Can felons go to Japan?

Asked by: Magdalena Reinger  |  Last update: August 15, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (17 votes)

Unlike some countries that offer waiver options for individuals with criminal records, Japan has limited provisions for granting waivers or appeals for those with felony convictions. Successfully navigating the Japanese immigration process can be incredibly challenging without professional assistance.

Can I travel to Japan with a criminal record on Reddit?

A felony in itself does not exclude you from visiting Japan. They exclude people with drug offenses, prostitution offenses, and offenses where you received a sentence of longer than a year (which most felonies do result in longer sentences, so depending, you may or may not be excluded.)

What felonies disqualify you from getting a passport?

What felonies disqualify you from getting a passport: Cybercrime. Human trafficking. Federal drug charges, including trafficking, manufacturing, and selling drugs.

Can a convicted felon leave the US?

Can I travel abroad with a criminal conviction? Yes, you may leave the United States if you are not currently under supervision. However, you must check with the Country in which you want to travel to. That County's Customs and Immigration Laws will determine if you are able to safely enter.

Can you visit Japan with a felony?

The Japanese Ministry of Justice has interpreted the restrictions imposed by Japan's Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act to bar entry to anybody sentenced to more than a year in prison, and anyone convicted of a drug offence, no matter how old or minor the conviction is.

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

32 related questions found

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

If you've been convicted of a felony, it will generally stay on your criminal record for life. However, it is possible to have your record removed from public view through a process known as expungement.

Can a felon go on a cruise?

Cruise Line Background Checks

As a result, you could be denied boarding if you are a sex offender or have a violent felony conviction on your record, such as for armed robbery.

Can a felon join the military?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.

Can you fly with a felony charge?

Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).

What states is the most felon friendly?

50-State Comparison: Limits on Use of Criminal Record in Employment, Licensing & Housing
  • Utah. ...
  • Vermont. ...
  • Virgin Islands. ...
  • Virginia. ...
  • Washington. ...
  • West Virginia. ...
  • Wisconsin. ...
  • Wyoming. Wyoming has no laws restricting consideration of criminal record in employment, including limits on application-stage employer inquiries.

Can felons go to Korea?

The Korea Immigration Office may assume authority over a foreigner convicted of breaking South Korean law. If you are released on probation, the Korea Immigration Office may detain you and will usually deport foreigners convicted of a felony or serious crime.

What countries don't do background checks?

Worried You Won't Pass The Background Check? In These 5 Countries You Can Qualify For Residency Without One
  • #1: Mexico. Adobe Stock/lunamarina. Residency in Mexico is fast and easy. ...
  • #2: Chile. Adobe Stock/Loïc Bourgeois. ...
  • #3: Colombia. Adobe Stock/Braeden. ...
  • #4: Italy. Adobe Stock/Jag_cz. ...
  • #5: Peru. Adobe Stock/sharptoyou.

Can you be denied entry into Japan?

Travelers with certain criminal convictions may be refused entry into Japan. ・Decisions on allowing or refusing a traveler's landing will be made during the immigration clearance process upon arrival. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan is in charge of these matters.

What crimes are underreported in Japan?

Domestic violence, sexual assault, and white-collar crimes are likely to be underreported, and their prevalence are actually thought to be high. The use of self-reports, where information is given by individuals themselves, is one way to counter this limitation of official data.

Can felons go to Canada?

If a felon gets approved for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation (CR), they can be allowed in Canada. Otherwise, if an American citizen has a criminal record that renders them inadmissible, they will usually not be allowed to visit even if they do not have any recent arrests.

Can felons get a passport?

Yes, a convicted felon can usually get a passport, but it depends on the felony and other factors: Felony typeSome felonies can automatically disqualify you from getting a passport, including: International drug trafficking Trafficking minors "Sex tourism" offenses Treason.

Can I join the military at 42 years old?

Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 42. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 41.

Can a felon get military clearance?

Any person convicted of a felony cannot obtain or renew a security clearance unless you are granted a waiver due to mitigating conditions of your conviction. These conditions include: Your criminal behavior and conviction are not recent. Your crime was an isolated incident.

Can a felon go to Mexico?

Mexico Law: Convicted Felons Can Be Denied Entry

If you have ANY KIND of criminal record, you may not be allowed into Mexico, even with a valid passport.

Can felons travel to Hawaii?

Having a criminal record does not automatically bar you from traveling to the US, including Hawaii. With the appropriate US Entry Waiver, you can legally enter the country and enjoy your trip without issues.

Can felons go to the Bahamas?

All U.S. Nationals who are currently on community supervision cannot enter the Bahamas, but can seek entry once their sentence is completed.

Do felonies go away after 7 years?

Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in USA?

A common myth in the US is that criminal records are automatically cleared seven years after an arrest, charge, or conviction. This is not true.

Can I leave the US with a felony?

According to USA Today, most felons can get a passport without a problem. This is assuming a person is not currently awaiting trial, on probation or parole or otherwise banned from leaving the country.