Plan ahead for U.S. entry, any ammunition you intend to bring or acquire, and your return journey. Each has its own requirements.
Official guidance reviewed November 8, 2026
Traveling to the show
Your nationality, passport, travel history, and purpose of travel determine the U.S. entry requirements for your visit. The Department of State’s visitor visa guidance covers tourism and attendance at business or educational conventions.
Eligible travelers using the Visa Waiver Program need approved ESTA authorization before traveling. Check the requirements for your circumstances with the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate, and allow time for any application.
For the event itself, see the show schedule, admission information, and official hotel room block.
Ammunition possession in the U.S.
Federal ammunition-possession rules depend in part on how you are admitted to the United States.
- Admission under a nonimmigrant visa: Federal law generally prohibits receiving or possessing ammunition unless a statutory exception or waiver applies.
- Lawful admission without a visa: That specific visa-based prohibition does not apply, including to visitors admitted through the Visa Waiver Program. Other federal, state, and local requirements still apply.
ATF’s ammunition and nonimmigrant visitor FAQs explain this distinction. Confirm your eligibility with ATF or qualified legal counsel before possessing or acquiring ammunition.
Bringing ammunition into the U.S.
Most nonimmigrant visitors need ATF approval to temporarily bring ammunition into the United States. This requirement also generally applies to visitors entering without a visa.
ATF Form 6NIA and its instructions cover qualifying temporary imports for lawful sporting purposes. The appropriate authorization depends on the items and the purpose of the visit. Contact ATF about the requirements for your collection and intended activities before making transport arrangements.
Review the scope and conditions of any approved permit carefully. Permission to possess ammunition in the U.S. and permission to bring it across the border are separate requirements.
Show invitations
Contact the organizer if you need a letter confirming the show dates and your intended attendance.
ATF’s application includes provisions for invitations to qualifying events. ATF determines whether an event and the applicant’s circumstances meet those requirements. Any required immigration or import approval must come from the responsible government authority.
Taking items home
Plan for both U.S. export requirements and the import rules in your home country. Any countries you travel through may also have requirements.
Returning with ammunition you brought into the U.S. and taking home newly acquired ammunition are treated differently. For covered ammunition, the Commerce Department’s baggage exception for departing nonimmigrant visitors is limited to items they brought into the country under the applicable import rules. New acquisitions need a separate export review.
The Bureau of Industry and Security’s baggage provisions, § 740.14(e), explain this limitation. Confirm the applicable export authorization with the responsible U.S. authority and import requirements with your home-country customs authority before arranging transport.
Airline & transport requirements
The FAA permits qualifying small-arms ammunition in checked baggage only, subject to its packaging and quantity rules. Airlines may impose stricter limits or decline particular items.
Check the FAA’s ammunition travel guidance and confirm acceptance with every airline on your itinerary, including connecting flights. Airline approval and customs authorization must both be addressed.
This page provides general visitor information. For advice about your circumstances, consult the responsible authorities or qualified legal counsel. Check the linked official guidance again before traveling.