What is the European Firearms Pass for?
The European Firearms Pass (EFP) is your key to traveling with your sport firearms within European Union countries. It’s a fundamental document for any competitive shooter who wishes to participate in events, training camps, or practice sessions beyond French borders. Without it, you cannot legally cross borders with your equipment, even for a nearby IPSC competition or training abroad.
This pass allows you to legally transport your long guns and handguns from one member country to another, provided you comply with the administrative formalities of each host country. It is a personal, non-transferable document that certifies to customs and local authorities that you are a registered sport shooter in France. It was created under the EU directive on sport firearms to facilitate the movement of participants in official events.
Who needs an EFP?
The EFP is primarily intended for French sport shooters who regularly compete or train. It is essentially for members of the Fédération Française de Tir (FFTir), shooters registered with approved shooting clubs or societies, as well as those participating in competitions recognized by federations.
You can apply for an EFP if you hold a valid préfecture-issued firearms possession and carrying permit (shooting license). It does not concern simple firearm owners without declared competitive practice. You must also demonstrate active participation in the sport of shooting, usually attested by your affiliation with a recognized club or by documented participation in sporting events.
The EFP is particularly useful if you practice disciplines such as 10m/50m shooting, precision rifle or pistol, trap shooting, IPSC, or other federal disciplines that regularly organize cross-border competitions.
Who issues it and how to obtain it?
The EFP is issued by the préfecture (or sub-préfecture) of your department of residence. The administrative process is standardized, but each préfecture may have minor specificities. You need to compile a file including:
- Written application addressed to the préfecture, using the appropriate Cerfa form;
- Copy of your identity document (ID card or passport);
- Recent proof of address (electricity, gas, internet bill, or home insurance certificate less than 3 months old);
- Copy of your valid préfecture-issued firearms acquisition and carrying permit;
- Certificate of affiliation with an approved shooting club (or an equivalent document justifying your regular participation in competitions);
- Recent identity photograph (4x4 cm format, compliant with standards);
- Completed application form, downloadable from your préfecture’s website or obtained on-site.
The file can be submitted in person at the préfecture or by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt. Some departments accept ordinary mail; it is wise to check directly with your préfecture. Some préfectures also offer secure electronic submission; inquire with your local administrative service.
Validity period and costs
The EFP is valid for 5 years from its date of issue. You must therefore renew it before it expires if you continue to travel in Europe with your firearms. The expiration date is clearly indicated on the document; mark it in your calendar so you are not caught off guard during a competition scheduled after this date.
The cost varies slightly depending on the préfecture, but generally ranges from 75 to 100 euros for the initial application. Renewals cost the same. Some departments may apply additional administrative fees (processing fees, handling fees); inquire with your préfecture before compiling your file.
There is no unified national fee, hence the importance of contacting the competent body directly. Some préfectures accept cash or check payments upon submission; others require prior payment via fiscal stamp or bank transfer.
Processing times and anticipation
Processing time depends on your préfecture’s workload. Allow generally between 2 and 8 weeks after submitting a complete file. In some cases, particularly if additional investigations are required (club verifications, requests for additional documents), this period can extend to 10-12 weeks.
It is advisable to anticipate your application at least 3 to 4 months before a major competitive event planned abroad. Do not wait until the last minute: an expired EFP will deny you access to European competitions and will be rejected at borders. If you face an emergency (unforeseen competition), contact your préfecture directly to inquire about accelerated processing options, which remain rare.
Updating your EFP after a new purchase
Each time you acquire a new firearm via the préfecture permit, you must report this addition to the préfecture and request an update to your EFP. The card must precisely list the firearms you are transporting: your firearms must match the official declaration. This is a strict requirement; customs systematically compare the list on the EFP with your inventory.
Never travel with a firearm not listed on the EFP, even if it appears on your French permit. Customs systematically check for consistency between the EFP and the firearms being transported. A discrepancy can lead to seizures and prosecution, even if unintentional.
The update is requested in writing to the préfecture, attaching proof of the new purchase. Processing times are generally shorter for a modification (2-4 weeks) than for an initial application.
EFP vs. other documents: do not confuse
Several documents coexist for firearm transport, and it is common to confuse them. Here are the essential distinctions:
- EFP: European document for intra-EU transport and circulation, issued by the French préfecture, valid for 5 years, for traveling with your firearms from one country to another;
- Préfecture-issued firearms possession and carrying permit: Fundamental French document, mandatory even before the EFP, issued after verification by the préfecture, with a limited duration (usually 5 years as well);
- Customs Carnet (TIR): Used for international competitions outside the EU (some disciplines like trap shooting require it for travel outside Europe);
- Host country travel authorizations: Even with an EFP, you must comply with the rules of the country you are visiting (some impose additional prior declarations, carrying permits, or regional registrations).
The EFP does not replace the French permit and does not guarantee entry without additional formalities in all countries. Each nation has its own legal requirements, and it is your responsibility to anticipate and comply with local regulations.
Practical tips for safe travel
Always keep your original EFP with you when traveling. Photocopies are never sufficient for customs checks. Carry it in a protected case or a separate folder from your firearms; this facilitates quick inspection and readability of the document.
Border authorities may request to see the document and verify the inventory. Be courteous and cooperative during checks; customs officers strictly apply the rules, and a defensive attitude can slow down the process or lead to more in-depth investigations.
Always declare your firearms at the border, even if no control is visible. Some road crossings do not have visible customs posts, but checks can occur at any time, especially on main highways.
Keep an electronic copy (good quality scan) of the EFP on your phone or in a secure cloud service, for informational purposes (it never replaces the original). This is an additional security measure in case of temporary loss of the document.
Check the expiration date of your EFP one week before each cross-border trip. Do not risk a fine or firearm seizure due to an administrative oversight.
FAQ
Q: Can I travel to all EU countries with an EFP?
The EFP allows you to travel legally in most European Union countries. However, some states apply additional formalities (prior declaration to local police, additional regional permit, registration with host region authorities). It is imperative to inquire with the embassy, consulate, or sports federations of the destination country before your departure to avoid any surprises.
Q: What happens if I forget my EFP when traveling?
This is a major and immediate problem. Without an EFP, you cannot legally cross the border with your firearms. Customs may seize your equipment and initiate criminal proceedings according to the legislation of the country you are traveling through. Always double-check at least the day before departure. If you discover you’ve forgotten it en route, immediately contact your préfecture or the French federation; some préfectures may send a temporary certificate via secure means, although this remains rare and uncertain.
Q: Is the EFP valid outside the EU (Switzerland, Norway, United Kingdom)?
The EFP covers EU countries. For Switzerland and Norway, other bilateral agreements exist, but they require different and often more complex formalities. The United Kingdom left the EU in 2020; conditions have changed post-Brexit. Check the current conditions with the British authorities, who have significantly modified their rules regarding the import and transport of sport firearms.
Q: Do I need to renew my EFP if I change préfecture?
If you move to another department, you must report the change of address to your new préfecture. The EFP generally remains valid until expiration, but some préfectures may request a renewal or update. Contact the administrative service of your new préfecture to clarify the procedure. A change of address usually only requires an administrative notification, not a complete new application.
Q: How long after applying will I receive the EFP?
Between 2 and 8 weeks, depending on the préfecture and the completeness of your file. Always anticipate your travels and apply for the card at least 3 months before an important event. If your application is incomplete, the préfecture will contact you to request missing documents, which can significantly extend the overall processing time.