The Airgun Resource Center. Early access
Open a Locker →
The Airgun Resource Center Early access
‹ Back to the World airgun law map
Airgun law · World

Are Airguns Legal in Bahamas?

Yes, but heavily regulated.

Legal in principle, yet the compliance burden is high — often firearm-grade steps for the airguns most people actually want.

Tier 2 — Major Restrictions

Full firearms-licence regime for the airguns most enthusiasts would actually buy.

BS

The picture at a glance

Each measure below scores how restrictive Bahamas is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).

ClassificationUnclear
Age rule18+
PossessionVariable
Transfer / saleVariable
TransportVariable
AuthorityUnclear
Before you buy or sell
  • Unlicensed possession/use/carry of a gun can trigger serious prison exposure.
  • Caribbean transit with weapons is generally risky without local permits.
  • Do not rely on marina/cruiser anecdotes as legal authority.

The rules in detail

Classification
Unclear
Firearms Act, Ch. 213. Ordinary air guns, air rifles, and air pistols are treated as 'guns' under Part IV unless declared specially dangerous; they are not free possessions.
Age rule
18+
18+ practical licensing floor; official renewal portal states firearms licence applicants must be Bahamian citizens aged 18 or older.
Possession
Variable
A person must hold a gun licence to purchase, acquire, possess, use, or carry an air gun, air rifle, or air pistol.
Transfer / sale
Variable
Sale/transfer is licence-controlled. Separate applications are required per gun, and records are maintained by police / island commissioners.
Transport
Variable
Use or carry requires a gun licence. Transport should be treated as licensed, unloaded, declared when required, and never casual baggage carry.
Authority
Unclear
National Firearms Act administered by the Commissioner of Police and Out Island commissioners.

Hunting with an airgun

Unresolved / likely highly restricted.

Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
—

Import & travel

Energy threshold
No joule threshold found; licence requirement attaches to air guns/air rifles as 'guns.'
Caliber rule
No specific national airgun caliber limit found in the Firearms Act text reviewed.
Travel note
High US visitor relevance, but not casual-friendly. Declare nothing unless pre-cleared; unauthorized possession can carry severe penalties.

Local & import notes

Visitor procedure
Do not import an airgun as luggage without prior written approval from Royal Bahamas Police Force / Customs. The Act has narrow declaration procedures for certain foreign-vessel situations, but ordinary tourist import should be considered permit-required.

This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.