Being a US citizen certainly does not exempt one from local laws, even visiting countries close to home. The OP didn't ask about Mexico, but it serves as a good case in point. From wikipedia: "The US Department of State warns US citizens [and all persons regardless of citizenship] against taking any firearm or ammunition into Mexico without prior written authorization from the Mexican authorities. Entering Mexico with a firearm, or even a single round of ammunition, carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, even if the firearm or ammunition is taken into the country unintentionally." When I lived in Phoenix, I often read of cases where people inadvertently transporting a few loose rounds of ammo into Mexico wound up in significant legal trouble.

In addition to the penalties for illegally importing or transporting a weapon, you may find yourself on a completely different legal footing. Due process varies from country to country, and even the basic tenet of "innocent until proven guilty" or access to counsel may not apply.

Being a US citizen certainly does not exempt one from local laws, even visiting countries close to home. The OP didn't ask about Mexico, but it serves as a good case in point. From Wikipedia article on gun politics in Mexico: "The US Department of State warns US citizens [and all persons regardless of citizenship] against taking any firearm or ammunition into Mexico without prior written authorization from the Mexican authorities. Entering Mexico with a firearm, or even a single round of ammunition, carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, even if the firearm or ammunition is taken into the country unintentionally." When I lived in Phoenix, I often read of cases where people inadvertently transporting a few loose rounds of ammo into Mexico wound up in significant legal trouble.

In addition to the penalties for illegally importing or transporting a weapon, you may find yourself on a completely different legal footing. Due process varies from country to country, and even the basic tenet of "innocent until proven guilty" or access to counsel may not apply.

Being a US citizen certainly does not convey any special privileges, even visiting countries close to home. The OP didn't ask about Mexico, but it serves as a good case in point. From wikipedia: "The US Department of State warns US citizens [and all persons regardless of citizenship] against taking any firearm or ammunition into Mexico without prior written authorization from the Mexican authorities. Entering Mexico with a firearm, or even a single round of ammunition, carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, even if the firearm or ammunition is taken into the country unintentionally."

  When I lived in Phoenix, I often read of cases where people inadvertently transporting a few loose rounds of ammo into Mexico wound up in significant legal trouble. In addition to the penalties for transporting a weapon, you may find yourself on a completely different legal footing. From one online source: "Remember, once you cross the border with a firearm or ammunition it is too late! Ignorance of this law will not get you leniency from the police. You will be arrested and sent to jail. Also, the Mexican judicial system is governed by Napoleonic Law which states that you are presumed guilty and must prove your innocence, the opposite of the U.S. laws."

Being a US citizen certainly does not exempt one from local laws, even visiting countries close to home. The OP didn't ask about Mexico, but it serves as a good case in point. From wikipedia: "The US Department of State warns US citizens [and all persons regardless of citizenship] against taking any firearm or ammunition into Mexico without prior written authorization from the Mexican authorities. Entering Mexico with a firearm, or even a single round of ammunition, carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, even if the firearm or ammunition is taken into the country unintentionally." When I lived in Phoenix, I often read of cases where people inadvertently transporting a few loose rounds of ammo into Mexico wound up in significant legal trouble. 

In addition to the penalties for illegally importing or transporting a weapon, you may find yourself on a completely different legal footing. Due process varies from country to country, and even the basic tenet of "innocent until proven guilty" or access to counsel may not apply.