Yes, carrying a sword in public in Colombia is legal under strict conditions outlined in the Código Nacional de Seguridad y Convivencia Ciudadana (Law 1801 of 2016) and regulated by the Ministerio de Defensa Nacional and Policía Nacional. Exceptions apply for ceremonial or historical reenactment purposes, subject to prior authorization from local authorities.
Key Regulations for Carrying a Sword in Public in Colombia
- Authorization Requirement: Public display of swords requires prior approval from the Policía Nacional under Decreto 1070 de 2015, which classifies blades over 10 cm as “potentially dangerous.” Applications must justify cultural, historical, or professional (e.g., fencing) necessity.
- Prohibited Contexts: Carrying a sword in schools, government buildings, or during public protests is explicitly banned under Resolución 001245 de 2023 by the Ministerio de Educación. Violations may result in confiscation and fines.
- Concealment Restrictions: Concealed carry of any bladed weapon, including swords, is criminalized under Artículo 346 del Código Penal Colombiano (Law 599 of 2000), punishable by up to 6 years imprisonment if deemed a threat to public order.
Local ordinances in Bogotá (Acuerdo 809 de 2021) and Medellín further restrict public blade displays in commercial zones, requiring additional permits from municipal security offices. Non-compliance risks immediate intervention by Fuerza Pública under Decreto 2266 de 2022, which empowers police to detain individuals for “suspicious object possession.”