No, open carry of firearms in Poland is prohibited under the Act on Firearms and Ammunition (2018, amended 2023), which permits only concealed carry with a valid permit. Exceptions exist for hunters, sport shooters, or security personnel under strict conditions, but public display without justification is criminalized. The Police and Internal Security Agency enforces compliance, with penalties including fines or imprisonment for violations.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Poland
- Permit Dependency: Open carry requires a carry permit (art. 11 of the Firearms Act), issued only for “justified need,” such as professional security roles or hunting activities. General public display is not recognized as valid justification.
- Restricted Locations: Carrying firearms openly is banned in public gatherings, government buildings, and educational institutions (art. 42). Violations may result in immediate confiscation by police under Procedural Code provisions.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Amendments to the Internal Security Act (effective 2026) tighten oversight, mandating real-time permit verification via a national firearms registry managed by the Ministry of Interior and Administration. Non-compliance triggers automatic permit revocation.