Can you leave the US if you have a felony?

Asked by: Mr. Dudley Zboncak  |  Last update: September 20, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (38 votes)

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. That County's Customs and Immigration Laws will determine if you are able to safely enter.

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.

Can you travel from US to Canada with a felony?

Even if a felon has a passport, Canada's border officers can deny entrance. While a valid American passport can allow a person to fly into Canada, a felony conviction in their past can result in them getting blocked at the border and flown back home.

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.

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.

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

32 related questions found

Can you fly with a felony charge?

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).

Does your passport show your criminal record?

Passports do not list information about a person's criminal record, including charges for driving under the influence (DUI). They typically only display personal information such as a person's name, date of birth, photograph, and passport number.

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.

How long does a felony stay on your record in Canada?

How Long Does a Criminal Record Last? In Canada, criminal records can last a lifetime if you don't make a deliberate effort to seal them (by applying for a record suspension) or erase them (by applying for a record expungement). It doesn't matter how minor the offense was or if you didn't get charged.

Can you leave the United States if you have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record can impact your ability to travel internationally. Certain countries, including Canada and the United States, may refuse entry to individuals with criminal convictions. Understanding the entry rules of the country you plan to visit is crucial to avoid any travel disruptions.

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.

Does Canada check US criminal records?

Canadian border agents have full access to U.S. criminal records, including FBI background checks, so they are likely to flag anyone with an arrest or a felony charge. In effect, YOU are going to have the burden to prove that you are admissible.

Can you become a Canadian citizen with a felony?

If you've never dealt with the process, it isn't obvious where to begin — or even whether you should try. Here's our definitive guide to clear things up so that you can start off right. Yes, you can become a Canadian citizen if you have a criminal record.

What countries don't do background checks?

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How long after a felony can you go to Canada?

You can be “deemed rehabilitated” if enough time has passed since your conviction, or since all conditions of your sentence have been met. The standard amount of time is 10 years. So if it has been 10 years or more since you committed a crime or completed a sentence for a crime, you may be able to enter Canada.

What convictions stop you from travelling to america?

Entering the USA with a criminal record FAQs

Minor offenses may not pose a problem, but serious crimes like drug trafficking or terrorism can lead to inadmissibility. It's best to take legal advice before traveling.

How does Canada know if you have a felony?

Checks are completed in the RCMP 's Canadian Police Information Centre ( CPIC ) system. They consist of a check of the National Repository of Criminal Records based on a person's name and date of birth. It may also include searches of other national and local databases.

How far back do they check for felonies?

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. However, pending criminal cases can be reported.

How much does it cost to clear your criminal record in Canada?

Depending on the length and seriousness of your criminal record, expect to pay between $1500-$3000 for a Criminal Record Suspension. This includes fees to courts, police, Pardon Applications of Canada, fingerprinting, and the government of Canada's filing fee which is currently $50.

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.

Do I have to disclose a felony after 7 years in Texas?

Texas Laws

State law prohibiting consumer reporting agencies from reporting "a record of arrest, indictment, or conviction of a crime" that is more than seven years old. There are exceptions to this general prohibition, including situations where a potential employee's salary will be more than $75,000 a year.

Can you get a job with a felony?

A company may hire ex-offenders, but they may have a policy of terminating anyone for lying on their job application. It is up to you whether you tell an employer about your convictions. But, we believe that honesty is the best policy. Our experience shows that HOW you communicate this information makes the difference.

Can a Canadian enter the US with a criminal record?

If a Canadian citizen or PR is approved for a US Waiver, they can travel to the United States with a criminal record as often as they wish so long as the permit has not expired. If a Canadian attempts to enter the US with a record and has not obtained a Waiver, he or she may be denied entry on grounds of criminality.

Does the US border run a background check on your passport?

When a border agent scans your passport, the computer system runs your information against the NCIC database and flags any active arrest warrants. The NCIC is not comprehensive, and not all active arrest warrants are present in its database.

How do customs know if you have a criminal record?

Often, border control will access the National Crime Information Center, a database the FBI uses. It contains criminal justice information. Border control may also look at: The Interagency Border Inspection System.