How Should UK Clubs Host Overseas Visiting Shooters?

Quick Answer

UK clubs should host overseas visiting shooters only after confirming the correct visitor permit, sponsor, police timing, insurance, ammunition arrangements and range safety process. BASC explains that under Section 17 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988, a visitor to Great Britain may possess firearms, shotguns or ammunition without holding a certificate if granted a visitor's permit.

The safest approach is to treat the visit as a planned compliance exercise, not just a friendly invitation. The club should know who is sponsoring the application, what firearms and ammunition are covered, when the visitor is attending and who is responsible on the day.

What is a visitor firearm or shotgun permit?

A visitor firearm or shotgun permit is the document that allows an overseas resident to possess specified firearms, shotguns or ammunition in Great Britain for approved shooting activity. It is not the same as a UK firearm certificate or shotgun certificate.

The BASC guidance on visiting the UK to shoot explains the Section 17 route for visitors. Police force guidance, including Metropolitan Police visitor information, describes visitor permits as the route for overseas residents travelling to the UK to attend shooting events.

For a club, the key point is simple. Do not assume that a visitor's home-country licence, hunting permit or club membership gives authority in Great Britain.

Who should sponsor the visitor?

The sponsor should be the person or organisation able to explain the visit, support the application and take responsibility for the local shooting arrangements. That might be a club, shoot organiser, ground, estate or resident certificate holder.

The sponsor should understand what the visitor wants to do. A clay lesson, rifle competition, stalking trip and club open day can involve different practical controls.

Before agreeing to sponsor, check:

• The visitor's full name and address
• The planned dates and venues
• The firearms, shotguns or ammunition involved
• The discipline or event
• Whether the visitor will bring firearms or use club equipment
• Insurance expectations
• Any transport or storage arrangements

If the club is unsure, it should ask the relevant police firearms licensing department before committing.

How early should clubs start the process?

Clubs should start the process as early as possible because police checks and paperwork take time. Late applications can leave the visitor with booked travel but no authority to shoot.

CPSA visitor shotgun permit guidance says its process should allow time for necessary checks before submission and warns that applications with less than 12 weeks may be rejected by Sussex Police. Police Scotland visitor permit guidance says a typical application can take up to six weeks.

Those examples show why a club should avoid last-minute promises. Put the permit conversation at the start of planning, not after flights and accommodation are booked.

What should the club check before the visitor travels?

The club should check the permit position, event details, insurance, travel plan and range suitability before the visitor travels. A polite checklist prevents embarrassment and protects the visitor.

A useful pre-travel checklist includes:

• Permit application submitted and acknowledged
• Sponsor details correct
• Firearm and ammunition details correct
• Dates and venues correct
• Insurance checked
• Range booking confirmed
• Safety briefing planned
• Equipment hire or loan arrangements confirmed
• Ammunition purchase or supply arrangements confirmed
• Contact details shared for travel delays

The visitor should receive clear instructions in plain language. If English is not their first language, the club should make sure range commands and safety expectations will still be understood.

Can visiting shooters bring their own firearms?

Visiting shooters may be able to bring their own firearms only where the correct permit, transport and import arrangements are in place. The permit must match the firearms and ammunition involved.

The club should not give informal border advice. It should direct the visitor to official police and government guidance and confirm only the club's own responsibilities.

On arrival, the club should check the documents it reasonably needs to check. The visitor should never arrive with a firearm that the club did not know about.

How should ammunition be handled?

Ammunition should be handled according to the permit, club rules and the law. The club should know whether ammunition will be brought in, supplied by the club, bought locally or controlled by a host.

Good practice is to record ammunition supplied and used during the visit. Any unused ammunition should be dealt with lawfully and should not be left in the visitor's possession unless their authority clearly allows it.

For competitions, match organisers should confirm ammunition rules early. This includes calibre, cartridge type, range limits and any discipline-specific restrictions.

What safety briefing should a visitor receive?

A visiting shooter should receive the same safety briefing as a new member or guest, even if they are experienced overseas. Familiarity with shooting does not mean familiarity with a UK club's commands, range layout or procedures.

The briefing should cover:

• Range commands
• Muzzle direction
• Loading and unloading rules
• Cease fire procedure
• Ear and eye protection
• Movement with firearms
• Ammunition control
• Emergency arrangements
• Who to ask for help

The range officer should check understanding before live firing begins. If there is any doubt, slow down and supervise more closely.

What insurance should be checked?

Insurance should be checked before the visitor attends. The club should confirm whether its policy covers overseas guests, competitions, coaching, hired equipment and any commercial element.

Some visitors may have membership insurance through a shooting organisation, but the club should not rely on vague statements. Ask for evidence where the club's policy requires it.

Insurance is not a substitute for compliance. It is one part of the hosting plan alongside permits, supervision and safe procedures.

What should clubs record after the visit?

Clubs should record enough detail to show the visit was planned, lawful and safely managed. Records should be factual and proportionate.

Useful records include:

• Visitor name
• Permit reference or confirmation checked
• Date and venue
• Firearms or shotguns used
• Ammunition supplied and used
• Safety briefing completed
• Range officer or host
• Scores or activity notes
• Incidents or concerns
• Follow-up action

Vectis Shooting Log can help certificate holders and club volunteers keep tidy notes about hosted visits, ammunition use, competitions and equipment. Good records reduce reliance on memory when questions arise later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can overseas visitors shoot in Great Britain?

Overseas visitors can shoot in Great Britain where the correct visitor permit, club approval, land permission and supervision arrangements are in place. The host should confirm the legal route before travel, not at the firing point.

Who applies for a visitor firearm or shotgun permit?

A visitor permit is normally arranged through a sponsor, such as a club, shoot organiser or resident certificate holder. Police issue the permit for the relevant area and the visitor should not assume that an overseas licence is enough.

How early should a club start a visitor permit application?

A club should start as early as possible. Some police guidance refers to several weeks for processing, and CPSA visitor shotgun permit guidance warns that applications made with less than 12 weeks may be rejected.

Can a visitor buy ammunition in the UK?

A visitor can only acquire or possess ammunition if their permit and the law allow it. Clubs should control ammunition carefully, record what is supplied and make sure any unused ammunition is handled lawfully.

Does a visitor permit replace club safety rules?

A visitor permit does not replace club safety rules. The visitor still needs a safety briefing, range commands, suitable supervision, equipment checks and compliance with the host club's normal procedures.

Should clubs check insurance for overseas visiting shooters?

Clubs should check insurance before accepting overseas visiting shooters. The check should cover the visitor, the activity, the venue, any coaching or commercial element, and any requirements set by the club or landowner.

Can one permit cover more than one visitor?

Visitor permits can sometimes be arranged for groups, but the details depend on the police process, sponsor and activity. Clubs should confirm names, firearms, ammunition and dates rather than relying on assumptions.

What should a club record after hosting a visiting shooter?

A club should record attendance, permit details checked, firearms used, ammunition supplied, safety briefing, host or range officer, incidents and any follow-up. Clear records help the club prove that the visit was planned and controlled.