Bolivian Gun Laws

[titleist]

I'm considering a trip to Bolivia at the end of the year. I've been told by those I'd be going with (both formerly lived there) that I can both bring and carry a pistol, and all it takes is about 100 bucks for a "gun permit" once you go into the country. Naturally I tried to research the issue, and without going into any official channels, do you all know the laws on a non-resident bringing a gun and carrying in the country?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Mondux]

Whether there is a way to do it "legally" or not; would you really be willing to risk getting thrown into a Bolivian prison because some podunk jungle cop doesn't respect your $100 piece of paper? Seems like a possible trap to make them some high-profile court costs from a Cowboy-American. I wouldn't dream of carrying in a foreign country for that reason, unless the government gave me permission and was with me all the time to back me up. Good luck with that, Sir.

[MinistrMalic]

Whether there is a way to do it "legally" or not; would you really be willing to risk getting thrown into a Bolivian prison because some podunk jungle cop doesn't respect your $100 piece of paper? Seems like a possible trap to make them some high-profile court costs from a Cowboy-American. I wouldn't dream of carrying in a foreign country for that reason, unless the government gave me permission and was with me all the time to back me up. Good luck with that, Sir.

+1. Amen sir.

[archer51]

Never been there for any length of time. I'd contact the at Bolivian consulate here and inquire about it. They should be able to tell you if it is legal or not and if it is, get you the paperwork to start the ball rolling.

[NCTom]

If you run into banditos in the jungle, they are not going to be impressed by your pistola. They will not be alone and they will be armed to the teeth. Best to bring cigarettes or whiskey to help build 'friendships' if necessary.

[Dakota97]

I would not carry in a foreign country. It would be impossible to be familiar with any and all local ordinances that might be in effect and God help us if we used the weapon. I doubt that a foreign government would rule it a justifiable shooting shooting should an American shoot one of the locals. Just think of the outrage we feel when an illegal kills an American and then imagine what it would be like with no US Constitution to protect one's rights. Of course carrying in a foreign country might be a way to obtain free food and lodging while one visits.

[ccw9mm]

To what extent does the rule of law hold sway, there? Do citizens get treated fairly when attempting something so simple as defending against crime? Is there a reputation of slapping trumped-up charges on foreigners, or coming down hard on foreigners for seemingly lightweight things?

Unless answers can be found in these areas to give sufficient cause to believe you'd be treated fairly as a person "caught" having defended yourself against an apparent crime, I think you'll have a hard time convincing anyone that carrying a firearm into that place would be a rational thing to do.

[Mondux]

To what extent does the rule of law hold sway, there? Do citizens get treated fairly when attempting something so simple as defending against crime? Is there a reputation of slapping trumped-up charges on foreigners, or coming down hard on foreigners for seemingly lightweight things?

Unless answers can be found in these areas to give sufficient cause to believe you'd be treated fairly as a person "caught" having defended yourself against an apparent crime, I think you'll have a hard time convincing anyone that carrying a firearm into that place would be a rational thing to do.

+1.

Also, to the OP: if you are still considering carrying a weapon there with the myriad reasons you should not...why would you want to even travel to that dangerous of a country?

[Eirerogue]

Having worked in Bolivia in the major cities and the Chapare...I would NEVER carry a gun there, no matter WHAT your $100 permit says.

You've got "police" that can't read or write in some of these regions. A gun could mean you're a revolutionary or another sucker killed for "plotting against the life" of their Socialist President.

Stay unarmed. Or better yet, stay home.

[atctimmy]

It didn't work out too well for Butch and Sundance.

[armado]

Most South American countries restrict calibers to .380, or non military rounds, so your carry options are limited. In general, it would be a mistake to carry in any South American country. Law enforcement is arbitrary and subjective at best. I always remember a popular saying when I lived down there; " La ley es para los de poncho, gringos e indios." Which means, the law is for those who wear a poncho, gringos, ie. tourists, and Indians. You can always buy your way out of legal jams, just have access to a lot of cash.

[TucAzRider]

I'd say this is one of them.. "If I cannot carry (and I wouldn't there) I wouldn't go".... I'm not fond of traveling to another country where we have NO rights,. There is WAY to much in the USA that I've never saw, and will probably never see,.. :-)

[hybrid]

Most South American countries restrict calibers to .380, or non military rounds, so your carry options are limited. In general, it would be a mistake to carry in any South American country. Law enforcement is arbitrary and subjective at best. I always remember a popular saying when I lived down there; " La ley es para los de poncho, gringos e indios." Which means, the law is for those who wear a poncho, gringos, ie. tourists, and Indians. You can always buy your way out of legal jams, just have access to a lot of cash.

agreed also I would not take a knife of any size either.
like most "or all?" of the south, I bet that's for super rich and/or influential people anyway.

ps nice to see another NM

[rhrocket22]

GOOD LUCK with any laws (on paper or in person) when you exit the good ol' USA!!!!!!

[wolfshead]

Bolivia is a rough place...I hope the ccw laws there are well defined. You do not want to end up in a prison there. *sigh*

I was going to go to Singapore on assignment and asked them about ccw laws...they said I can only have my pistol locked up at a gun range and use it there. I can't even keep it at home. I had to request special permission from their government to keep a pistol on my person.