Complete List Countries You Can’t Travel To With A Criminal Record

Criminal records complicate foreign travel. Most countries have strict entry regulations to safeguard their citizens from criminals.

Thus, you cannot enter most nations that require a visa if you have a criminal record.

List of Countries You Can’t Travel to With a Criminal Record

Here is a list of countries that don’t allow convicted felons to enter:

• China
• Cuba
• India
• Iran
• Israel
• Japan
• Kenya
• Macau
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom
• United States

What Countries Can a Convicted Felon Travel to?

You can travel to the following countries if you are a convicted felon:

• Brazil
• Cambodia
• Chile
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Hong Kong
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• Morocco
• Nepal
• Peru
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Tanzania
• Dominican Republic
• Philippines
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates

Note: The countries listed above do not require you to disclose your criminal past up front, but they do have active laws barring felons from entering the country. This means that while you don’t have to provide evidence of your criminal history, you will be denied entry if your history is discovered.

Can I Visit Europe With a Criminal Record?

If you have visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Zone, you can enter even with a criminal record. If you don’t have visa-free access, you may be required to show your criminal history during the visa application process. But, still, you can usually enter any country in Europe if you have a criminal record and:

• Your conviction does not pass 3 years.
• You were not arrested for crimes related to human trafficking or drug smuggling.

However, once ETIAS is launched in 2024, entering countries in Europe with a criminal history will be more difficult. ETIAS will provide background checks for every person who wants to enter the Schengen Area, and without receiving entry authorization, you cannot visit member countries.

Am I Allowed to Enter Canada With a Criminal Record?

If you have a criminal record, you normally cannot enter Canada. However, if you apply for rehabilitation, you may be admitted. If you are granted this waiver, you will be able to enter Canada despite your criminal record. However, waivers are not granted for serious offenses such as human trafficking.

Can I Enter the US With a Criminal Record?

You can’t enter the US with a criminal record. But, sometimes, there are exceptions; for example, if you were convicted of only one crime with a sentence of a maximum one year, this is considered a “sentencing exception.” In other cases, you may be eligible for special entry permission.

What Is Considered a Felony When It Comes to Travelling?

Felonies that prohibit you from travelling include serious crimes such as:

• Human trafficking
• Murder
• Manslaughter (unintentional killing)
• Rape/sexual assault
• Kidnapping
• Child pornography
• Manufacturing and selling drugs
• Assault
• Animal cruelty
• Cybercrime
• Tax evasion
• Other serious crimes

Minor misdemeanours that might be overlooked when you travel internationally include:

• Petty theft
• Public intoxication
• Reckless driving
• Shoplifting
• Trespassing
• Disorderly conduct
• Vandalism
• Indecent exposure
• Possession of Marijuana (Personal use)

Each country defines “serious” and “less serious” crimes. Thus, a minor misdemeanor in another country may be a felony, preventing entry. Additionally, timing is crucial in determining if your criminal record influences travel.

If you haven’t committed any further crimes in 10 or 15 years, several countries consider the offense non-existent or you rehabilitated. However, other countries won’t let you in with a criminal record regardless of time. If you have a criminal record, check with your destination country’s embassy or consulate for immigration rules and entrance requirements.

Can I Travel If I Was Acquitted?

A few countries may allow you to enter if you were only accused of a crime but not legally prosecuted or convicted. However, this changes from country to country; you should check with a local embassy/consulate before leaving the country.

What If I Have a Criminal Record And I Need to Travel for an Emergency?

You can still travel even with a criminal record in an emergency. Some countries, such as Canada and the US, issue waivers allowing you to travel. But, these waivers, which are issued only in emergencies and for humanitarian reasons, are difficult to obtain. Also, if you do get permission, you’re allowed to enter the country only once.

Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling With a Criminal Record

To make your travelling experience more manageable, you should take note of the following things when travelling with a criminal history:

• Prepare before travelling. Before you get ready to travel, you should check with your destination country and see their immigration laws. Know what is considered a serious crime and what crimes may be overlooked.
• Be honest. If you must divulge your record, be completely honest, even if you think your crime is a minor offence. If you lie in your visa application or at the entry border, you may face serious consequences.
• Be patient. When traveling with a criminal record, you might expect to wait longer in border patrol. Even if you have a waiver enabling you to enter, border patrol personnel will thoroughly evaluate everything before choosing whether or not to let you in. In this instance, you must be patient and wait for your case to be processed.