The Lost Target
A web based news service for gun enthusiasts.

 
VISITORS TO THE UNITED STATES
ATF Form 6NIA
Bringing Firearms Into the U.S.

Guidance provided by Joe Potosky, the Lost Target

Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch
244 Needy Road
Martinsburg, West Virginia 25405

Phone: (304) 616-4550
Fax: (304) 616-4554
E-mail: imports@atf.gov

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST
Monday through Friday (except federal holidays)
The ATF office will answer any questions.

Download:
Application for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition ATF Form 6NIA - PDF

Nonimmigrant Aliens:
Answers to some common questions

Nonimmigrants Aliens lawfully admitted to the United States are required to apply for and obtain an approved Form 6NIA if they are temporarily importing or bringing firearms or ammunition into the United States for lawful hunting or sporting purposes.

Firearms and ammunition listed on a ATF Form 6NIA may be repeatedly brought into the states for twelve months from the date the permit is approved.

The application must be pre-approved by ATF Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch, West Virigina.


VISA NOT REQUIRED

Legal Nonimmigrants Aliens who don't require a VISA

- As of July 2012 Nonimmigrants who don't require a VISA ARE NOT required to submit documentation (Hunting License / Shoot Invitation) with the ATF Form 6NIA when submitting for approval.

VISA REQUIRED

Nonimmigrants Aliens who require a Visa

- Shoot invitation or state side hunting license (any state) is required to be submited with the ATF Form 6NIA application.

- Contact shoot management to receive a Shoot Invitation.

- An approved ATF Form 6NIA with stateside hunting license (any state), gives unlimited entry for valid reasons, not necessarily hunting.

    Hunting license option is recommended for club visits, practice, attending shoots; league, fun, charity, without the need of a shoot invitation.

    License Accepted: Non-resident shooting preserve, non-resident small game hunting, or non-resident non-game.

Current Processing Time

Application

Not withstanding projected processing times, they do vary from one week to five weeks. Submit early!

Personalized Shoot Invitation

Request letter

National Sporting Clays Association Registered Shoot(s) Letter Request

AFT Form 6NIA Completion
* Ammunition not listed won't be allowed. Don't underestimate.
* Include backup firearm.
* Not required to bring all firearms & ammunition listed.  i.e. you may need one firearm at one shoot, but two at the next, or just your hunting firearm!

Email
Before contacting ATF about not receiving a returned form, check your SPAM folder if you provided an E-mail address!

Renting or Borrowing Firearms
If not bringing firearms and/or ammunition into the states, but plan on renting or borrowing a firearm, you DON'T require ATF Form 6NIA. See Renting.

Purchase Firearm
Firearms purchased must take place using an FFL.  You cannot take possession!  FFL must ship to your country!
You can only take possession if you meet State Residency requirements.


Quick Page Links

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  • Re-Entering Canada
  • Past Issues

    UPDATE:

      As of May 24, 2020 it's been two years from the time I received a complaint on either bounced ATF Form 6NIA or border crossing issues.

    Email

      Application may be faxed to 304-616-4554 or emailed to imports@atf.gov (Using email was an issue in the past!).

    Alaska hunting license Price Increase

      North Dakota Nonresident Nongame License

      The Nongame license is valid from April 1st - March 31st of the following year.

      If you apply in January, the license would expire on March 31st the same year. Wait until April 1st to get full value

    Canadian Snowbird denied entry with shoot invitations and approved ATF Form 6NIA.

      Invitations did not cover length of stay (4 months).

      If you don't have shoot invitations for the period involved, the Hunting License option is suggested.

      Some crossings may insist on a hunting license or shoot invitation for those who don t require a VISA. You can ask to speak to a supervisor, but it may not get you anywhere. Imports Branch in the past would not get involved.

      A Canadian that DOSEN'T require a VISA to enter the USA, doesn't require a Shoot Invitation or Hunting License. Requiring same at some U.S. crossings (and not others) is an unnecessary burden.

      Saying that, ATF in the past stated it was up to the person entering with a firearm to prove to U.S. Customs and Border Protection a legitimate reason for entering the USA with a firearm if challenged. Something about the desecration of the agent. I suggest the agent is not aware of non-VISA entry with a firearm rules or chooses to ignore them.

