On May 25, 2025, the full ban on carrying and transporting firearms will apply in Warsaw. The Regulation of the Ministry of Interior and Administration applies to all residents and residents of the city – regardless of their permits. The reason is the planned public gatherings and related safety measures.
The prohibition applies to all — even persons with permission
Regulation of the Minister of the Interior of May 21, 2025, published the next day in Official diary of the Republic of Poland under heading 667, introduce temporary but complete ban on carrying and transporting firearms throughout Warsaw. The provision will become applicable 25 May, covering not only participants of planned events, but All those in the capital.
The prohibition concerns:
- all types of firearms (both loaded and unloaded),
- carrying and transporting weapons, whatever the purpose,
- individuals, collectors, athletes and hunters – besides those with valid permission.
The legal basis for the ban is Act of May 21, 1999 on Arms and Ammunitionswhich allows for restrictions in peculiar situations.
Why was specified a drastic step decided?
The Ministry of abroad Affairs explains that the decision is simply a necessity ensuring a maximum level of safety at public meetingswhich may be at increased risk. Although the details of the planned events have not been officially disclosed, the scale of the decision suggests that the authorities predict a crucial number of participants or threats.
This. for the first time in the past of the 3rd Polish RepublicWhen The full city has been subject to specified an extended ban on firearms. According to commentators, this is The most restrictive regulation of this type since the beginning of the current legislation.
Who can carry a weapon under ban?
Regulation provides for detailed catalogue of exceptions, which includes persons carrying out tasks requiring the possession of weapons in a professional or professional capacity. Excluded are:
- Internal safety personnel (e.g. the protection of industrial establishments, financial institutions),
- economic operators providing protection services to persons and property – having an appropriate concession,
- officials exposed to assassinations – e.g. performing peculiar tasks or being covered by individual protection,
- Members of diplomatic missions and consular posts, acting in the framework of reciprocity,
- International delegation and organisation bodyguards – if the weapon is part of their duties.
In each case, the weapon may be worn only to the degree essential to execute circumstantial tasks and in accordance with the applicable rules.
What sanctions endanger to break the ban?
Ministry stresses that violation of the Regulation will be treated as a prohibited act, as specified in the arms and ammunition law. For failing to comply with the prohibition, he threatens:
- fine, or
- detention.
Penalties besides apply to persons who were unaware of the ban, which means that Not knowing the law will not be an excuse. Experts point out that this is an highly strict approach, but justified in the context of possible threats to public policy.
Temporary limitation, but possible replays
The provisions introduced will apply only for 1 day – May 25, 2025. After that date the right to carry arms will be restored in accordance with general provisions. However, the Ministry of abroad Affairs is already signaling that, if necessary, it may search akin measures in the future if the situation so requires.
Comment by a public safety expert
Dr. Marcin Jaszczak, crisis management specialist and erstwhile police officer:
"Although the decision to ban may seem controversial, it should be considered in the context of an expanding number of incidents involving the usage of weapons at European conventions. Prevention, though burdensome, is 1 of the most effective safety tools. Especially in large cities, where even legal weapons can become a threat in conditions of chaos or provocation."
The introduction of a complete ban on carrying arms in Warsaw on 25 May sends a clear signal that the State is giving precedence to public security. Although the rules are temporary, their symbolic and legal dimension may set fresh standards for responding to possible threats to firearms in urban spaces.
Continued here:
Total ban on carrying weapons in Warsaw. The Ministry of abroad Affairs introduces emergency safety measures
