No, open carry of firearms is illegal in the Netherlands under the Wet wapens en munitie (Weapons and Ammunition Act). Only licensed individuals with a valid wapenvergunning (firearm permit) may transport firearms unloaded and secured in a locked container, strictly for authorized purposes like hunting or sport shooting. The Dutch National Police (Politie) enforces these rules, with recent 2026 amendments tightening storage requirements and expanding background checks for permit renewals.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Netherlands
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Prohibition on Open Carry: Dutch law explicitly bans carrying firearms visibly in public spaces, including streets, parks, or vehicles. Violations may result in immediate confiscation and criminal prosecution under Article 28 of the Weapons Act.
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Permit-Dependent Transport: Firearms must be transported unloaded, disassembled, and locked in a hard-case container, with ammunition stored separately. Permit holders must adhere to designated routes and timeframes approved by local police jurisdictions (politie-eenheden).
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Strict Storage Mandates: Residential storage requires a certified gun safe bolted to a wall or floor, inspected during permit renewals. The 2026 amendments now mandate tamper-evident seals and remote monitoring for high-risk permit holders, enforced by the Landelijke Eenheid (National Unit).