      The problem for shooters is there is no set minimum standard at crossings for documentation required when crossing the border for those who don't require a VISA.

      Telephone and complain to ATF (ask to speak to a supervisor) and ask them to directly deal with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

      Phone: (304) 616-4550. Office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST

      Monday through Friday (except federal holidays)

    Border Issue: Warning

      Agents were asking shooters if they were sponsored?

      If a sponsored shooter you could be required a work permit VISA to enter the USA.

    Application rejected: Primers and Powder listed.

      Not the proper form. Powder/Primers requires USA Export/Import permit and not issued to individuals.

    Application rejected: Ammunition not listed correctly.

      Incorrect: Reloads.    Correct terminology: Reloads "reloaded by self".

    Application rejected: Ammunition not listed correctly.

      Incorrect: Remington 12, 20, 28, .410 (1000) listed on one line.

      Correct: One gauge & manufacturer per line.

      If you list three different brands of 12 gauge ammunition, each brand needs to be listed separately.

    Turned away at border: Shoot Invitation Rejected.

      Shooter was using the generic ATA invitation that didn't address specific shoot date(s).

      Shoot invitation requires organization letterhead, personalized to the shooter (by name), and date of shoot. More than one registered shoot can be listed, to include league and fun shoots.

      Recommend clubs produce a fillable PDF posted to their website with all pertinent information, leaving it up to the shooter to fill in his/her own information to make it a personlized invitation. Recommended that clubs list all club events on one invitation.

    Turned away at border: Canadian who didn't require a VISA denied entry.

      Agent demanded to see a shoot invitation.

      Recommend you visit: Answers to some common questions for those who may be considered a nonimmigrant alien

        Q. "What documentation does an alien need to show U.S. Customs and Border Protection"

        When entering the United States, an alien must show CBP both the approved Form 6 NIA (5330.3D) permit, and if admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa, appropriate documentation demonstrating you fall within an exception to the nonimmigrant alien prohibition.

        [27 CFR 478.120]

      The answer also points to question #14 of the application and repeated on the Instruction Sheet (#1) for those not needing a VISA (Visa Waiver Program).   Recommend you print the question and answer and keep with form.  This is the only reference I've found that spells out what documentation is needed to cross the border for those who don't need a VISA.

      See "Important: Target Shooters (non-Visa)" below.

    ---

    Those entering via the state of Washington require a shoot invitation per state law

    Handgun laws vary from state to state. In New York you need to be attending a NRA shoot. I know little about traveling with handguns. Contact the states you will be travelling through.

    If a shooter at your club shoots in the states, you may wish to ask the in's and out's of crossing at a favorite crossing.


    The Process

    Visiting the USA with Firearm.

    If you DON'T require a VISA, as of July 12, 2012 you don't need a hunting license or shoot invitation.  ATF Form 6 NIA is still required!

    If you require a VISA to enter the USA, you will use the Hunting License or Shoot Invitation option.

    Federal Register Change in regard to VISA / Non-VISA: June 7, 2012 /Rules and Regulations - PDF

    ----------

    The application must be approved by the ATF Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch located in West Virigina.

    Fax the application.

    - Download ATF Form 6NIA application
    - Complete the form.
    - Attach shoot invitations, registrations, or state side hunting license.  * Only if you require a VISA to enter the USA!
    - Fax: (304) 616-4554

    It may take up to six weeks for the application to be approved.

    • Make sure provided information is legible.  If not readable it will not be processed!

    • List correct model, not O/U or Semi.  Contact the Manufacturer if not sure

    • List all firearms, to include backup gun.

      • To add a firearm at a later date, you must submit a new application, listing all firearms.

      • When the space provided on the ATF Form 6NIA, is not sufficient to list all the articles you wish to import, as in your latest submission, please note solely the words see attachment on the face of the ATF Form 6NIA, under the block. Then use a separate sheet of paper to precisely describe and list the articles following the identical column format.

    • List all ammunition your importing, include shoot-off and practice ammunition.

      • Ammunition not listed, cannot be taken into the states.

      • To add ammunition at a later date, you must submit a new application, listing all firearms and ammunition.

