No, open carry of firearms is illegal in Italy under the Testo Unico delle Leggi di Pubblica Sicurezza (TULPS) and the Legge 18 aprile 1975, n. 110. Only law enforcement, military personnel, and authorized private security firms under strict permits may carry firearms openly, with carry licenses issued exclusively by Questura (local police headquarters) under stringent criteria. The 2026 Decreto Sicurezza amendments further tightened issuance, requiring psychological evaluations and mandatory storage of firearms at licensed ranges when not in use.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Italy
- Permit Dependency: Open carry requires a Porto d’Armi per Difesa Personale (carry permit), granted only to individuals demonstrating “objective and current danger” to life or limb, per Art. 42 TULPS. Permits are valid for 5 years and subject to Questura discretion.
- Firearm Restrictions: Only specific models approved by the Ministero dell’Interno (e.g., semi-automatic pistols with ≤15-round magazines) are eligible. Open carry of long guns (rifles/shotguns) is prohibited without Motivazioni Speciali (special justification), typically reserved for hunting or sport.
- Regional Enforcement: Prefetture and Questure enforce compliance, with penalties for violations including fines up to €10,329 and confiscation under Art. 28 TULPS. The 2026 reforms mandate quarterly inspections of licensed carriers’ storage compliance.