Can I travel out of the country if I owe child support?
Asked by: Prof. Kirsten Huel | Last update: February 11, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (7 votes)
No, you generally cannot travel out of the country if you owe $2,500 or more in past-due child support, as the U.S. Department of State will deny or revoke your passport under the Passport Denial Program; even with a valid passport, you can be denied boarding on international flights, and you might face further enforcement actions, but you might still be able to take closed-loop cruises with a birth certificate if not otherwise restricted. To resolve this, you must pay your arrears, set up a payment plan, and get removed from the Health and Human Services (HHS) list before applying for or using a passport.
What happens if you owe child support and leave the country?
When parents live in different states or countries, a child support case can be opened at the local agency in the state where the parent or guardian lives. The agency may ask the other state or country to help establish and enforce the child support order.
Can you travel out the country with child support?
Typically. It really depends on the amount you owe and the circumstances of your case. But if your intention is to travel internationally and you need to either apply for a new passport or renew your existing passport, you will likely face restrictions and be unable to travel.
Can a default in child support affect your traveling?
Yes, you should be able to travel. However, your license can be suspended if you are behind on child support. JMP Law, PA.
Can child support be enforced internationally?
For many international cases, U.S. courts and state CSE agencies already recognize and enforce child support obligations, whether or not the United States has a reciprocal agreement with the other country. However, many foreign countries will not enforce U.S. child support orders in the absence of a treaty obligation.
I'm trying to get a Passport but I have Unpaid Child Support, What Do I Do?
What looks bad in a child support case?
In child support cases, negative factors that look bad to a judge include lying, bad-mouthing the other parent, interfering with visitation, substance abuse, criminal activity, inconsistent income, and failing to follow court orders, all of which suggest a parent isn't prioritizing the child's best interest or showing respect for the court. Actions like posting negativity on social media, making threats, or involving children in disputes are also detrimental.
What countries can you avoid child support in?
There countries are Australia, the Czech Republic, Canada, El Salvador, Hungary, Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Norway, Portugal, The United Kingdom, the Slovak Republic and Switzerland. As you can see from that list, it leaves those who do not want to pay with many options.
What can stop you from travelling overseas?
Serious convictions, such as violent crimes, drug trafficking, or sexual offences, are more likely to result in entry restrictions. Minor offences, such as driving-related crimes or petty theft, may be less likely to impact travel, but it still depends on the specific country's policies.
What is considered misuse of child support?
Misuse of child support occurs when funds meant for a child's basic needs (food, housing, clothing, medical, education) are spent on luxuries or non-essential items, leading to the child's deprivation, which can be a legal issue. Signs include the child lacking necessities, the receiving parent making sudden luxury purchases, or frequent requests for more money despite payments. Legal action involves gathering evidence, consulting an attorney, and petitioning the court, which can lead to modifications like direct payment of expenses or even custody changes if neglect is severe, with some states having criminal penalties for willful misuse.
What is the biggest mistake in custody battle?
The biggest mistake in a custody battle is losing sight of the child's best interests by letting anger, revenge, or adult conflicts drive decisions, which courts view negatively, but other major errors include badmouthing the other parent, failing to co-parent, poor communication, violating court orders, and excessive social media use, all damaging your case and your child's well-being.
Can I fly if I owe child support?
Once your unpaid child support balance exceeds $2,500, the Office of Child Support Services forwards your name to be put on the Passport Denial List with the U.S. State Department. You will not be able to receive or renew a passport until the entirety of your unpaid child support balance is paid off.
Does the IRS always take your refund if you owe child support?
Then, if the noncustodial parent is due to receive a tax refund, the IRS has the authority to take the amount of overdue support out of the refund and forward it to the child support agency. This means the parent may receive a partial refund or none at all—depending on how much they owe and the original refund amount.
Can I cross the border if I owe child support?
Most people assume that once a court orders child support, the hard part is over. However, if parents live in different countries, that court order doesn't automatically follow them across the border.
What happens if I don't pay child support in the USA?
The Family Support Division can file a lien on properties, bank accounts, retirement plans, life insurance plans, personal injury claims, insurance settlements or awards and other assets if a non-custodial parent fails to pay their child support.
How long can you go without paying child support before you go to jail?
If, under the same circumstances, the child support payment is overdue for longer than 2 years, or the amount exceeds $10,000, the violation is a criminal felony, and convicted offenders face fines and up to 2 years in prison (See 18 U.S.C. § 228(a)(3)).
Is it illegal to spend child support money on yourself?
As long as the child's needs are being met, the receiving parent can spend child support freely on clothes, vacations, or outings with friends on the weekend. But when a child is being neglected or abused because of a parent's frivolous or selfish spending habits, that is illegal.
What happens if you don't make enough money to pay child support?
If you can't afford child support, don't stop paying; contact your state's child support enforcement agency or a lawyer immediately to request a modification based on reduced income, provide proof of hardship, and explore options like payment plans to avoid serious penalties, as courts can impute income or enforce payment through license suspension, wage garnishment, or even jail.
Can I go overseas if I have debt?
No, you won't be stopped at the airport just for having a debt. The only time travel restrictions apply is if there's a Departure Prohibition Order (DPO) issued against you, usually for serious tax debts, not personal loans or credit cards.
Can I travel if I have pending charges?
If the case is in the U.S.: Your criminal attorney may advise against international travel altogether until the matter is resolved. If the case is outside the U.S.: You may still be allowed to travel, but entry is not guaranteed, especially if the U.S. views the offense as serious.
What can stop you from flying overseas?
You may not be fit to fly if you're recovering from surgery, have a heart or lung condition, are contagious, pregnant past 36 weeks, or intoxicated. Airlines can deny boarding for safety, so always check with your doctor before travelling.
Does child support follow you to other countries?
The United States government has arrangements with other countries to provide child support services. These international child support agreements specify procedures for establishing and enforcing child support orders across borders.
Can you be extradited for not paying child support?
Child support orders are enforced across states through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). States do not extradite individuals solely for failure to pay child support. Instead, enforcement actions like wage garnishment or license suspension may occur.
What state can I move to to avoid child support?
A party may not move across state lines in an effort to avoid payment of child support. However, in order to enforce a child support order in another state, a court must establish the proper authority prior to act.
What is the highest child support payment ever?
Alex Rodriguez
The court ordered Rodriguez to pay $115,000 per month to his ex-wife Cynthia in child support.
Why do so many people get away with not paying child support?
Job or Income Underreporting: Some non-custodial parents may underreport their income or work “under the table” to avoid higher child support payments. Inability to Locate Non-Paying Parent: In some cases, custodial parents struggle to locate the non-paying parent, making it challenging to enforce child support orders.