No, open carry of firearms is illegal in Mexico under federal law, with exceptions for military personnel and authorized security details. Civilian possession requires a permit from the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (SEDENA), and even then, open carry is prohibited. Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize stricter enforcement under the Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Mexico
- Federal Prohibition: Article 10 of the Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos explicitly bans open carry for civilians, classifying it as a criminal offense under Article 83.
- Permit Requirements: SEDENA issues permits for concealed carry only, subject to rigorous background checks, psychological evaluations, and proof of necessity (e.g., professional risk).
- State-Level Variations: Some states, like Jalisco, have reinforced local ordinances mirroring federal restrictions, with penalties including fines up to 500 days’ minimum wage or imprisonment.