No, open carry of firearms or imitation firearms is strictly prohibited in Singapore under the Arms Offences Act (Cap. 14), enforced by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and regulated by the Home Team. Only licensed arms dealers, military personnel, or authorized security agencies may possess firearms, with stringent storage and transport conditions. Violations incur severe penalties, including imprisonment and caning.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Singapore
- Prohibition under Arms Offences Act (Cap. 14): Open carry of any firearm, airgun, or replica is illegal without a valid permit, which is rarely granted. The Act criminalizes possession without authorization, with penalties up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or fines.
- Licensing by Home Team: Firearms possession requires approval from the Home Team, including the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Customs. Permits are issued only for specific purposes (e.g., sport shooting, security), with mandatory background checks and storage audits.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: From 2026, stricter digital tracking of firearm movements will be enforced under the Arms Offences (Amendment) Bill, requiring real-time GPS monitoring for licensed firearms during transport. Non-compliance will trigger immediate revocation of permits.