Can you fly internationally if you are a felon?
Asked by: Buck Jaskolski DDS | Last update: July 9, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (22 votes)
Felons can travel internationally, but their ability to do so depends entirely on the country they plan to visit and whether they have completed all terms of their sentence, including probation or parole. While the U.S. government generally does not restrict foreign travel for individuals with past convictions, many foreign nations strictly prohibit entry to anyone with a felony record.
What countries can felons not fly to?
Countries That Deny Entry To Convicted Felons: India, China, Japan, Iran, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya, Argentina, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, Cuba, Israel, New Zealand and Macau.
What felonies prevent you from flying?
PERMANENT DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Treason or conspiracy to commit treason. A federal crime of terrorism as defined in 18 U.S.C. 2332b(g), or comparable State law, or conspiracy to commit such crime. A crime involving a TSI (transportation security incident).
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 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.
The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record
Can US felons travel internationally?
Can You Travel Abroad With a Felony Conviction? 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.
Can I get a passport if I have a felony on my record?
A passport is a federal ID, and some convictions or unresolved legal issues can affect approval. Many felons can still qualify if they've completed their sentence, probation, or parole, have no active warrants, and have resolved fines or child-support obligations.
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.
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 felon go on a cruise?
There is no federal law that prohibits felons from going on cruises.
Does TSA know if you're a felon?
Offenses involving robbery, explosives, or other high-risk crimes make you ineligible for five to seven years after your conviction—or longer. Even without PreCheck, TSA's Secure Flight system runs your name through databases. Open warrants or unresolved charges can result in enhanced screening.
What is the most felon-friendly state?
These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons
- Massachusetts.
- Montana.
- Nevada.
- New Hampshire.
- New Mexico.
- New York.
- Texas.
- Washington.
How far back to airline background checks can I go?
Airline background checks typically cover the preceding 10 years for employment, education, and criminal history, often including intensive FBI fingerprinting for security-sensitive roles. While standard checks focus on the last 7–10 years, records of serious felonies or convictions from10+ years ago can still be discovered and may affect employment, especially if not disclosed.
Can felons go to the Bahamas?
Yes, felons can typically travel to the Bahamas. The country does not have strict blanket bans for past convictions, but entry is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Why can't felons go to Canada?
Felons are often denied entry to Canada because Canadian immigration law deems individuals with foreign criminal convictions—including many U.S. felonies and some misdemeanors like DUIs—criminally inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Because Canada has access to U.S. criminal databases, border agents can see prior convictions and, at their discretion, deny entry to protect public security.
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.
What countries deny entry for felons?
Many countries restrict or deny entry to individuals with felony convictions, though the strictness of these policies varies by the severity of the crime and time elapsed. The following countries are known to actively screen and deny entry based on criminal records, or deport individuals if the record is discovered after arrival:
Can US felons fly internationally?
Yes, felons can travel outside the U.S., provided they have a valid passport and are not restricted by their probation, parole, or court orders. While the U.S. government typically allows felons to travel once their sentences are fully served, the primary challenge is that individual destination countries have the right to deny entry to anyone with a criminal record.
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 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.
How far back is a TSA background check?
A TSA background check typically reviews criminal, employment, and financial history for the past seven to 10 years. However, for serious felonies, terrorism-related offenses, or specific security-sensitive positions, the investigation can cover your entire lifetime.
What are convicted felons not allowed to do?
A felony conviction in California leads to the loss of critical rights. Felons cannot vote, serve on a jury or own firearms. Employment opportunities may also be limited, and traveling abroad becomes more difficult.
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 a felon go to Switzerland?
Yes, a felon can travel to Switzerland, but it depends on the nature of the conviction, time elapsed, and successful completion of probation or parole. While there is no automatic ban for most, those with serious, recent, or child-protection offenses may be denied entry. Travelers must, as of 2026, obtain ETIAS authorization.
Does your criminal record show up when your passport is scanned?
A criminal record is not stored or printed on a passport itself, so it does not "pop up" immediately just from scanning the document. However, scanning your passport acts as a key, allowing border officials to immediately access connected law enforcement databases, Interpol records, or national watchlists.