Can you fly with a felony on your record?

Asked by: Gretchen Quitzon  |  Last update: January 25, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (25 votes)

When you get a felony conviction, it may prevent you from entering certain countries. Sometimes, you must check the entry requirements of the countries you intend to visit before your trip. Almost all travel restrictions are imposed by the court, the government, or the airlines you would use to travel.

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).

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 I travel if I have a felony?

The ability to travel is considered a basic human right in the United States, so you can usually get a passport with a past felony conviction or even a series of felony convictions.

Can you fly within the US with pending felony charges?

If you have pending felony charges, you may be required to appear in court for various court hearings, including arraignment, pre-trial hearings, and trial. The court may impose travel restrictions on you, requiring you to remain within the jurisdiction where the case is pending.

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

28 related questions found

Can you get TSA approved if you have a felony?

Along with felonies, some criminal offenses, including extortion, bribery, and firearms related incidents, can disqualify you from being approved for TSA PreCheck if they occurred in the last seven years.

Do pending felonies show background check?

States have different laws about the types of pending charges that can be reported on background checks. For example, California allows the inclusion of all pending charges in background checks.

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 pending felony be dropped?

A felony charge may be dropped before trial if new evidence comes to light proving innocence or casting reasonable doubt. It may also occur if the prosecutor decides the case is too weak to lead to a conviction.

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.

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.

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.

How long are you considered a felon?

A felony charge will stay on your record for life. The only way to remove a felony from your record is through a strict process called expungement (more on expungement below).

Does TSA check criminal record?

To qualify for TSA PreCheck, applicants must undergo a background check and meet specific criteria, including a clean criminal record.

What is a disqualifying felony?

"Disqualifying offense" means a conviction for: Any offense that is a felony; a sex offense as defined in this section; a crime against children or persons as defined in RCW 43.43.

What warrants stop you from flying?

Who Cannot Fly With a Warrant? Whether or not misdemeanor arrest warrant or someone with it can fly depends on the destination country. In the United States, both arrest warrants or individuals with arrest warrants are typically unable to fly, as the TSA can access a database of such individuals.

Can you fly with pending felony charges?

Unless there are conditions of your release, that do not allow you to travel, it is at your discretion but you always want to confirm, with your attorney. As long as you return, prior to the court date there should be no issue but with felony cases it is always best to get permission, if there is concern.

What is defined as a felony?

In US law, a felony is typically defined as a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year or by the death penalty. Misdemeanors, in contrast, are often defined as offenses punishable only by fines or by short terms of imprisonment in local jails.

How to avoid jail time for felony?

5 strategies for lessening or avoiding jail time in felony cases
  1. #1: Negotiating plea bargains. Pleading out can be a strategic move. ...
  2. #2: Rehabilitation and counseling. ...
  3. #3: Character references. ...
  4. #4: Diversion programs. ...
  5. #5: Demonstrating remorse.

Can a convicted felon go on a cruise?

Yes. As mentioned above, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and others carry out background checks on guests through consumer reporting agencies prior to boarding. Cruisers would not usually be denied entry to the cruise unless they had been convicted of violent crimes such as physical and/or sexual assault.

Can a convicted felon own a gun?

California Penal Code 29800 PC imposes a lifetime ban on gun ownership or control by convicted felons. It applies to anyone convicted of a felony in any state or country.

Can you travel outside the US with a felony?

These rules are often based on factors such as the type of crime and how much time has passed since the conviction. Some countries that do not allow entry if you are a convicted felon include Canada, Australia, and Japan.

What is a red flag on a background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.

Does Amazon hire felons?

Yes, Amazon does hire felons. Your eligibility for employment will depend on the type of felony, time since you have fulfilled your sentence and corrective actions you have completed.

How far back does a federal background check go?

In states like California, criminal background checks go back seven years. However, some states allow a deeper look into your past if the job pays a higher salary (usually over $75,000). Some government jobs or jobs with access to sensitive information may allow - even require - background checks further.