Las Vegas Gun Laws for TouristsJuly 17, 2025
As a popular tourist destination, Las Vegas attracts millions of visitors each year, many of whom travel from states with very different firearm regulations. Tourists who plan to bring a gun into Nevada should take the time to understand how state and local laws apply to an out-of-state resident possessing or carrying a firearm because they may differ significantly from those in a visitor’s home state. Without a clear understanding of the applicable laws, misunderstandings can occur which can lead to serious legal consequences. To help visitors stay compliant and avoid legal problems, the attorneys at The Vegas Lawyers offer an overview of Las Vegas gun laws as they apply to tourists. If you have specific questions about out-of-state residents bringing firearms with them while visiting Las Vegas, contact The Vegas Lawyers at (725) 217-4768 to schedule a free consultation.
Nevada Gun Law Basics: Understanding “Open Carry”
The right to possess and carry firearms in Nevada is grounded in both federal and state constitutional law. In addition to the protections provided by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, the Nevada State Constitution expressly recognizes an individual’s right to keep and bear arms for purposes that include personal protection, lawful hunting, recreational activities, and other legitimate uses. It is from this foundation of constitutional protection that Nevada’s firearm laws have been created and are applied to both residents and visitors to the state.
Nevada is one of several states known as “open carry” states. In broad terms, this means that individuals are not required to obtain a permit or license before purchasing most firearms and are not required to register firearms that they own. Furthermore, Nevada does not require you to obtain a permit to carry a gun in a manner that is visible to the public (openly carry) as long as you meet the applicable age requirement. To qualify as “openly carried”, a firearm must be readily observable rather than concealed beneath clothing or accessories.
To openly carry a traditional rifle or shotgun in Nevada, you must be at least 18 years old, while openly carrying a handgun (as well as certain semiautomatic long guns) requires you to be at least 21 years old. When carried openly, a handgun is typically placed in a visible holster worn on the belt or shoulder. Long guns are often carried using a sling or strap so that the firearm remains clearly visible across the back or chest.
Do Nevada’s “Open Carry” Laws Apply to Visitors?
As a visitor to Nevada, you need to understand how the state’s firearm laws apply to you to avoid the possibility of serious legal repercussions. The good news is that Nevada’s open carry laws apply equally to Nevada residents and non-residents. This means that tourists visiting Las Vegas (or anywhere in Nevada) are subject to the same laws, rules, and regulations as locals when it comes to openly carrying a firearm. Be aware, however, that while openly carrying a firearm is usually permitted in Nevada, there are exceptions to this general rule. Under certain circumstances and in specific locations, it remains illegal to openly carry a firearm in Nevada. Understanding the nuances of Nevada firearm laws is essential to avoiding unintended consequences.
Understanding Nevada Conceal Carry Laws
Although Nevada has fairly permissive open carry laws, the laws that apply to carrying concealed firearms in Las Vegas are much more complex and restrictive. If you are planning a visit to Nevada, it is crucial to understand what qualifies as “concealed” and the laws that apply to carrying a concealed firearm.
Under Nevada law, a firearm is concealed when it is “carried upon a person in such a manner as not to be discernible by ordinary observation.” A handgun placed inside a purse, backpack, briefcase, or similar container is viewed as concealed, even if the container itself is openly carried. This distinction is important because visitors to Nevada may unintentionally violate the state’s concealed carry laws by assuming that visibility of the bag or container is sufficient to comply with the law.
To lawfully carry a concealed firearm in Las Vegas, you must possess a valid concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit. Nevada issues CCW permits to applicants who meet specific statutory requirements. In most cases, an applicant must be at least twenty-one years old, though the minimum age may be lower for active-duty military members or individuals who received an honorable discharge. Applicants must also be legally eligible to own or possess a firearm under state and federal law and must complete the required training. Nevada mandates completion of a firearms safety and proficiency course taught by a certified CCW instructor. The training must be conducted within the state of Nevada and includes both classroom instruction and live-fire qualifications. Successful completion of this course is a prerequisite to submitting a CCW permit application.
