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Foreign Nationals

Foreign Nationals

Visiting the United States and Planning to Shoot?

Saddle River Spring welcomes eligible visitors from around the world. However, federal law limits when certain foreign nationals may receive, rent, possess, or use firearms and ammunition in the United States.

Your eligibility depends on how you were admitted into the country, whether you entered under a nonimmigrant visa, and whether you qualify for an exception under federal law.

Before visiting the range, please review the information below and bring documentation showing that you may legally possess firearms and ammunition in the United States.

Who Is Considered a Nonimmigrant Alien?

A nonimmigrant alien is generally a foreign national who has entered the United States temporarily under a nonimmigrant visa. This may include visitors traveling on tourist, student, business, exchange, or temporary work visas.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(y), an individual admitted under a nonimmigrant visa is generally prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms or ammunition unless a recognized exception applies.

Exceptions for Certain Visa Holders

A foreign national admitted under a nonimmigrant visa may be eligible to use a firearm if an applicable federal exception applies. These exceptions may include:

  • Possessing a valid and unexpired hunting license or permit lawfully issued by a state in the United States
  • Being admitted to the United States specifically for lawful hunting or sporting purposes
  • Serving as an accredited representative of a foreign government
  • Qualifying as an official foreign-government visitor designated by the U.S. Department of State
  • Entering the United States as a foreign law enforcement officer on official business for a friendly foreign government
  • Receiving an applicable waiver from the Attorney General of the United States or the U.S. Department of Justice

For many temporary visitors who entered under a nonimmigrant visa, a valid U.S. hunting license is the most common exception. The license does not necessarily need to be issued by Texas, but it must be valid, unexpired, and legally obtained.

Lawful Permanent Residents

Lawful permanent residents, commonly called green card holders, are not treated as nonimmigrant aliens for this federal restriction.

Green card holders must still comply with all other federal, Texas, and local laws governing firearm and ammunition possession.

Visitors Admitted Without a Visa

Some foreign nationals are lawfully admitted to the United States without a visa, including qualifying travelers admitted through the Visa Waiver Program.

A person who was actually admitted without a visa is generally not subject to the federal prohibition that specifically applies to individuals admitted under a nonimmigrant visa. The visitor must still be legally permitted to possess firearms and ammunition under all other applicable laws.

Citizenship in a Visa Waiver Program country does not establish eligibility by itself. Your actual admission status is what matters.

Current Visa Waiver Program Countries Include:

  • Andorra
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Brunei
  • Chile
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • United Kingdom

Special eligibility conditions apply to travelers from Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Visa Waiver Program travelers must also satisfy all current passport, ESTA, travel-purpose, and admission requirements.

Before You Visit Saddle River Spring

Foreign-national guests should be prepared to provide valid identification and documentation supporting their eligibility to possess and use firearms and ammunition in the United States.

Because admission documents and individual circumstances vary, please call Saddle River Spring at (832) 585-1452 before visiting. Our staff can explain the range’s check-in requirements, but cannot provide legal advice or determine your legal status for you.

If you are uncertain whether you qualify, consult a qualified attorney before attempting to rent, receive, possess, or use a firearm or ammunition.

Saddle River Spring reserves the right to decline range access when adequate eligibility documentation cannot be provided.

Official Resources

Federal firearm requirements and immigration programs can change. Review the latest information directly from the appropriate government agencies before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreign national shoot at Saddle River Spring?

Some foreign nationals may legally use the range, but eligibility depends on immigration and admission status. Every guest must be legally permitted to possess firearms and ammunition under federal, Texas, and local law.

Can I shoot if I entered the United States on a tourist, student, or work visa?

A person admitted under a nonimmigrant visa is generally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition unless a federal exception applies. Possession of a valid and unexpired U.S. hunting license is one common exception.

Can a qualifying nonimmigrant visa holder rent a firearm?

ATF guidance states that a nonimmigrant alien who possesses a valid state-issued hunting license or qualifies for another applicable exception may rent a firearm for use at a shooting range. All Saddle River Spring rental rules and check-in requirements also apply.

Does my hunting license need to be issued in Texas?

Not necessarily. Federal guidance indicates that the license or permit may be issued by any state within the United States. It must be valid, unexpired, lawfully obtained, and applicable to the federal exception.

Can Visa Waiver Program travelers use the range?

A foreign national who was lawfully admitted without a visa, including a qualifying Visa Waiver Program traveler, may not be subject to the restriction specifically applying to nonimmigrant visa holders. The visitor must not be otherwise prohibited and must follow all applicable laws.

Does being a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country automatically make me eligible?

No. You must have actually been admitted to the United States without a visa. Citizenship or nationality alone does not establish how you entered the country.

Can Saddle River Spring confirm my legal eligibility?

Range staff can explain facility policies and required check-in documentation, but they cannot provide legal advice. If you are unsure about your eligibility, speak with a qualified attorney before visiting.

Questions Before Your Visit?

Call Saddle River Spring before arriving so our staff can explain the documentation required at check-in.

Saddle River Spring
2920 Spring Cypress Road
Spring, TX 77388
(832) 585-1452