban on most semi-automatic rifles effectively making the e endorsement useless.

Top 10 Countries With The Most Privately Owned Guns

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When did the UK ban guns?

In 1909 police pursuing armed robbers in London borrowed pistols from passers-by. Firearms licensing came in only in 1920, but since 1997, possession of a handgun has been illegal.

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.
 

Are you allowed guns in the Philippines?

There may be some very special circumstances that allow a foreigner to own guns in the Philippines but the general answer is no. You have to be a Filipino citizen to own guns there.

Are guns banned in Canada?

You asked for a description of Canada's gun control laws. Firearms are federally regulated in Canada. The federal 1977 Criminal Law Amendment Act, as amended, prohibits automatic weapons and sawed-off shotguns and rifles. It is illegal for anyone, except (for the most part) the police and the military, to possess them.

Do all 50 states allow guns?

Forty-four states have a provision in their state constitutions similar to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects the right to keep and bear arms. The exceptions are California, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York.

Can a tourist carry a gun in America?

Under the provisions of 27 CFR 178.97, non-immigrant aliens are prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms and ammunition while in the United States unless they are a citizen or national of the Visa Waiver Program (below) or meet any ONE of the below listed exceptions in section 922(y)(2) of the GCA.

Are guns legal in Italy?

To legally acquire firearms in Italy, individuals must obtain a "purchase authorization" (nulla osta all'acquisto). This authorization permits the holder to purchase and possess a firearm, but not to carry or use it.

Are guns illegal in Japan?

Other than the police and the military, no one in Japan may purchase a handgun or a rifle. Hunters and target shooters may possess shotguns and airguns under strictly circumscribed conditions. The police check gun licensees' ammunition inventory to make sure there are no shells or pellets unaccounted for.

Can you own guns in Russia?

Gun control in Russia is carried out in accordance with the Federal Law on Weapons. The law establishes three major categories of weapons: civil, service, and military. Civilians in Russia are able to obtain firearms with proper licensure, with some limits on concealed carry.

Can civilians own guns in China?

With the exception of individuals with hunting permits and some ethnic minorities, civilian firearm ownership is restricted to non-individual entities. Law enforcement, military, paramilitary, and security personnel are allowed to use firearms. Police are to use issued pistols only to stop serious or dangerous crimes.

Are guns banned in Australia?

Gun control laws in Australia are not uniform across the country, with inconsistent implementation of the rules across states and territories. But generally, to apply for a gun licence, you must be over 18, a "fit and proper person", pass a training and safety course and give a "genuine reason" for having a firearm.

Can I own an AK-47 in Canada?

Based on Section 84(1) of the Criminal Code , receiver blanks can be classified as non-restricted, restricted or prohibited. The most common in Canada are for: Colt M1911, SIG 226 and Glock 17 pattern handguns (all restricted firearms) AK-47 and AR-15/M16 pattern rifles (both prohibited firearms)

Can I legally bring a gun into Canada?

Any person who imports a firearm of any kind into Canada must be at least 18 years of age, unless that person has a certificate or permit which allows him or her to possess that firearm in Canada. All firearms and weapons must be declared to Customs at the first point of entry.

What are the 5 gun rules?

The 5 fundamental gun safety rules emphasize treating every firearm as loaded, always pointing it in a safe direction, keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, being certain of your target and what's beyond it, and keeping the gun unloaded when not in use, with secure storage as a key responsibility. These rules prevent accidents by promoting responsible handling, muzzle discipline, and awareness of surroundings.
 

Are doctors allowed to carry guns?

It really depends on where your career takes you. If you work for one of the major corporate healthcare entities, expect to go unarmed or risk your job. If you go into private practice for yourself or with a small physician's group or work at a smaller specialty clinic, expect more laxity.

How many gun owners are there in the Philippines?

The Philippines has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in South East Asia. Around 1 and a half million Filipinos are licensed firearm carriers. But, a high rate of violent crime reveals that many weapons fall into the wrong hands. There are 8-thousand plus homicides each year according to the United Nations.

Can Muslims own guns?

Sharia law. Under Sharia law, there is an intrinsic freedom to own arms.

What country has the toughest gun laws?

Singapore is probably the strictest country in the world when it comes to gun laws. It's still possible to own a gun but it takes a lot of work. To own a gun you need to belong to a gun club. You will also be required to leave your gun at the club for storage.

Can you own a gun in France?

Yes, you can own a gun in France, but it's highly regulated and requires specific licenses (hunting or shooting sport) and prior authorization for many types, with strict background checks and categorization of firearms (Categories B, C, D) determining the process, often involving clubs, permits, and official declarations to the Prefecture. While semi-automatics and handguns are permitted, they fall under stricter rules, and general self-defense isn't a primary reason for ownership.