    • You can mix and match firearms and ammunition on one permit i.e., rifle, pistol, shotgun.

    • All items listed on the permit need not be in your possession when entering, as your allowed multiple entries.

      Fax:

      • Provide a telephone number and fax number (including country code).

      • Insure the information can be read at the other end.  If not sure, run a test by faxing to yourself for readability.

      • When faxing a hunting license, insure it's readable.  * Hunting License Only if you require a VISA to enter the USA!

      • Some are providing faxes which are blocked when the equipment does not recognize the fax phone number.  This can be prevented by taking your blocks off when your fax number is provided for processing.

      • Fax only one copy of each document.  Fax: (304) 616-4554.

    • You will normally receive an approved or disapproved application from the ATF in six weeks, but many have it returned within seven business days.  It's recommended you submit the application 60 days prior to the date you need it.  The approval may be returned via FAX or email (PDF attachment).

    • EMAIL: Many who fill out the form are providing a Telephone number (include long distance codes) and using the Email address option instead of a return FAX number.   Check your SPAM folder when using the Email option before contacting ATF about not receiving a returned form!

    • A shoot brochure/flier is not a Shoot Invitation!

      EXCEPTION!

      Target shooters using Washington State Crossings may be required to produce shoot invitations per Washington state law.

      ATTENTION CANADIANS:

      Residents importing goods that were previously exported from Canada:

      Both temporary and permanent exports of either Restricted or Non-Restricted firearms to the US may be made without obtaining an export permit.  See Export Permit Requirements for Firearms

      The following guidance provided by Canada Border Services Agency 12/02/2015:

      Canadian residents may temporarily export personal effects for use on trips abroad. On returning to Canada, it is the individual's responsibility to establish that such items were initially taken out of Canada and were not acquired abroad. To assist individuals in meeting this requirement certain goods may be documented on an identification card before leaving Canada.

      Personal effects subject to temporary exportation may be presented for identification at a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office any time prior to the individual's departure from Canada. A border services officer will examine and identify the goods prior to exportation. The articles will be documented on a wallet-sized card entitled Form Y38 or BSF407, Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation. Please note that Form Y38 is the previous form number for the Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation document, which has recently been changed to BSF407. The individual will then be asked to sign the declaration on the front of either Form Y38 or BSF407, certifying that the goods listed were, to the best of his or her knowledge, either purchased in Canada or lawfully imported into Canada. Individuals are not required to produce sales receipts or other proof of lawful purchase or importation when being issued Form Y38 or BSF407.

      A complete directory of CBSA offices is available at:

      http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/do-rb/menu-eng.html

      In order for an item to be documented on Form Y38 or BSF407, it must be uniquely identifiable. An article is uniquely identifiable only when it can be distinguished from similar articles by a serial number or other distinctive, permanently affixed marking. The serial number or other identifiable mark will be recorded on Form Y38 or BSF407 along with the make and model numbers. Note that make and model number alone are not sufficient to identify the article.

      For additional information pertaining to the identification of Canadian goods, including goods without serial numbers please see Memorandum D2-6-5, Documentation of Goods for Temporary Exportation, at:

      http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-6-5-eng.pdf

       

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    Target Shooters

    * Only if you require a VISA to enter the USA!

    When submitting ATF Form 6NIA for approval, submit shoot invitations/registrations to all events you will be attending for the next 12 months.

    An approved ATF Form 6NIA will authorize entry to the states with the firearms and ammunition listed on the permit, repeatedly for 12 months, as long invitations/registrations attached to the permit are for future events.

    A permit supported with shoot invitations can only be used to enter the states to attend such events.

    A shoot brochure/flier is not a Shoot Invitation!  When a club mails a shoot brochure/flier they should include a brief personalized Invitation to attend.

      We (ATF) will need an official invitation or registration, preferably on the organizations letterhead, to attend a competitive target shooting event or sports or hunting trade show sponsored by a national, State, or local firearms trade organization devoted to the competitive use or other sporting use of firearms. A processed registration form in your name will meet our requirements. If you can not provide the above referenced documents, then a copy of the envelope showing your name, address, and postmark along with the senders will also work.

