Yes, carrying a sword in public in Peru is generally legal under specific conditions, but strict regulations apply. The Reglamento de Armas (Supreme Decree No. 006-2017-IN) and Ley de Armas y Municiones govern blade possession. Authorities may confiscate weapons deemed “dangerous” without prior authorization, and local ordinances in Lima or Cusco impose additional municipal restrictions.
Key Regulations for Carrying a Sword in Public in Peru
- Authorization Requirement: A valid Licencia de Porte de Arma (carry permit) is mandatory for swords classified as “cold weapons” under Decreto Legislativo 1106. Permits are issued by the Ministerio del Interior (MININTER) or regional police, with discretionary approval based on “legitimate need.”
- Prohibited Contexts: Swords are banned in government buildings, public protests, and educational institutions. Municipalities like Lima’s Municipalidad Metropolitana enforce local decrees prohibiting “ostentatious” blade displays in urban areas.
- Blade Specifications: Swords exceeding 30 cm in blade length or with fixed blades (e.g., katanas, machetes) require registration under Decreto Supremo 014-2019-IN. Concealed carry is prohibited; visible transport must be justified (e.g., cultural events with prior notification).
Recent 2026 compliance shifts under Ley N° 31903 tighten oversight, mandating digital permits linked to national ID systems. Violations incur fines up to 50 UIT (S/ 24,500 in 2024) or criminal charges under Código Penal Article 279 for unauthorized possession. Tourists may temporarily carry decorative swords with a Permiso Temporal from MININTER, valid for 30 days.