Can you leave the country if you have a felony in the US?

Asked by: Prof. Jeromy Mosciski V  |  Last update: August 23, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (60 votes)

8. 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.

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 fly 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.

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.

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

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.

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

19 related questions found

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.

Can you leave the US on felony probation?

Traveling while on formal probation for a felony offense is more complicated —and international and domestic travel, even just leaving the county, requires the approval of your probation officer.

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 leave the country with a passport?

U.S. citizens have a constitutional right to travel abroad. Having a felony conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from getting a passport. The State Department typically only denies passports for specific reasons like: Owing $2,500+ in child support.

Can a convicted felon get 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.

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.

What can stop you from travelling?

Unpaid fines, student loans or child support could stop you travelling.

What is the best country for a felon to live in?

1) Marshall islands or Micronesia. Buy flight on credit, do farm or whatever labor you can to eat while you get booted. No visa needed to live or work. 2) Some nations such as Argentina have effectively no immigration enforcement.

Can felons fly on planes?

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).

Can a felon come back to the US?

If you were deported because of an aggravated felony, most likely, you will be barred from entering the U.S. for 20 years. If you were removed for a lesser charge, you need only wait for five or ten years before applying for a waiver.

Can you leave the country with a felony warrant?

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. However, rules may differ in other countries, like Canada, where flying with it might be possible.

What felonies cannot get a passport?

Felons who have served their sentences and do not have outstanding warrants qualify for a passport if they were not convicted of felonies like drug trafficking and kidnapping. You need to consult your attorney about the effects of your charges on your travel plans.

Can a felon in the United States leave the country?

8. 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.

What crimes disqualify you from global entry?

Here are some key examples of disqualifying criminal convictions:
  • Felony Convictions. ...
  • Drug-Related Offenses. ...
  • Crimes Involving Fraud or Deception. ...
  • Theft and Property Crimes. ...
  • Domestic Violence and Assault. ...
  • DUI and DWI Convictions. ...
  • Sex Offenses. ...
  • Immigration Violations.

Can I travel internationally if I have a felony?

But many people don't realize that a felony conviction also impacts your ability to travel to certain foreign countries. State, federal, and international laws are constantly updated, so it's important that you check with the specific country you're planning to travel to for the most updated laws and information.

Do cruise ships run background checks on passengers?

Some cruise lines publicly state they reserve the right to perform passenger background checks. That does not necessarily mean they do for all passengers, it simply means they can. Other cruise lines do not disclose this information.

Is there jails on cruises?

Most cruise ships have a facility known as a “brig” or “holding cell.” These are small, secure rooms designed to detain passengers or crew members who pose a threat to themselves or others.

Can you leave the US with a criminal record?

The short answer is: it depends. The ability to enter another country often depends on the type of conviction, its severity, and the specific laws and regulations of the destination country. Countries may deny entry for convictions related to drug offenses, violent crimes, or fraud.

Can I go to Mexico on felony probation?

You will need a valid passport. If you're on probation or parole, get written confirmation from your probation or parole officer (or a judge) stating that you're authorized to travel. Contact the Mexican Consulate to confirm your eligibility to travel.

Can you leave the country with felony charges pending?

If you face criminal charges, you may be restricted from traveling out of state or internationally. You may need to obtain permission from the court to travel, and you will be required to comply with any conditions set by the court, including adhering to the specific criminal laws of the jurisdiction you are in.