    The ATA and a number of clubs/organizations put out shoot invitation letters that seem to pass mustered with both the Firearms Branch and Customs.  Saying that, such letters are technically only to be used for attending shooting events.  Insure the letter you are using meets all your needs, such as random visits to clubs, visits to a friends property, or shoots you don't have an invitation for.  If not, the hunting license option should be considered!

    If you have doubts on the validity of your invitation, contact West Virigina ATF to insure it's acceptable, as if rejected, you may not be notified for 6 - 8 weeks.

    Hunting License Exception: If you do not expect to receive invitations / registrations for future competitions until shortly before the competitions, you may want to rely on the hunting license exception to the nonimmigrant alien prohibition.

      If you attach a hunting license to your application, instead of a shoot invitation, you will be able to bring in the firearms and ammunition listed on the permit repeatedly for 12 months after the date the permit is approved, for all purposes, as long as you have a valid State hunting license to present to the Customs Inspector at the time of entry.

      You may rely on this exception even though you are coming to the United States for competitive shooting events, and not to hunt.

    The use of this exception is used by a large number of shooters who enter the states frequently.

    Guidance provided on the ATF Form 6NIA application:

      If you are attending a shooting event or trade show and are not sure if it qualifies for the exception, please contact ATF's Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch prior to submitting your application.  ATF can tell you whether the event qualifies.  If it does not qualify, you may instead support your application with a hunting license or permit from a State within the United States.

      The hunting license/permit DOES NOT have to be from the State where you will be importing and/or using the firearm(s) and ammunition.  See question #18 of the application, if using the hunting license option.

    EXCEPTION!

    Target shooters using Washington State Crossings may be required to produce shoot invitations per Washington state law.

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    Shoot Invitations

    * Only if you require a VISA to enter the USA!

    A shoot brochure/flier is not a shoot invitation!  When a club mails a shoot brochure/flier they should include a brief personalized invitation to attend.

    It's recommended that in the body of the invitation, it's addressed to the shooter, on letterhead, with organization logo.

    I received this guidance from the ATF on Apr 17, 2007:

      To NIA Applicant:

      We will need an official invitation or registration, preferably on the organizations letterhead, to attend a competitive target shooting event or sports or hunting trade show sponsored by a national, State, or local firearms trade organization devoted to the competitive use or other sporting use of firearms. A processed registration form in your name will meet our requirements. If you can not provide the above referenced documents, then a copy of the envelope showing your name, address, and postmark along with the senders will also work.

    If the club you want to visit is unsure on how to format a shoot invitation, feel free to forward this page link or have them contact the ATF.

    SHOOT MANAGEMENT - PREPARING SHOOT INVITATIONS

    Local organizations devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms can issue shoot invitations.

    From past experience, ATF expects to see a club logo and/or national logo on the invitation.

    Club's should consider setting up shoot invitations with a mail merge program, to ease the use of producing such documents.

    Club's may add multiple club shoots to one invitation, to include league shooting and fun shoots.

    Regional/state organizations are encouraged to compose a comprehensive shoot invitation listing all shoots/events held in its jurisdiction.

    Suggested Wording Posted to Your Clubs Website:

      Visitors to the U.S. Planning on Attending Shoot(s) at the Club.

      Download ATF Form for International Visitors (ATF Form 6NIA to allow for firearms entry into U.S.)

      Request Shoot Invitation Letter All letters of invitation must be personalized to get your guns in and out of the US for shooting events.  Please send an email request containing your name and complete postal address for each person who needs an invitation to "EMAIL ADDRESS".

      Include an email address where we can send the letter or letters.

      FAX the invitation when received, along with your ATF Form 6NIA to the ATF.  Fax: (304) 616-4554. You can email a signed and scanned copy to: imports@atf.gov

      Provide a return FAX number to the ATF. It may take up to six (6) weeks to receive approval from the ATF.

      Contact the ATF if you don't receive an approved form after four (4) weeks.  Phone: (304) 616-4550 (EST)

      Note: Suggested that shoot management sends invitaion in PDF format.

     

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    Hunter

    * Only if you require a VISA to enter the USA!

    An approved ATF Form 6NIA with a stateside hunting license (any state), gives unlimited entry for valid reasons, not necessarily hunting.

