No, carrying a concealed firearm without a permit in Mexico is illegal under federal law, punishable by imprisonment. The Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos (LFAFE) mandates permits for all firearm possession, including concealed carry, with no exceptions for travelers or temporary visitors. Violations trigger mandatory judicial review under Article 83 of the LFAFE, often resulting in 3–10 years’ detention. The Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (SEDENA) enforces compliance, and recent 2026 amendments tightened oversight, requiring biometric verification for permit renewals.
Key Regulations for Concealed Carry Without a Permit in Mexico
- Federal Prohibition: LFAFE Article 10 explicitly bans unlicensed firearm possession, including concealed carry, regardless of state laws. Permits are issued solely by SEDENA, with no reciprocity for foreign licenses.
- Strict Storage Requirements: Unpermitted firearms must remain locked in SEDENA-approved safes or surrendered to authorities; carrying even unloaded weapons without a permit violates Article 11.
- Penalty Escalation: Unauthorized concealed carry triggers delito federal, with sentences ranging from 5–15 years if aggravated by prior offenses or proximity to schools (LFAFE Article 83 Bis).