Can you travel with a felony warrant?

Asked by: Sammy Haley DDS  |  Last update: January 21, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (12 votes)

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.

Do airports check for warrants on international flights?

While domestic travelers may not be subject to routine warrant checks, international air travel often involves more stringent checks. If it is detected, the person with misdemeanor warrant may face legal consequences, including fines or potential arrest.

Do warrants show up at customs?

Many travelers wonder if CBP is alerted when an inbound passenger has a warrant for their arrest issued. Yes, CBP is alerted.

Can you fly in the US with a felony warrant?

The possibility of flying with a warrant depends on various factors. In the US, you can board a plane with an order in place, but airlines can deny you boarding if they suspect you're trying to avoid prosecution or disrupt an investigation. Flying with an outstanding warrant might be challenging.

Can I get on a plane with a warrant?

While it's technically possible to board a flight with an open arrest warrant without TSA interference, risks abound. From local police presence at airports to CBP checks during international travel, the potential for arrest is real. It's crucial to consult with a legal expert to understand your options and risks.

Can I Travel if there is a Warrant for my Arrest?

16 related questions found

Do they run your name at the airport?

Typically, the TSA doesn't verify your identification. However, they frequently perform routine checks to ascertain that the name on your identification matches the one on your boarding pass.

Can you travel out the country with a warrant?

The TSA does not check for warrants for local US residents. However, that is not absolute either. They might request immigration authorities to give access to the State crime database to confirm any outstanding warrant(s) on the supposed person. Therefore, we advise you not to risk travel with an existing warrant.

Can you fly with a felony?

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 I get a passport with a warrant?

Additional Charges that Can Lead to a Passport Denial

You may have outstanding traffic fines that won't affect your passport approval. However, your passport can be denied if you have an outstanding warrant for a local, state, or federal felony offense.

Do ID scanners show warrants?

When law enforcement “runs” your ID, if the officer wants it to, it can reveal wants, warrants and criminal history.

How long does a warrant last in Canada?

It is important to know that if a warrant has been issued for your arrest it will not go away with time. In Canada, a warrant for a person's arrest never expires. It continues to exist until you deal with the matter or until you encounter the police and are arrested.

Does Canada border check for warrants?

Can You Go to Canada With a Warrant? When it comes to entering Canada, having any kind of criminal record, including an outstanding warrant in the US, means you could be deemed criminally inadmissible at the border.

Do airports run background checks on passengers?

The Transportation Security Administration is expanding its screening of passengers before they arrive at the airport by searching a wide array of government and private databases that can include records like car registrations and employment information.

Does immigration check for warrants?

Generally, TSA is not checking for warrants, but there is a small chance your name could be run against a database that flags the warrant. There is a much greater change it will be flagged when returning to the USA as Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) will run a warrants check on all travelers upon their arrival.

What does TSA see when they scan your ID?

An agent will review your name, photo, address and date of birth, then cross-check to see that the information on your travel documents matches your ID. Keep in mind that the Real ID Act is now in effect, and it aims to deter terrorists' ability to use fake or fraudulently obtained IDs.

Can I fly in Canada with a warrant?

Travelling Within Canada

if you have a warrant for your arrest and need to travel domestically within Canada, you will likely be able to do so without being stopped or arrested. That said, you should still check with local law enforcement before traveling as rules can change over time.

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 the airport see if you have warrants?

No,the airline will not check if you have warrants when they sell the ticket or when you check in at the airport. But authorities may be monitoring tickets sold out of the state and if they see your name they may arrest you at the airport if you are in violation.

Can you fly through 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.

Do airlines check for felons?

A TSA background check is extremely rigorous and includes the following items: Fingerprinting and fingerprint processing to check against FBI criminal databases and FBI terrorist watch lists. Felony and misdemeanor criminal searches at the county, state, and federal level.

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 you go on a cruise with a warrant?

So if you have a warrant for your arrest, do not take a cruise.

Will I get stopped at the airport if I have a warrant in the Philippines?

Police or Law Enforcement Intervention

For instance, if the police are aware of an individual with an outstanding warrant attempting to travel, they may coordinate with airport security to apprehend the person before they board or after disembarking.

Can you fly internationally with a warrant on Reddit?

You are safe to fly domestically. If you fly or cruise internationally, you will probably be taken into custody at customs/immigration. I often see it happen to people when returning to the US on a cruise.