Colombia lifts general suspension on firearm carry permits

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella signed Decree 1368 of 2026 on September 8, a measure that lifts the general suspension on permits to carry firearms throughout the national territory. According to reports by the outlets Bloomberg Línea and Infobae, the decision nullifies the restrictions that had generally suspended these permits, reactivating the validity of authorizations previously issued under the conditions set by law.

To understand the scope of the measure, it is necessary to distinguish between two key legal concepts: possession and carry. According to explanations from legal experts cited by Infobae, possession is an authorization that allows a person to keep the weapon exclusively within a declared property (such as a residence or workplace) for protection. By contrast, carry entitles a citizen to transport or bear the weapon on their person in public spaces, under strictly regulated conditions.

Lifting the general suspension does not amount to an absolute liberalization of weapons use. Specialists clarified that the new rule does not eliminate the state authorization system or turn the carrying of firearms into a right that can be exercised freely. Controls, requirements, and grounds for denial or revocation set out in Decree-Law 2535 of 1993 remain fully in force. No citizen without a previously approved permit, or who fails to complete renewal procedures, may walk the streets armed.

The immediate impact of this decision will fall on holders of valid carry permits who, due to the general restrictions imposed in earlier decrees (such as those of 2018 and 2025), were obliged to keep their weapons stored in their homes. With Decree 1368 in effect, these holders will be able to carry their firearms legally again, while the competent military authority may review new applications under the ordinary legal framework.