The Canadian government has politely asked Americans not to bring their guns into the country, kickstarting a hashtag on Twitter of #Leaveyourhandgunsathome.

The launch of the new campaign by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) aimed at their southerly neighbours comes a week after two Texans crossing the border in New Brunswick had their firearms destroyed before they were fined and sent home.

Peace Bridge crossing the Niagara River Credit: Getty

Canada and the US, though sharing a border of more than 5,500 miles, have very different approaches to gun laws. While American owners are permitted to own and carry their weapons in public, a right protected by the constitution, Canadian counterparts require permits and are largely prohibited from taking their guns out in public.

A statement from the CBSA said: “It is strongly recommended that you not carry your firearm when travelling to Canada and/or transiting through Canada to reach another US destination.

“However, should you choose to travel with your firearms, you must declare all firearms in your possession at the first Canadian designated port of entry. You must also have all the necessary permits and have your firearm appropriately stored.”

Most undeclared firearms seized are personal firearms belonging to #UStravellers. #Leaveyourhandgunsathome https://t.co/x73dSGbkZQ — Border Services (@CanBorder) August 22, 2016

The CBSA added that it welcomes “our US neighbours” but “Canadian firearm laws are clear – failure to declare any firearm may lead to seizure action, penalty, prosecution in a court of law; and may make you inadmissible to Canada”.

The CBSA is not alone in having trouble with Americans travelling with their guns. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the US security body, has issued pleas in the past for compatriots to ensure they carry their firearms appropriately (unloaded, in a hard case in checked in baggage, and with prior notification to the airline).

Spokesperson Mark Howell said in May: “TSA doesn’t want to infringe on anybody’s right to take a firearm with them when they travel.”

It may sound bewildering to a British or European audience, but flying with a gun is much more common in the US.

In April, the TSA announced it had confiscated a record number of guns at the security gates – 73 in one week, 68 of which were loaded.