Can you travel abroad with a felony?
Asked by: Dr. Gregoria Ruecker IV | Last update: January 5, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (31 votes)
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 you travel outside the US with 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.
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 you leave the United States with a felony?
After completing their sentence and post-prison sentence, such as probation, felons can travel outside the United States. The Fifth Amendment protects this right. That said, travel is restricted to those with pending cases or who: Have a child support debt of at least $25,000.
What countries don't do criminal background checks?
- #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.
The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record
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.
What Caribbean countries can a felon visit?
Caribbean. Most Caribbean nations, excluding Jamaica, will not limit entry for those with criminal records.
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 felons go on cruises?
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. However, it's important to remember that being able to board does not guarantee you will meet the entry requirements at each foreign port on your journey.
Do felonies transfer to other countries?
In general it is very difficult, if not impossible, to travel to any country if you have a record of convictions for violent or sexual crimes, repeated convictions for felonies, or a recent conviction for a serious crime. Some countries prohibit their own citizens from leaving if they have serious criminal histories.
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).
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 go to the Bahamas with a felony?
The Bahamas does not accept Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) for entry. All U.S. Nationals who are currently on community supervision cannot enter the Bahamas, but can seek entry once their sentence is completed.
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.
Can felons go to Mexico on vacation?
Mexico Law: Convicted Felons Can Be Denied Entry
The traveler later explains: “The authorities took my boyfriend into the immigration office and told him he would not be allowed to come into the country based on a felony charge on his record from when he was 16 years old.” (This incident was 12 years later.)
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.
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.
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 I go to Japan if I have a felony?
Japanese immigration authorities conduct character assessments on all visa applicants. These assessments consider an individual's criminal history, including felony convictions. Even minor offenses can cause concern and may result in visa denial.
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 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).
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.
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.
Does a passport show a 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.
Can you leave the country if you have a felony in the US?
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.