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❖ Are an official of a foreign Government or

a distinguished foreign visitor who hasbeen so designated by the Department ofState and will possess the firearm in yourofficial capacity (if you have an officialcapacity); OR

❖ Are a foreign law enforcement officer of a

friendly foreign Government entering theUnited States on official law enforcementbusiness; OR

❖ Were admitted to the United States for

lawful hunting or sporting purposes or arein possession of a valid hunting license orpermit lawfully issued in the United States.

If you meet these two criteria, you are eligible topurchase a firearm from an FFL to possess in theUnited States. However, you MAY NOT take the

firearm with you when you leave the United States

unless:

1. For sporting shotguns, you have an FFL

export the firearm. The FFL must obtain anexport license from the Department of Commerce (202-482-4811) prior to exportation.

2. For firearms other than sporting shotguns,

you have an FFL registered with the Department of State, Office of Defense Trade Controls (ODTC) (202-663-2714), export thefirearm. The FFL must obtain an export

license from the ODTC prior to exportation.

❖ The State Department recommends that

you provide the FFL with a letter fromyour embassy on embassy letterheadexplaining why you want to export thefirearm. You also should provide an

import authorization issued by the competent Government office in your country.

Having a third party purchase a firearmfor you from a Federal Firearms Licensee(FFL) to possess in the United States❖ If you are not eligable to purchase a firearm from

an FFL to possess in the United States, you MAYNOT have someone who is eligible purchase one

for you. If you violate this prohibition, both youand the person who purchases the firearm for youcould receive a maximum of 5 or 10 years ofimprisonment, depending on the violation.

Purchasing a firearm from a nonlicenseeto possess in the United States❖ A nonimmigrant alien generally MAY NOT purchase a firearm from a nonlicensee to possess in

the United States. If you violate this prohibition,you could receive a maximum of 5 or 10 years ofimprisonment, depending on the violation. If youhave questions regarding possible exceptions tothis prohibition, contact the Bureau of Alcohol,Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Purchasing ammunition from a FederalFi

rearms Licensee (FFL) or a nonlicensee

to possess in the United States

❖ A nonimmigrant alien generally MAY NOT purchase ammunition from an FFL or a nonlicensee to

possess in the United States. If you violate thisprohibition, you could receive a maximum of 10years of imprisonment.

THIS PROHIBITION APPLIES UNLESS YOU ESTABLISHTHAT YOU:

❖ Are an official representative of a foreign

Government who is accredited to the UnitedStates Government or your Government’smission to an international organization havingits headquarters in the United States and willpossess the ammunition in your officialcapacity; OR

❖ Are an official of a foreign Government or a

distinguished foreign visitor who has been sodesignated by the Department of State and willpossess the ammunition in your officialcapacity (if you have an official capacity); OR

❖ Are a foreign law enforcement officer of a

friendly foreign Government entering theUnited States on official law enforcementbusiness; OR
s for lawful

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2. To export firearms other than sporting

shotguns or ammunition for firearms otherthan sporting shotguns, the FFL from whom

you purchase the firearm/ammunition must beregistered with the Department of State, Officeof Defense Trade Controls (ODTC). The FFLmust obtain an export license from the ODTCprior to exportation.

❖ The State Department recommends that

you provide the FFL with a letter from your

embassy on embassy letterhead explaining why you want to export the firearm/ammunition. You also should provide animport authorization issued by the competent Government office in your country.

Abiding by State and local law❖ This brochure addresses the Federal firearms laws.

There may be additional State or local laws thataffect your purchase and/or possession of firearmsor ammunition. It is your responsibility to beaware of any such laws.

Questions❖ If you have any questions about these matters,

please contact:Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearmsand ExplosivesFirearms Programs Division99 New York Avenue, NEWashington, DC 20226Phone: (202) 648-7090

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the agency responsible for enforcing theFederal firearms laws in the United States. It also hasauthority over the importation of firearms and ammunition into the United States.

Nonimmigrant Aliens

Purchasing Firearms

and Ammunition in

the United States

ATF Publication 5300.18Revised May 2005

U. S. Department of JusticeBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives