No, open carry of firearms is prohibited in Colombia under Decree 2535 of 1993 and Law 1801 of 2016, with exceptions for authorized personnel. Civilians face strict penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violating these provisions. The National Police and Superintendencia de Vigilancia y Seguridad Privada enforce compliance, particularly in urban zones.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Colombia
- Prohibition for Civilians: Decree 2535 (1993) and Law 1801 (2016) explicitly ban open carry by civilians, classifying it as a public order offense. Violations may result in administrative sanctions or criminal charges under Article 340 of the Penal Code.
- Authorized Exceptions: Open carry is permitted only for active-duty military, police, and private security personnel with Ministerio de Defensa approval. Permits for civilians are restricted to concealed carry under Licencia de Porte (Law 1801, Art. 10).
- Regional Enforcement: Municipal authorities, in coordination with the Policía Nacional, conduct periodic inspections in high-risk areas (e.g., Bogotá, Medellín) to deter illegal open carry. Non-compliance triggers immediate confiscation under Decreto 1070 de 2015.
Post-2023 reforms (Law 2280 of 2023) tightened controls, requiring digital verification of firearm permits via the Sistema Nacional de Información de Armas. Non-compliance now mandates mandatory training and psychological evaluations for repeat offenders.