De la Espriella Lifts Gun-Carrying Permit Suspension in Colombia
Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella signed a decree Tuesday lifting the nationwide suspension of permits to carry firearms, a decision that changes a restrictive policy that had been in effect in recent years. The government says the measure seeks to restore the effectiveness of permits that meet legal requirements, without turning the carrying of […]
President Abelardo de la Espriella of Colombia has lifted the nationwide suspension of gun permits, a decision aimed at restoring the effectiveness of legal permits without turning firearm carrying into an automatic right for every citizen. The decree, signed on September 8, 2026, allows previously valid permits to resume being effective, provided they meet the necessary legal requirements and are not individually suspended or revoked.
The government asserts that this move is intended to strike a balance between security policy and the firepower of criminal organizations, without granting unrestricted access to firearms for all citizens. De la Espriella emphasized that the change does not equate to allowing indiscriminate carrying of firearms, as controls, legal requirements, and authorizations from competent authorities remain in place.
Individuals currently holding valid permits will not need to obtain additional special authorization to exercise them. However, the regulation clarifies that the decision does not create new rights or authorize the unrestricted carrying of firearms. It also maintains the existing requirements, conditions, restrictions, and controls under Colombian firearm and ammunition regulations.
De la Espriella defended the decision by citing the disproportionate restriction of law-abiding citizens compared to criminal groups' ability to arm themselves illegally. Between January 1 and September 3, 2026, Colombian authorities seized 15,700 firearms, with 14,179 linked to crimes and 980 associated with criminal organizations, including the Gulf Clan and the National Liberation Army (ELN).
To qualify for a legally carried firearm in Colombia, applicants must meet several requirements: they must be at least 25 years old, have no criminal record, demonstrate physical, psychological, and emotional fitness through a medical certificate and psychophysical fitness assessment, and show theoretical knowledge of firearm handling and use. Thus, authorization depends on both the applicant's personal characteristics and their ability to properly handle the firearm.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
