Can a felony stop you from traveling?

Asked by: Jorge Emard  |  Last update: June 21, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (3 votes)

Yes, a felony conviction can significantly impact your ability to travel, both internationally and sometimes domestically, depending on your sentence status and the destination. While you do not lose the right to travel entirely, you will likely face restrictions during probation or parole, and many foreign countries may deny entry to individuals with felony records.

How long can felons not travel?

As long as you have finished serving your sentence and no court has barred you from traveling internationally. Some countries do not convicted felons in. Make sure the country where you're planning to travel to will let you in their country.

Are felons on the no-fly list?

Unless you've been put on a no-fly list as a result of your criminal charges, there shouldn't be a problem flying as a convicted felon.

What countries can't you travel to if you have a felony?

Convicted felons can face travel restrictions, with many countries denying entry to individuals with criminal records. Key nations with strict bans include Canada, Australia, Japan, China, the UK, New Zealand, India, and South Africa. Many of these countries use border screenings, background checks, or character tests to identify and deny entry to travellers with past felony convictions.

What felonies prevent you from flying?

Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling. Immigration violations.

The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record

21 related questions found

How long does a felony stay on your record in the US?

Felonies, on the other hand, involve more serious crimes, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, or large-scale drug offenses. These crimes stay on your record indefinitely unless specific actions are taken to remove them.

What is the most felon-friendly state?

These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons

  • California.
  • Colorado.
  • Kansas.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Montana.
  • Nevada.
  • New Hampshire.

What countries are most felon friendly?

Ex-felons often face travel restrictions, but countries in Latin America (such as Mexico, Colombia, and Chile) and many Caribbean nations are generally accessible for travel or residency, as they may not require rigorous criminal background checks. European countries like Italy are also viable for visits, while Canada offers a "deemed rehabilitated" status after five years for certain offenses.

Can a felon get a passport after 7 years?

Yes, a felon can generally get a U.S. passport seven years after their conviction, provided they have completed their sentence, parole, or probation and have no active travel restrictions. The 7-year mark does not erase the felony, but most restrictions focus on current, active legal issues rather than the time passed.

Can I go to Mexico if I have a felony?

Yes, you can generally travel to Mexico with a felony conviction, but it depends on the nature of the crime, and you may face scrutiny from Mexican immigration officials. While Mexico often does not check U.S. criminal records for tourists, they reserve the right to deny entry to individuals with serious criminal records.

Can a felon get a TSA precheck?

Yes, a person with a felony conviction can get TSA PreCheck®, but it depends on the nature of the crime and how much time has passed. While certain permanent disqualifying offenses exist, most felonies only disqualify applicants if they were convicted within the last 5 to 7 years.

Does a pending felony show up on a background check?

For example, California allows the inclusion of all pending charges in background checks. While the state forbids reporting of arrests not resulting in convictions, it doesn't prohibit the reporting of currently pending criminal charges.

Can felons travel by cruise ship?

There is no federal law that prohibits felons from going on cruises.

Can a felony stop you from leaving the country?

Many people do not realize that a felony conviction also limits their ability to travel as a felon to certain foreign countries. Lawmakers constantly update state, federal, and international laws. Check with the specific country you plan to visit for the most current information.

Can I go to Italy if I have a felony?

Yes, you can generally travel to Italy with a felony conviction, especially for short-term tourism (under 90 days), as Italy typically does not screen for criminal records for U.S. tourists. However, you must have a valid passport, and entry may be denied for serious crimes like drug trafficking, violence, or sex offenses.

How do I know if I have a travel ban?

As of May 2026, a significant U.S. travel ban expanded in January 2026, placing full or partial restrictions on 39 countries, including Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. These bans apply to specific visa types, with USCIS pausing processing for affected nationals. Check your status through the I-94 website.

What country can felons not go to?

Convicted felons often face travel restrictions, with many countries—particularly Canada, Japan, Australia, and the UK—denying entry based on criminal records. Approximately 37-38 countries, including New Zealand, China, and South Africa, have strict laws barring individuals with felony convictions, often depending on the nature of the crime.

What happens 7 years after a felony?

No, felony convictions do not automatically disappear after any time period. They remain permanently on your criminal record unless you successfully petition for expungement, sealing, or receive a pardon. The seven-year rule applies only to certain employment reporting restrictions, not record existence.

Can I go to Canada if I had a felony 20 years ago?

Yes, you may be able to enter Canada 20 years after a felony conviction, but it is not automatic. While you might be "deemed rehabilitated" after 10+ years (if the offense was not severe), Canada border officials can still deny entry based on the conviction, regardless of how long ago it occurred.

Where can I not travel if I have a felony?

Convicted felons often face restrictions entering countries with strict immigration laws, most notably Canada, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and China. Many other nations, including Israel, South Africa, and several South American countries, may deny entry if a felony is discovered. Entry is usually determined by the severity of the crime and time elapsed.

Can a US felon go to London?

Applicants for entry clearance and those applying to remain in this country are checked for UK criminal convictions. Those seeking permission to enter the UK will normally be refused if they have previously been convicted of a criminal offence punishable by at least 12 months imprisonment.

Can I move to another country with a felony?

Yes, a felon can move to another country, but it is challenging and depends on the destination country's immigration laws, the nature of the crime, and time passed since the sentence. While U.S. citizens can typically obtain a passport after completing their sentence, many countries (e.g., Canada, UK, Australia) require background checks and may deny residency or even entry to those with criminal records.

What's the worst felony to have?

High-level felonies are the worst kinds of felonies and are reserved for Class A, Class B1 or B2, Class C and Class D felonies. These include crimes such as arson, burglary, armed robbery, voluntary manslaughter and murder.

What states don't care about felonies?

Ten of these states have mandated the removal of conviction history questions from job applications for private employers:

  • California.
  • Connecticut.
  • Hawaii.
  • Illinois.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Minnesota.
  • New Jersey.
  • Oregon.

What race in America has the most felonies?

Felony Arrests

  • In 2019, the felony arrest rate for Black individuals was approximately seven times higher than that of white individuals in both NYC and Non-NYC. ...
  • Black individuals arrested are more likely to have prior felony convictions than other racial and ethnic groups.