    You must always have a valid license in your possession!

    The hunting license submitted with the ATF Form 6NIA application can be from any U.S. state.  It does not have to be from the state that you will be hunting or visiting.

    • Non-resident shooting preserve license
    • Non-resident small game hunting
    • Non-Resident Non-Game

    If not sure of your hunting plans, or attending speciality hunts, and permits are not drawn until a late date, you may want to submit an ATF Form 6NIA with a hunting license from another state, in order to have an approved ATF Form 6NIA in your possession.

    • It's recommended you purchase an inexpensive license, if the state your hunting has not yet issued a license for the period you will be visiting.  Of course, you will require a hunting license from that state, at the time of the hunt.

    Non-Hunters

    For shooters using the license option for target sports other then hunting, it's recommended you purchase an inexpensive license.

    The license does not have to be from the states you will be shooting in!

    EXCEPTION!

    Target shooters (not hunters) using Washington State Crossings may be required to produce shoot invitations, as Washington state laws seem to be in conflict with federal laws.

    Renewal

    You can use any hunting license to renew your ATF Form 6NIA, as long as it is valid at the time submitted.

    • You submit in Dec. and your license expires Jan 1.  That is acceptable.
    • When you receive your approved ATF Form 6NIA you will need a vaild license when crossing the border.

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    Ammunition

    When importing Ammunition, as well as Firearms, list on the ATF Form 6NIA.

    When Importing ammunition, as many Canadian shooters do, you must take into account all ammunition requirements.

    • Be generous on your ammunition allowance and consider practice rounds, bad shells, and shoot off's.

      • If coming into the states to attend three skeet shoots without departing, at a minimum you would require 1,500 shells.

    • As the approved ATF Form 6NIA can be used for multiple trips. Include factory ammunition requirements and reloads for the various shoots/hunts you will be attending.

        What is the the number of shells you will be bringing into the states at one time for each discipline; 50 9mm, 200 .22, 1700 shotgun shells?

    • Your NOT required to bring all shells listed, when entering the US.

    • Ammunition not listed on ATF Form 6NIA, cannot be brought into the states.

  • Your required to return to your own country any unfired ammunition you initial brought into the states.

    • If you have 10 boxes (one case, 250 rounds) of factory Winchester 12 gauge ammunition listed, and did not shoot it, your required to leave with it.

    2. Aquired Ammunition When In the States:

    • You CANNOT leave the states with ammunition purchased while in the states, unless you have an export permit.

    • Ammunition won as a prize, given to you, etc., CANNOT leave the states, unless you have an export permit.

      You can purchase ammunition when in possession of an ATF Form 6NIA or stateside hunting license.

      * If a non-VISA visitor, all that is needed is valid identification to purchase ammunition (U.S. Export Permit Required to take said ammunition out of the states).

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    Club Membership

    ATF WILL NOT issue a ATF Form 6NIA because you belong to an American club, or wish to visit an American club for casual shooting.

    The Form 6NIA is for attending an upcoming competitive target shooting event or sports or hunting trade show in the United States sponsored by a national, State, or local organization devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms.

    Aliens who desire to import firearms or ammunition for other than legitimate hunting or lawful sporting purposes may apply for an import permit by filing an ATF Form 6--Part I.

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    Renting or Borrowing

    If not bringing firearms and/or ammunition into the states, but plan on renting or borrowing a firearm, you DO NOT require a ATF Form 6NIA.

    Rental of Firearms On-Premises

    An alien admitted to the U.S. under a nonimmigrant visa is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition unless he or she falls within one of the following exemptions:

    • 1. is in possession of a hunting license or permit lawfully issued by the Federal Government, a State, or local government, or an Indian tribe federally recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which is valid and unexpired. The hunting license does not have to be from the State in which the business premises is located;
    • 2. was admitted to the United States for lawful hunting or sporting purposes;
    • 3. is an official representative of a foreign government who is accredited to the United States Government or the Government s mission to an international organization having its headquarters in the United States;
    • 4. is an official representative of a foreign government who is en route to or from another country to which that alien is accredited;
    • 5. is an official of a foreign government, or a distinguished foreign visitor who has been so designated by the Department of State;
    • 6. is a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government entering the United States on official law enforcement business; or
    • 7. has received a waiver from the Attorney General of the United States.

