Yes, felons can travel outside the country because the law allows them to get a passport, the question is, what country are you traveling to – or intending to travel to? Below is what you need to know.
Quick take: Can felons travel outside the US?
- Felons can travel outside the country after completing their sentence or post prison sentence such as probation or electronic monitoring.
- The fifth amendment protects your right to travel.
- A felony conviction may disqualify you from getting a visa.
- If you have completed your sentence, you may apply for a passport.
- No visa countries only require a passport.
- There are less restrictions when you travel by sea.
- The country you are travelling to may deny you entry, so check the immigration and travel laws before purchasing ticket.
Can you travel with a felony record?
In the US, once a felon completes his sentence and there is no court order barring the convict from travel, that individual is free to travel outside the country. However, if you have a pending case or if you:
- Owe at least $25000 in back child support.
- On a supervised release program for committing a federal crime, felony, or possession of a controlled substance.
- The court forbade you from leaving the country.
- You have impending court hearings for a felony or federal crime.
- Convicted of drug trafficking.
The department of state may deny you a passport or exit from the country. That raises the question.
Are felons allowed to fly?
If you have completed your sentence, the law does not restrict you from traveling by plane or other means. Remember, your right to travel is protected under the fifth amendment. However, if you are a flight risk, or if there is a court order or warrant barring you from travel. Airport officials may confiscate your passport. If you are in a foreign country, you may be deported.
Can a felon travel outside the US without a passport?
Some countries do not ask US citizens to produce a visa, all they need is a passport. Why is this important? According to the US embassy. An individual who has been arrested, cautioned, or convicted of a criminal offense (anywhere in the world), must declare the conviction when applying for a visa.
If the crime happened within the shores of the United States, the embassy requires you to obtain a court record from the court in which you were tried. Note that the embassy can only issue a visa if the arrest did not result in a conviction. What the embassy wants from your record is. (1) to verify the nature of the offense (2) pending cases (3) penalty imposed.
Because of that, if trial resulted in a conviction, it is highly unlikely that you will get a visa to travel outside the US. Other embassies have similar requirements, so as a felon, getting a visa can be problematic.
Can you get a passport with a felony conviction in the US?
Yes. A felony conviction does not revoke your right to travel. Furthermore, a passport is an identifying document, meaning anyone can apply for one. To begin the process, you must complete a DS-11 Application for a passport.
To complete the form, you will need:
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of identity
- A recent color photograph.
- You must pay an application fee.
Note that under 18. USC. 1001 and 18.USC 1542/ 18 USC.1621. Intentionally and willfully making false statements while applying for a visa, and alteration/mutilation of US passports -are crimes punishable by fines and or prison. Therefore, when applying for a passport, it is in your best interest to answer all questions truthfully.
What felonies disqualify you from getting a passport?
The only crime that may disqualify you from getting a passport is a conviction for international drug trafficking.
That said.
Some countries allow US citizens to enter without a visa. Thus, if you are a felon and have a passport, you can enter the following countries.
Countries that do not require US citizens to produce a visa in 2021
According to worldpopulationreview, in 2021, US passport Visa-free Countries include:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Anguilla
- Antigua
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- The British Virgin Islands
- Brunei Bulgaria
- Canada
- Cayman island
- Chile
- Colombia
- Curacao
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Demark
- Ecuador
See the full list in the link above.
Can US felons travel to Canada?
If you have completed your sentence, there are two ways to travel to Canada with a felony conviction. One is to apply for a Canada Temporary Resident Permit. Two, complete a Criminal Rehabilitation Form. A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) allows the holder to visit Canada for a set amount of time. Meaning, you cannot use it to become a permanent resident.
To become a permanent resident or extend your stay in Canada you will need a Criminal Rehabilitation Form.
What to remember:
- You can only apply for criminal rehabilitation five years after finishing your sentence in the US.
- If you apply before the five-year waiting period, you will have to check “for information only.” It is then up to an officer to decide if you gain entry.
- You may find both applications at a Canadian embassy or download the forms via the links above.
- Temporary Residents Permit authorizes the holder and his/her family to enter Canada.
- Not complying with the terms of a TRP is a violation of Canada’s immigration and refugee protection act
- You may have to undergo a medical examination when applying for temporary or permanent residency.
- The passport expiry date may affect the length of time you can stay in the country.
- If you have a passport, Canada may deny you entry if you do not have approval for rehabilitation.
It is also worth noting that Americans traveling to Canada who intend to stay less than 180 days do not need visas according to the US Department of State-Bureau of Consular AFF.
Can felons travel to Europe or the UK?
