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Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in Guyana?
Yes, with conditions.
Generally legal, but with real rules to follow, usually age verification and, in some places, a low-power threshold.
Tier 3: Moderate
Threshold-based licensing: a permit-free band for low-power airguns, with a licence required above it.
GY
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Guyana is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationUnclear
Age rule18+
PossessionLicence required
Transfer / saleVariable
TransportVariable
AuthorityUnclear
Before you buy or sell
- Ordinary airguns need no possession licence (Firearms Act s.31), but a short list of older models is licensed as 'specially dangerous' (Reg. 19/1968).
- Customs will not release an imported airgun without a firearm licence or dealer's certificate (s.15).
- CARICOM firearm-import/export licence warning applies to traveler risk analysis.
- U.S. State Department says reconsider travel due to crime.
The rules in detail
Classification
Unclear
Guyana's Firearms Act (Cap. 16:05) defines 'firearm' as any lethal barrelled weapon, which includes airguns, but s.31(1) exempts air guns, air rifles and air pistols from Part III licensing unless they are a type prescribed as 'specially dangerous'. The Firearms Regulations (Reg. 19/1968) prescribe only a short list of older models (e.g. BSA Airsporter, Meteor and Major; Diana 23; Webley Mk I; Gecado 27/35/50).
Age rule
18+
18+ (likely). Firearms Act s.34 bars licensing anyone under 18 and bars selling, hiring or giving possession of any 'firearm' to them. The s.2 'lethal barrelled weapon' definition appears to reach airguns, but s.34 is framed around licensing, which ordinary airguns do not need (s.31). Confirm with the Guyana Police Force.
Possession
Licence required
Ordinary airguns and their ammunition need no firearm licence (Firearms Act s.31); the models listed in Reg. 19/1968 do. Airguns remain 'firearms' for the Act's import, public-place and offensive-weapon provisions.
Transfer / sale
Variable
Import/export of firearms and ammunition in CARICOM states generally requires an import/export licence from the appropriate authority. Airgun transfer treatment should be confirmed locally.
Transport
Variable
Transport only cased, unloaded, and documented. Public carry/display is high-risk given violent-crime context and police resource constraints.
Authority
Unclear
National police/customs framework; CARICOM firearm-import norms are relevant to traveler guidance.
Hunting with an airgun
Unresolved.
Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor procedure
Airguns count as 'firearms' for import: they must enter at a prescribed port or aerodrome, and customs will not release one without a valid firearm licence or a firearms dealer's certificate (Firearms Act ss.12 and 15). A visitor without a Guyana licence should expect the airgun to be held. Get written Guyana Police Force confirmation first.
Keep exploring
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance. It isn't legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.