    If VISA not required: Permanent resident aliens, and aliens lawfully admitted to the U.S. without a visa (e.g. Visa Waiver Program) do not fall within the prohibition, and therefore do not need to meet one of the above exemptions to rent a firearm.

    Rental of Firearms Off-Premises

    A licensee may rent a firearm to any person for temporary use off the premises of the licensee for lawful sporting purposes. This transaction is considered a transfer and must meet the following conditions:

    • 1. The individual renting the firearm must meet the age requirement of 21 to rent a handgun, and 18 to rent a long gun;
    • 2. The individual renting the firearm has a valid identification document;
    • 3. An ATF Form 4473 must be completed, and a NICS check must be conducted; and
    • 4. The FFL must log the firearm out of the A&D record as a disposition to the transferee.

    An alien admitted to the U.S. under a nonimmigrant visa may rent a firearm for use away from the premises provided the above conditions are met, and the alien falls within one of the above listed exemptions, and has a valid identification document. However, under Federal law, a person may not transfer a firearm to an alien in possession of a waiver issued under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(3), unless the alien meets one of the exceptions found in 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2).

    If VISA not required: Permanent resident aliens and aliens lawfully admitted to the U.S. without a visa (e.g. Visa Waiver Program) do not need to fall within one of the above exemptions to rent a firearm off-premises. However, the alien must have a valid identification document. The off-premises rental of an NFA firearm is allowed

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    If You Experience a Problem at the Border

    First, request to see the supervior on duty and try to resolve the issue.  If that fails and you are denied entry with a firearm; record date, time, border entry location, badge number and/or name of official, and nature of incident.

  • Fax (304) 616-4554 the information to the ATF (You can email to: imports@atf.gov), and follow it up with a telephone (304) 616-4550 call to ATF within 72 hours.

    Without the shooter registering a formal complaint, their is very little that can be done to resolve border crossing issues with firearms.  Most problems seen at vehicle border crossings has to do with local customs officials not fully aware of ATF firearm policies and paperwork requirements.

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    Departing the United States

    You are allowed to export all unused ammunition that you brought into the states.  Ammunition must have been listed on your ATF Form 6NIA.

    Ammunition purchased, won, or given to you while in the states cannot be taken out of the United States without you first receiving an export permit.  Such a permit may take several months to obtain.

    Your firearms must be removed from the states, as you imported them using a temporary import permit.

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    Importation of Firearm for Repairs

    Q5. I am a nonimmigrant alien temporarily bringing a firearm into the United States for repair.  Should I complete the Form 6NIA?

    A. Yes. This is the one other situation (besides a temporarily import for hunting or other lawful sporting purposes) where a nonimmigrant alien should complete the Form 6NIA.

    I contacted the Firearms Branch for clarification in regard to firearm repairs, asking a number of related questions, to include modifications. Comments at the end of paragraphs in the response are my own.

      This email is in response to your letter to the F&E Imports Branch dated March 2, 2008.

    • There is a fine line between the repair of a firearm and the manufacturing of a firearm.  For the most part, gunsmithing is the replacement of parts.  Manufacturing is the addition of firearms parts.  My suggestion would be to call your local ATF office if you need additional clarification.   (I had also asked about modifications to a firearm, not just a repair).

    • The person conducting firearm repairs should be licensed by ATF to do so.  They should either be a licensed gunsmith or a licensed manufacturer.  A letter from the gunsmith is sufficient documentation in order to apply for an ATF F6NIA.  (This was in regard to supporting documentation when submitting your ATF Form 6NIA).

    • Under an ATF F6NIA, the importation is just temporary and when the owner leaves, they must take the firearm(s) with them.  (You cannot depart the states without the firearm).

    • An ATF F6 is not the right vehicle for a temporary importation.  ATF F6 s are only for permanent importations.   (Asked about using the ATF Form 6 to temporarily import for repairs, instead of the ATF Form 6NIA).

    • If you wish to temporarily import a firearm, and cannot wait for the repair, your only other avenue is apply for a DSP-5 temporary import through the US State Department.