Some countries in Europe have strict no-admission policies for individuals convicted of certain felonies or ones with criminal records. Furthermore, country immigration laws change almost daily. Because of that, before you make travel arrangements, it is vital to contact the embassy of the country you intend to visit.
That said.
The Schengen region of Europe, an area encompassing about 26 countries, including France, Germany, Greece, Denmark, and Estonia -have lenient immigration laws, meaning a record will not deny you entry. But again, check with the embassy before you board a plane or purchase tickets.
Remember, you may get into the country, but it is up to border patrol officials to decide if you can stay.
How do you enter the Schengen region?
If you are American, you do not need a visa to enter, all you need is your passport.
Can felons travel to Africa, Asia, and the middle east?
There are over fifty countries in Africa each with its own immigration laws, some laws are strict, and some are loose. For example, countries including South Africa, Senegal, Malawi, and Rwanda, do not require Americans to have a visa, whereas, you may need a visa to travel to Kenya and the other countries.
The majority of countries in Africa do not restrict felons from traveling there, instead, what they want to know is your reason for travel, how long you will be in the country, and where you want to go. what might restrict you from entry into African and Asian countries is if you are on TSA’s no-fly list or terror watch.
African countries that do not allow felons include: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Congo, South Africa, Uganda, Sudan, Kenya, Angola, Ghana, Niger, Zambia, Morocco, and Malawi.
Asian countries that do not allow felons in 2021 include China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, Iran, Myanmar.
Can felons travel via cruise ship?
Some cruise ships do not require passengers to carry a passport or Visa. Consequently, choosing to travel on a cruise ship or commercial ship is a great alternative to air travel because you may or may not need a visa to leave the ship when it docks.
Get your record expunged
In the US, certain felonies are eligible for expungement after the accused has completed the sentence. For example, if you were convicted of a felony when you were below 18 and have completed the sentence, you may petition the court to expunge your record. Expunging your record will shield you from country-imposed travel restrictions.
What happens if the court grants your expungement is the court deletes your record of conviction or arrest. Because of that, you will no longer be required to report your conviction while applying for a VISA, or work. In some states, juvenile records are sealed automatically, and in others, you must petition the court. Therefore, we recommend consulting with a criminal lawyer near you to find out if you are eligible.
Conclusion: Can felons travel outside the country?
As an American citizen, your right to travel is enshrined in the constitution. Because of that, if you do not have an impending case or if there are no warrants for your arrest, you may get a passport and travel.
However, it is up to the country you are traveling to decide if you can get in. so we recommend contacting the country’s embassy or checking the countries immigration laws.
No visa countries only require you to have a passport, making them easier for felons to enter. However, entering another country illegally is a crime that may land you in a foreign prison. So, we recommend using formal means. It is also worth noting that there are fewer checks when you travel by sea.
Yes, felons can travel outside the country because the law allows them to get a passport, the question is, what country are you traveling or intending to travel to? Below is what you need to know.
Quick take: can felons travel outside the US?
- Felons can travel outside the country after completing their sentence or post prison sentence such as probation or electronic monitoring.
- The fifth amendment protects your right to travel.
- A felony conviction may disqualify you from getting a visa.
- If you have completed your sentence, you may apply for a passport.
- No visa countries only require a passport.
- There are less restrictions when you travel by sea.
- The country you are travelling to may deny you entry, so check the immigration and travel laws before purchasing ticket.
Cann you travel with a felony record?
In the US, once a felon completes his sentence and there is no court order barring the convict from travel, that individual is free to travel outside the country. However, if you have a pending case or if you:
- Owe at least $25000 in back child support.
- On a supervised release program for committing a federal crime, felony, or possession of a controlled substance.
- The court forbade you from leaving the country.
- You have impending court hearings for a felony or federal crime.
- Convicted of drug trafficking.
The department of state may deny you a passport or exit from the country. That raises the question.
Are felons allowed to fly?
If you have completed your sentence, the law does not restrict you from traveling by plane or other means. Remember, your right to travel is protected under the fifth amendment. However, if you are a flight risk, or if there is a court order or warrant barring you from travel. Airport officials may confiscate your passport. If you are in a foreign country, you may be deported.
Can a felon travel outside the US without a Passport?
Some countries do not ask US citizens to produce a visa, all they need is a passport. Why is this important? According to the US embassy. An individual who has been arrested, cautioned, or convicted of a criminal offense (anywhere in the world), must declare the conviction when applying for a visa.
If the crime happened within the shores of the United States, the embassy requires you to obtain a court record from the court in which you were tried. Note that the embassy can only issue a visa if the arrest did not result in a conviction. What the embassy wants from your record is. (1) to verify the nature of the offense (2) pending cases (3) penalty imposed.
