Firearm Possession in the USA

Space Coast Tactical LLC provides tactical firearms courses in the United States.

in recent months there have have been reports of visitors to Florida being arrested for illegal possession of firearms during training courses operated by, shall we say, unscrupulous training providers. These reports are pretty much true and here's why.

United States firearms laws are pretty complicated when it comes to foreigners possessing guns. Since 9/11 BATF and DHS watch this carefully. We have a set of SOP's from both BATF and DHS that we operate by and have never had any problems, but as 30% of our students are visitors to the US, we thought it prudent to have this looked at again by lawyers as the rules changed slightly on July 9, 2012. Here's the deal:

VISA WAIVER
Under the recent rule changes announced by BATF on July 9, 2012, eligible citizens of the 37 countries participating in the Visa Waiver program (list can be found HERE) entering the United States in order to participate in any activity involving firearms must declare so at their point of entry (do not declare on the ESTA form it will delay approval). No further paperwork or permission is needed and they are good to go.

B1/B2 VISA
Citizens of countries that are not part of the Visa Waiver program need a B1/B2 visa in order to enter the United States. They must also declare at the POE. Additionally, for these travellers in possession of a B1/B2 visa, in order to legally touch a firearms, they must have a hunting license. Its a stupid rule, but must be complied with. The good news is that it is easy, just go to Walmart, pay your money ($47 for 10 days) and get one :) We take care of it for our students.

Thanks for the info. I will know where to come for training if I go to Florida.