Does Nevada Recognize Firearm Permits from Other States?
If you wish to carry a concealed firearm while you are visiting Las Vegas, you must be mindful of the state’s permit requirements. As an out-of-state visitor, you may complete the requisite training in Nevada and apply for a Nevada CCW permit in the county where you completed the training. Another option for some visitors is to make use of Nevada’s firearm reciprocity laws, which allow Nevada to recognize concealed carry permits issued by certain other states. As of 2025, Nevada honors reciprocity with 28 states, according to the list published by the Nevada Department of Public Safety. Because this list is subject to revision, it is always wise to confirm that your CCW permit will be honored prior to arriving in Nevada.
Are There Places Where I Cannot Carry a Firearm in Las Vegas?
To avoid legal problems, including arrest and prosecution, it is essential to understand that there are places where you cannot carry a firearm even if you have a valid CCW permit, including:
- University dormitories or halls of residence.
- Public or primary schools (including school activities off premises).
- School buses, vans, or other methods of student transportation.
- Buildings that are used for the care of children.
- Government veterans’ residences.
- Prison premises and juvenile facilities.
- Anywhere with a sign prohibiting the use of firearms.
If you plan to carry a firearm in Las Vegas, it is best to avoid doing so inside any of the casinos. Casinos are private property, meaning they have the right to prohibit firearms on the property. Most casinos make it very clear that firearms are not allowed on the premises; however, even if you do not see a sign prohibiting firearms, it is best to proceed with caution and assume they are prohibited.
How Do I Legally Transport a Firearm in Nevada or through McCarran/Las Vegas Airport?
If you are traveling into or through the State of Nevada with a firearm, it is equally important to understand the state and federal laws that apply to transporting a firearm. You may legally carry a loaded or unloaded handgun as well as an unloaded long gun in your vehicle, but it is illegal to carry a loaded rifle or loaded shotgun in or on any vehicle. Moreover, a CCW permit (from Nevada or a reciprocal state) is required to carry a concealed handgun in your vehicle, whether loaded or unloaded.
If you are flying into McCarran/Las Vegas Airport, the federal Firearm Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA) provides “safe passage” protection if you follow the federal interstate transit requirements, including:
- The firearm must be unloaded.
- The firearm must be in a locked hard-sided container.
- The firearm must not be readily accessible.
- Ammunition can be in the same container but must be securely stored.
Contact A Las Vegas Gun Laws Attorney at The Vegas Lawyers
If you are planning to bring a firearm on a trip to Las Vegas, or anywhere else in Nevada, and you have additional questions about the applicable firearm laws, contact an experienced Las Vegas gun laws attorney at The Vegas Lawyers by calling (725) 217-4768 or contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Laws for Tourists in Nevada
Q: Can tourists carry concealed weapons in Nevada?
Although Nevada is an “open carry” state, you cannot carry a concealed firearm in the state unless you have a Nevada concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit or a CCW permit from a state with which Nevada has a reciprocity agreement.
Q: Are guns allowed in casinos or on the Las Vegas Strip?
Casinos are private property, meaning they can (and usually do) prohibit firearms on the property. Other businesses along The Strip also prohibit firearms, regardless of whether they are otherwise legally carried.
Q: Does Nevada recognize all out‑of‑state gun permits?
No. As of 2025, Nevada has reciprocity agreements with 28 states. Visitors should always verify reciprocity before entering the state with a firearm and always carry proper documentation if you plan to count on reciprocity to carry concealed.
Q: How should tourists legally transport firearms into Nevada?
Firearms must be unloaded, in a locked container, and compliant with federal interstate transportation laws as well as airline or vehicle transport laws.
Q: What should I do if law enforcement stops me?
Remain calm, inform the officer of your firearm and permit status, and consult an attorney immediately if there is a potential issue or you are arrested.