    • The importation of barrels also requires an approved ATF F6.  If you apply for an ATF F6NIA, you would just record the information about the barrel on the form and explain it is for repair.  (I asked about barrel repairs and modifications such as installing chokes.)   You cannot leave the barrel in the states when you depart.  You may have to inquire on choke installation, as that is not a repair.  Selling your barrel in the US requires a ATF F6, not to be confused with the ATF Form 6NIA)

        Firearms returned to the United States for repair, replacement, or customizing and subsequent export should be imported with a temporary import license issued by the U.S. Department of State:

        For information in regard to rifles and handguns.

        U.S. State Department
        Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
        PM/DTC, Room 1304, SA-1
        Washington, DC 20037
        (202) 663-1282

    • You cannot leave a repaired firearm in the states when an ATF F6NIA is used.  An ATF F6NIA cannot be used for shipping a firearm. (I asked a direct question on the possiblity of leaving the firearm in the US and shipping)

      I hope that I have answered your questions. If not, please call our main Imports number at (304) 616-4550 and ask to speak to an Imports Specialist.

      Kevin L. Boydston
      Department of Justice
      Bureau of ATF&E
      Chief, F&E Imports Branch
      Martinsburg, WV 25405

    Question on this subject should be directed to the ATF - Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch, (304) 616-4550.

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    Travel Documents / Passport

    Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

    Required at land and sea borders:

  • Passport issued by the Government of Canada (or)
  • Valid trusted traveler program card (FAST, NEXUS, or SENTRI) (or)
  • Enhanced Drivers License

    U.S. & Canadian citizens under the age of 16 (or anyone under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Canadian Citizenship Card, or a naturalization certificate. Birth certificates can be an original, photocopy, or certified copy.

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  •  

    Permit to transit the U.S. with a firearm/ammunition

    If I am transiting the U.S. with a firearm, do I need a permit?

    If you are transiting the U.S. by air, you do not need a permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), however, you may need a DSP-61 (Temporary Import License) from the Department of State. If you have questions about whether a DSP-61 is needed, you should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Defense Trade Controls at (202) 663-2714.

    If you are transiting by car, except for the below exception, please contact the ATF for guidance.

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    Completion Tips

    Fax one copy of the ATF Form 6NIA.   Application must be prepared in duplicate if mailing. You may email a signed and scanned copy to: imports@atf.gov

    If VISA Required: Attach Invitations/registrations to attend target shooting competitions or sports or hunting trade show sponsored by a national, State, or local organization devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms.  ATF recommends you photocopy attachments before faxing them to ensure they are legible. If they cannot read it, they will not approve.

    Print clearly or type the form.

    A copy of this form will be returned to you, stamped and marked accordingly.

    E-mail: It is recommended you provide your email address. A good possiblity your approved application will be returned via E-mail attachment.

    Canadians: If you do not have a Firearms Registration Certificate Number (FRCN), or are not required to have an FRCN for a particular firearm, you should write N/A.

    Discreption of Firearms and Ammunition:   Provide the name given the firearm by the Manufacturer:

    If you reload, this has worked in the past "Applicant reloads for competition/practice"

    • For example: Manufacturer-Browning, Type-SG Model, Designation-Citori (NOT PUMP OR OVER/UNDER).

    • Include the barrel length and overall length.

    Include your backup firearm and be generous with ammunition.  A three day shoot requires more ammuniton then a one day shoot.

    • You cannot ask to have a firearm or ammunition added to your permit.  A new application must be submitted, to include all firearms and ammunition.

    • You ARE NOT required to bring all firearms or ammunition listed, when entering the US.

    ATF WILL NOT notify you when they receive the application.

    . If you have not received an approved form after five weeks, you may want to call the ATF and ask for the status of your application.  A small number of sportsmen have reported their applications were not in the system or told they had already been sent out weeks ago.  Check your SPAM folder before you call!

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    Other

  • All information subject to change. Visit the BATF website or call BATF for clerification: Telephone (304) 616-4550

    Write and let me know of any problems you may have experienced

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    Posted By: Joe Potosky

    The Lost Target
    A web-based news service
    for gun enthusiasts

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