Does Jamaica allow felons?

Asked by: Corine Brown Sr.  |  Last update: July 17, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (69 votes)

Jamaican law prohibits entry by all persons convicted of a felony and still under community supervision. However, the Jamaican embassy in Washington reports this law is not always enforced and entry is often granted provided five years have passed since the last “serious” conviction.

Can you go to Jamaica if you're a felon?

Most Caribbean nations, excluding Jamaica, will not limit entry for those with criminal records. But Jamaica will not allow those with a felony conviction to enter their country. Given the differing treatment, it's best to research a destination's country-specific laws and regulations before traveling there.

Are felons allowed in the Bahamas?

The entry form to the Bahamas does not ask about criminal convictions and thus, there is little if any practical way for their immigration officials to even know about previous infractions. That said, the Bahamas does technically have a process for clearing this issue.

How long after a felony conviction can you get a passport?

Waiting Period for Felon Passport Application

For some federal crimes, such as 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 convictions don't have defined waiting periods.

Can felons go to Cancun?

Mexico Law: Convicted Felons Can Be Denied Entry

If you have ANY KIND of criminal record, you may not be allowed into Mexico, even with a valid passport.

Can Felons Travel Out The Country?

37 related questions found

What convictions stop you from entering Mexico?

Serious crimes include, among others: manslaughter; terrorism and international terrorism; sabotage; piracy; genocide; prison break; attacks on public thoroughfares; drug-related crimes; corruption of minors; child pornography; exploitation of minors; falsifying and counterfeit of currency; rape; highway robbery; ...

Can felons go on cruises?

Yes. As mentioned above, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and others carry out background checks on guests through consumer reporting agencies prior to boarding. 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.

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 felons go to Africa?

Those with serious or multiple convictions may face entry refusals. South Africa: South Africa's immigration laws allow entry to be refused to individuals with serious criminal records.

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.

Can a felon go to Dubai?

They don't ask for clearance letters or do background checks. Unless you're a pedophile with an international arrest warrant, you'll be fine.

Can felons go to Canada?

If a felon gets approved for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation (CR), they can be allowed in Canada. Otherwise, if an American citizen has a criminal record that renders them inadmissible, they will usually not be allowed to visit even if they do not have any recent arrests.

Can you travel to Puerto Rico if you have a felony?

For Americans entering Puerto Rico, it is just the same as traveling from one state to another. Therefore, a passport is not required to enter Puerto Rico. This is also true for felons who travel from the U.S. mainland directly to any U.S. territory.

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.

Does Mexico check criminal records?

The country also has a relaxed criminal record-checking policy for foreigners. Law enforcement agencies may allow US citizens with a record of misdemeanors to relocate. However, they would likely not permit someone on the FBI's "wanted list" to enter the country.

What do I need to do before travelling to Jamaica?

Entry requirements
  1. Passport validity requirements. To enter Jamaica, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. ...
  2. Visa requirements. You do not need a visa to visit Jamaica. ...
  3. Airport tax. Arrival and departure taxes are usually included in the cost of your ticket. ...
  4. Vaccine requirements. ...
  5. Customs rules.

Can you go to Jamaica with a felony?

Jamaican law prohibits entry by all persons convicted of a felony and still under community supervision. However, the Jamaican embassy in Washington reports this law is not always enforced and entry is often granted provided five years have passed since the last “serious” conviction.

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.

Can a felon go to Mexico?

According to the State Department, “Mexican law permits Mexican immigration authorities to deny foreigners entry into Mexico if they have been charged with or convicted of a serious crime in Mexico or elsewhere.”

Do airlines check for felony warrants?

Yes, you can technically fly with a bench warrant, especially on domestic flights, as the TSA does not specifically check for warrants.

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.

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.

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 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 convicted felons get food stamps in Florida?

The department shall monitor continued eligibility for temporary cash assistance through periodic reviews consistent with the food assistance eligibility process. Benefits may not be denied to an individual solely based on a felony drug conviction, unless the conviction is for trafficking pursuant to s. 893.135.