No, open carry of firearms in Finland is prohibited under the Firearms Act (1998/610), with exceptions for law enforcement and authorized personnel only. Private citizens may transport unloaded firearms in locked cases to shooting ranges but cannot display them publicly. The Finnish Police Authority enforces strict permitting, requiring background checks, training, and storage compliance. Recent 2026 amendments tightened storage rules for licensed owners, emphasizing secure transport to prevent unauthorized access.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Finland
- Firearms Act (1998/610) §12: Explicitly bans the public display of firearms, including open carry, unless authorized by law enforcement or under exceptional permits.
- Police Authority Permitting (2026 Amendments): Mandates biometric storage inspections for licensed owners, with failure to comply resulting in permit revocation.
- Transport Protocols: Firearms must be unloaded, in a locked case, and accompanied by the permit holder’s identification; deviations constitute a misdemeanor under §17 of the Act.
Violations carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, with aggravated cases involving public endangerment prosecuted under the Criminal Code (39/1889) §34. The Finnish Border Guard and Customs also enforce firearm import restrictions, requiring prior notification for cross-border transport.