Can you go to London with a felony?

Asked by: Calista Mitchell  |  Last update: January 14, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (13 votes)

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 US felons travel to the UK?

United Kingdom

The UK government highly emphasizes the character and conduct of individuals seeking entry. Applicants for visas and entry clearance must meet specific character requirements. A felony conviction can raise concerns about an individual's character and may result in a visa refusal or denial of entry.

What convictions stop entry to the UK?

the person has been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or overseas for which they have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more. the person is a persistent offender who shows a particular disregard for the law. the person has committed a criminal offence, or offences which have caused serious harm.

Can you go to Paris with a felony?

Former ``criminals'' are completely free to travel to France if they are not fugitives (paid fines, done time). France welcomes lots of ``criminals'' every year as refugees from the Middle East, Africa and even European countries when it does not recognize the crimes for which they were convicted.

Can you move to England if you have a felony?

The United Kingdom's Immigration Rules mandate exclusion of any person who has been sentenced to 4 years or more in prison for a single offence; or has been convicted of an offence for which they have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of at least 12 months but less than 4 years, unless a period of 10 years has ...

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

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Can you leave the US if you have 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.

Can you get a passport with a felony?

Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.

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.

What countries don't do background checks?

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Does Europe accept felons?

Can felons visit Europe? Yes, felons can visit Europe once they've served their term. Depending on the country they want to visit, there may be other restrictions. Germany, for example, requires that you must not have been imprisoned for up to two years for a drug-related crime and up to three years for other offenses.

Why would you be refused entry to UK?

There are a number of different scenarios in which a person could be refused entry to the UK, although one of the most common is where there are discrepancies between what an individual is saying, or the paperwork they have in their possession, and the nature of their visa or stated purpose for their visit if ...

Can US customs see my UK criminal record?

The United Kingdom does not routinely share criminal records with foreign authorities. As a result, if you declare a criminal record on your visa application form, you may be required to provide a police certificate as part of your application.

Can felons go to Italy?

Like most other countries, entry will be denied to individuals with active warrants or individuals on the TSA “no fly” list. Poland – Poland's policies mirror those of the Netherlands. Italy – Felons who have completed probation or any sentence are not barred from traveling to Italy.

Can I visit Canada with a felony?

Unfortunately, this means that an American with a felony record will typically have difficulty traveling there. Even a single conviction from a long time ago can result in a felon being denied entry by Canada. Felons that want the ability to travel to Canada can apply for special permission to enter.

Does Ireland allow felons?

Irish immigration laws grant the immigration authorities discretion to admit or deny entry to individuals with a criminal record. For short stays, such as a 10-day vacation, Ireland typically adheres to the common travel area agreement with the UK, but entry is still subject to immigration control.

Does immigration know your travel history in the UK?

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI): A division of the Home Office responsible for managing the UK's visa system and immigration control. UKVI holds records of visa applications, travel history, and immigration status.

Can countries see your criminal record?

With the INTERPOL databases, “member countries” (countries that participate in and contribute to the databases) have access to criminal databases containing millions of records. If your home country is a member country with the INTERPOL databases, one of them may contain your criminal record.

Who fails a background check?

Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...

What Caribbean countries can a felon visit?

Caribbean. Most Caribbean nations, excluding Jamaica, will not limit entry for those with criminal records.

Can a felon get a passport after 7 years?

For some crimes like drug trafficking, a 5-10 year waiting period may be required before getting a passport. This allows for a “cooling off” period to elapse. Other felony convictions don't have defined waiting periods. But typically, the longer it's been since finishing your sentence, the better chances of approval.

Are there jails on cruise ships?

There are no police officers on cruise ships, but most vessels have small jails known as the brig, and unruly passengers could find themselves locked up if the ship's security team determines that they have violated the cruise line's code of conduct.

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 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 internationally with a felony?

Entry restrictions depend on several factors, including the following: Individuals sentenced to imprisonment for more than four years are generally denied entry. Those with recent convictions (within the past 12 months) or multiple offenses may face entry restrictions.

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.