No, open carry of firearms is strictly prohibited in Taiwan under the Regulated Weapons and Ammunition Act, enforced by the National Police Agency (NPA). Civilians may only possess firearms for hunting or sport shooting with prior approval, and even then, carrying outside designated areas is illegal. Recent 2026 amendments tighten penalties for unauthorized possession, reflecting heightened security concerns.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Taiwan
- Licensing Requirement: Open carry demands a Special Carry Permit from local police, reserved for specific professions (e.g., security personnel) or exceptional circumstances, with proof of necessity.
- Storage Mandates: Firearms must remain unloaded and locked in secure storage when not in use; failure to comply risks immediate revocation under NPA directives.
- Prohibited Locations: Carrying is banned in government buildings, schools, public transit, and densely populated areas, as outlined in the Public Security Maintenance Act.
Violations incur fines up to NT$5 million (≈US$160,000) or imprisonment for up to 7 years, per the Criminal Code and Firearms Regulation Act. The NPA’s 2024–2026 enforcement campaign targets illegal possession, including online trafficking networks. Exceptions exist for military and law enforcement, but civilian open carry remains nonexistent in practice.