Firearms Law for US citizen

mark says on Dec 2, 2004, 09:31:

Carry-permit, huh I'm sure it can be done. You may have to talk to DAS or other authorities.

Usually they require a specific reason for your needing one, ie. jewlery salesman, etc.

I would try contacting the Colombia embassy reps in the US first, I'd also do it in person and would bring in the carry permits for the ones issued in the states.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mad_lion says on Dec 2, 2004, 09:34:

just becuase it's relevant.......... I will make this statement. Aklemish. I am in the law enforcement field in the USA, and I can tell you that I had a very difficult time trying to get a permit w/o a Colombian cedula. Basically, I ended up not getting a permit after all the paperwork it would require even for me - even with clear indication of what I do for a living back in the states in Law Enforcement.

I'm not saying it cannot be done, however, I'm sure some serious political Colombian connections will have to come into play to get a carry-license for a non-political foreigner, and you will have very STRICT limits as to where you can carry!

If I REALLY wanted a carry permit in Colombia, I'm certain that a visit to the US Embassy would push me to the top of the eligible list as a US foreigner with a badge. However, I am in law enforecement in the US, so that will play a big part if you are a private citizen with no high-risk business or political office.

DAS is the very first stop you will have to make, so give them a call.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ACBlessing says on Dec 2, 2004, 10:22:

Asking for trouble I think even before discussing how to get a permit for a pistol you would have to think about what you would do with a pistol when you hit a road block manned by ten AK 47 and FN FAL carrying FARC. It's bad enough being an American in such a situation but being an American with a firearm might get you confused with US military and put you at the top of their kidnap list if they think the US gov't will pay a ransom...and the top of their kill list when they find out the gov't won't pay.

I would hire a detective in Cali to do the searching along with a healthy bonus in $US for finding the mother or at least a reward for information. That would get everyone involved.

Just my take on it...


Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA, USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

0 funny, 0 helpful.

aklemish says on Dec 2, 2004, 10:39:

Option B Can anyone provide me information on obtaining a bodygaurd / private investigator? Preferably one that can speak English as well. Should I just ask the hotel concierge for assitance, because I am not finding any help on the internet.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mad_lion says on Dec 2, 2004, 11:23:

acblessing is right on the money with his post. I did not chase the permit issue, because the last thing I want is someone from a guerrilla group thinking that I am walking money in the bank if they kidnap me. Or anyone trying to sell information about my stay in Colombia to kidnappers.

Aklemish. Keep in mind that having bodyguards and high profile SUV's ATTRACTS A LOT OF ATTENTION!! Which is the last thing you want to do in Colombia.

Why do you feel you need a bodyguard/gun? I mean, unless you are a son of filthy rich n famous American political figure - in which case you should keep that info. to yourself anyway, you don't need one.


I never mention or identify myself as an American law enforcement officer to anyone outside of of DAS when I enter the country when they question me upon entry - My job here would very likely get me killed faster in Colombia!

So I stick to the usual, I'm a student looking for work in Bogota in one of the hotels. Surely saying this keeps me safe every time.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

aklemish says on Dec 2, 2004, 11:42:

Bodyguard No, im not a super rich dude. However I do stick out, as I am 6ft 1, blond hair blue eyed and am 23 years old.

We will most likely seek the assistance of an investigator to search for my friends birth mother, and i thought it be nice to just try and find one who wont get us killed.

I have been to Baghdad, Kabul, Sudan, Nigeria, and D.R. Congo with my company, and I am either armed, or my company provides security. Never needed either, but it did make me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

I dont need a SUV and high profile guy, just want a translator / investigator to help us out of trouble. If I was going to be confined to Cali, i wouldnt need any of this, but we are going to some remote places that I have read are a bit scary.

Good idea about the student looking for work thing... thats the best cover I can think of.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

isaactraveler says on Dec 2, 2004, 11:49:

how about calling the local police station and asking if they can recommend someone? Seriously you would probably save alot of time, money and stress letting a local do the footwork.

If you think you need a firearm in Colombia, you are probably going where you shouldnt go.

Anywhere else, you might stick out, but not considered anything more than interesting ( unless you are drunk, loud, or waving money and showing jewelry)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mad_lion says on Dec 2, 2004, 11:56:

If you look.... like a 6'1" 23, blond, blue eyes guy - you need to worry more about the Colombianas ladies trying to kidnap you, and making you feel like the king of the world more than you would need to worry about FARC ;-)

BTW, I would let the detective/investigator travel to rural areas for you...don't you even think about going to remote areas even with a .45 gun and a TEK-9 together - forget it! You will be outmaned and outgunned, if you run into guerrillas. If not guerrillas, drug leaders and cartels that are huge trouble as well!

It's better that you did stay within the boundaries of Cali, and have people come to you there. Let your detective/trasnlator do all the dirty/dangerous work for you - that is why you pay him a nice set of greenbacks for.


Good Luck!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Dec 2, 2004, 12:04:

Armored car rental companies In all major Colombian cities there are companies that will rent you armored cars (blindados) and drivers. I'm sure they can also get you a driver who is licensed to carry and probably a bilingual one, too, though that's less sure.

Personally, I think the safest approach for you would be to wear some Birkenstocks, one of those hippy man-purses, and carry a couple tattered Lonely planet guidebooks, while forgetting about the gun. Truthfully, the people who really want to hurt you here aren't going to be deterred so easily, so it's better to just fly under the radar.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mark says on Dec 2, 2004, 12:52:

Option B Remember one this about doing business in third world countries.

it's not like the us..

think about the source, in your case I would contact DAS , and to to a high level guy, he may be dirty but for a good business opportunity he could be your best bet.

make a deal that includes a bonus and the end , and make several references to repeat business and referrals.

off duty or other wise FED's in colombia would probably take the job, plus they definitetly know the ropes.

Don't be shy to ask what you want, and go directly to the top.

search for the various ministry offices too, these people are very accessable when you mention foreign money.

payment in euros is popular as well.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

aklemish says on Dec 2, 2004, 13:06:

your a helpfull bunch!! You guys are very insightfull, very glad I came to this forum!

On another note, a kidnapping by the colombian ladies is just fine with me...

Which hotel is all around the better choice?, the Intercontinental, or the Pacifico Royal??

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mad_lion says on Dec 2, 2004, 15:58:

LOL..gringoinbogota I think he (Aklemish) gets your point very clearly now- LOL..if he does not, may the lord be with him!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Save the Wildcats says on Dec 2, 2004, 16:03:

Oh my gosh.... I'm getting scared to go down there now.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 2, 2004, 16:41: