According to the U.S. Department of State, passport eligibility is not automatically revoked for felons—yet many countries reserve the right to deny entry to travelers with criminal records.
What Countries Can Felons Not Travel To?
Traveling abroad with a felony record can feel like navigating a maze—full of legal obstacles, unknowns, and grey areas. While many people assume a passport gives you free rein to explore the globe, that’s not always the case for individuals with criminal records. Felons can legally own a U.S. passport (in most cases), but entering another country is a whole different ballgame.
Who Says Felons Can’t Travel?
According to the U.S. Department of State, felons are not automatically banned from international travel. However, entry permission is entirely up to the receiving country’s immigration policies.
In fact, a passport only guarantees your re-entry into the United States, not entry into another country.
Countries That Restrict or Deny Entry to Felons
Here are 32 countries known for denying entry to felons, depending on the nature and recency of the conviction.
1. Canada
- Policy: Extremely strict.
- Denial Reasons: DUI, drug trafficking, violent crime, theft.
- Rehabilitation Options: Apply for “Criminal Rehabilitation” after 5 years or a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).
2. Australia
- Policy: Felons with sentences over 12 months may be denied.
- Application: Must answer “character test” questions honestly.
- Tip: Lying on a visa form = permanent ban.
3. New Zealand
- Policy: Similar to Australia.
- Denial for: Any conviction resulting in 12+ months imprisonment.
- Legal Option: Request a special direction under the Immigration Act.
4. Japan
- Policy: Strict on drug and violent crime felonies.
- Requirement: Must declare criminal history during visa process.
- Result: High chance of denial for felony convictions.
5. United Kingdom
- Policy: Convictions within last 10 years reviewed seriously.
- Automatic Ban: Sentences over 12 months may result in visa denial.
- Alternative: Appeal or reapply after 10 years.
6. China
- Policy: Denial likely for serious crimes.
- Visa Form Question: “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”
- Important: Leaving out info can lead to deportation.
7. India
- Policy: Denial for crimes involving moral turpitude.
- Definition Includes: Fraud, theft, assault.
- Visa Type: Indian e-visa applicants screened via Interpol data.
8. Russia
- Policy: Denial for serious and recent convictions.
- Security Check: Heavy background scrutiny.
- Advice: Avoid travel without attorney advice if conviction involved violence or drugs.
9. South Korea
- Policy: No clear blanket ban, but visas scrutinized.
- Watchlist: Interpol red notices lead to rejection.
- Example: Drug felonies may get flagged.
10. Indonesia
- Policy: Entry can be denied based on moral character.
- Visa Form: Asks directly about criminal records.
- Risk: Honesty may result in denial, dishonesty could lead to deportation.
Other Countries That May Deny Entry to Felons
| Country | Reason for Denial | Offense Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Israel | National security | Violent or terror-related |
| Philippines | Immigration discretion | Serious criminal offenses |
| South Africa | Visa rejection if disclosed | Major felonies |
| Turkey | Background check issues | Fraud, theft, assault |
| UAE | Especially strict | Drug offenses, sexual crimes |
| Qatar | Discretionary visa rules | Moral crimes, drugs |
| Malaysia | Entry refusal possible | If convicted in last 5 years |
| Singapore | Very selective | Any felony or moral issues |
| Vietnam | Can refuse visa | Criminal record declaration |
| Argentina | Background checks required | Drug or violent offenses |
| Brazil | Known for rejecting violent offenders | Robbery, assault |
| Chile | Refuses visas to felons | Especially drug-related |
| Colombia | Interpol-linked flagging | Violent crimes |
| Mexico | Often lenient but risky | Multiple offenses = likely ban |
| Thailand | Risk of entry denial | Drug, sex, or violent felonies |
| Ukraine | Extra scrutiny on visa | Past criminal record |
| Egypt | Security screening | Political crimes, violence |
| Saudi Arabia | Highly discretionary | Drug or religion-related crimes |
| Kuwait | May deny visa or deport | Sexual offenses, smuggling |
| Bahrain | Similar to Kuwait | Drug or financial crimes |
| Oman | Entry refusal possible | Severe moral or legal offenses |
| Pakistan | Discretionary screening | Terror or violent crime |
Why Do Countries Deny Felons Entry?
Here are 5 key reasons countries might deny a felon entry:
- Public Safety: A felony suggests a threat to local citizens or stability.
- Legal Reciprocity: Some nations mirror U.S. travel bans.
- Moral Turpitude Laws: Crimes like fraud or sexual offenses are universally frowned upon.
- National Security: Countries use global databases (like Interpol) to track felons.
- Tourism Image: Nations protect their reputation by limiting who gets in.
Can Felons Still Travel Internationally?
Yes, felons can travel abroad—but there are caveats.
Countries Felons Can Travel To Freely:
Most countries do not conduct criminal background checks for short-term tourist visits. Examples include:
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Mexico (unless criminal records are recent)
- Caribbean islands like Jamaica, Bahamas
- African countries like Kenya, Tanzania
- Central American nations like Costa Rica, Nicaragua
Tips for Traveling as a Felon
- Get Legal Counsel First – Especially for travel to strict countries like Canada or Australia.
- Be Honest on Visa Applications – Lying is riskier than disclosing.
- Apply Early – Some visas take months with background checks.
- Apply for Rehabilitation – Canada offers this route for past felons.
- Use Direct Flights – Avoid transit through countries with strict laws.
Real-World Examples
- John from Texas, convicted of DUI in 2015, was denied entry to Canada in 2023—even with a clean record since.
- Laura from Florida, with a theft conviction, visited Mexico and the Bahamas without issue, but was flagged at Tokyo airport and denied entry.
- Ricky from New York, drug charge in 2000, got a TRP for Canada and now visits annually.
Common Myths About Felon Travel
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “Felons can’t get a passport” | False – Most can, unless under parole, probation, or extradition. |
| “All countries ban felons” | False – Most allow entry unless offense is serious. |
| “Background checks are always done” | False – Only for visa-required countries. |
| “You can lie on visa forms” | Dangerous – Could lead to detention or lifetime ban. |
Final Word
A felony conviction doesn’t mean your travel dreams are dead—it just means you need to plan smart. With the right paperwork, honesty, and patience, most countries are still within reach. Travel can be part of your personal transformation journey, and if that’s what you’re after, don’t let your past define your future.
FAQs
Can felons travel to Europe?
Yes, most European countries do not ask for criminal records during short tourist visits. Schengen states rarely check for felonies unless visa is required.
Can felons visit Canada with a DUI?
No, Canada considers DUI a serious offense. You’ll need a TRP or rehabilitation status to enter.
How can a felon find out if they’re banned from a country?
Contact the consulate of the country directly. They’ll offer clarity based on your offense and time since conviction.
