Visitors bringing firearms into Canada have to declare their firearms in writing as at January 1, 2001. The declaration will be confirmed by a Customs officer. The confirmed declaration will serve as a temporary licence and registration certificate for up to 60 days. Safe storage regulations require that all firearms be stored unloaded and be made inoperable, usually through a locking device. Mandatory minimum sentences of four years for violent crimes committed with a firearm are in force.
Licences have to be renewed every five years.
The registration of a firearm is valid for as long as an individual remains the owner of the firearm and need not be repeated. Some gun shops also carry the forms.