Because of that, if trial resulted in a conviction, it is highly unlikely that you will get a visa to travel outside the US. Other embassies have similar requirements, so as a felon, getting a visa can be problematic.
Can you get a passport with a felony conviction in the US?
Yes. A felony conviction does not revoke your right to travel. Furthermore, a passport is an identifying document, meaning anyone can apply for one. To begin the process, you must complete a DS-11 Application for a passport.
To complete the form, you will need:
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of identity
- A recent color photograph.
- You must pay an application fee.
Note that under 18. USC. 1001 and 18.USC 1542/ 18 USC.1621. Intentionally and willfully making false statements while applying for a visa, and alteration/mutilation of US passports -are crimes punishable by fines and or prison. Therefore, when applying for a passport, it is in your best interest to answer all questions truthfully.
What felonies disqualify you from getting a passport?
The only crime that may disqualify you from getting a passport is a conviction for international Drug trafficking.
That said.
Some countries allow US citizens to enter without a visa. Thus, if you are a felon and have a passport, you can enter the following countries.
Countries that do not require US citizens to produce a visa in 2021
According to worldpopulationreview, in 2021, US passport Visa-free Countries include:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Anguilla
- Antigua
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- The British Virgin Islands
- Brunei Bulgaria
- Canada
- Cayman island
- Chile
- Colombia
- Curacao
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Demark
- Ecuador
See the full list in the link above.
Can US felons travel to Canada?
If you have completed your sentence, there are two ways to travel to Canada with a felony conviction. One is to apply for a Canada Temporary Resident Permit. Two, complete a Criminal Rehabilitation Form. A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) allows the holder to visit Canada for a set amount of time. Meaning, you cannot use it to become a permanent resident.
To become a permanent resident or extend your stay in Canada you will need a Criminal Rehabilitation Form.
What to remember:
- You can only apply for criminal rehabilitation five years after finishing your sentence in the US.
- If you apply before the five-year waiting period, you will have to check “for information only.” It is then up to an officer to decide if you gain entry.
- You may find both applications at a Canadian embassy or download the forms via the links above.
- Temporary Residents Permit authorizes the holder and his/her family to enter Canada.
- Not complying with the terms of a TRP is a violation of Canada’s immigration and refugee protection act
- You may have to undergo a medical examination when applying for temporary or permanent residency.
- The passport expiry date may affect the length of time you can stay in the country.
- If you have a passport, Canada may deny you entry if you do not have approval for rehabilitation.
It is also worth noting that Americans traveling to Canada who intend to stay less than 180 days do not need visas according to the US Department of State-Bureau of Consular AFF.
Can felons travel to Europe or the UK?
Some countries in Europe have strict no-admission policies for individuals convicted of certain felonies or ones with criminal records. Furthermore, country immigration laws change almost daily. Because of that, before you make travel arrangements, it is vital to contact the embassy of the country you intend to visit.
That said.
The Schengen region of Europe, an area encompassing about 26 countries, including France, Germany, Greece, Denmark, and Estonia -have lenient immigration laws, meaning a record will not deny you entry. But again, check with the embassy before you board a plane or purchase tickets.
Remember, you may get into the country, but it is up to border patrol officials to decide if you can stay.
How do you enter the Schengen region?
If you are American, you do not need a visa to enter, all you need is your passport.
Can felons travel to Africa, Asia, and the middle east?
There are over fifty countries in Africa each with its own immigration laws, some laws are strict, and some are loose. For example, countries including South Africa, Senegal, Malawi, and Rwanda, do not require Americans to have a visa, whereas, you may need a visa to travel to Kenya and the other countries.
The majority of countries in Africa do not restrict felons from traveling there, instead, what they want to know is your reason for travel, how long you will be in the country, and where you want to go. what might restrict you from entry into African and Asian countries is if you are on TSA’s no-fly list or terror watch.
African countries that do not allow felons include: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Congo, South Africa, Uganda, Sudan, Kenya, Angola, Ghana, Niger, Zambia, Morocco, and Malawi.
Asian countries that do not allow felons in 2021 include China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, Iran, Myanmar.
Can felons travel via cruise ship?
Some cruise ships do not require passengers to carry a passport or Visa. Consequently, choosing to travel on a cruise ship or commercial ship is a great alternative to air travel because you may or may not need a visa to leave the ship when it docks.
Get your record expunged
In the US, certain felonies are eligible for expungement after the accused has completed the sentence. For example, if you were convicted of a felony when you were below 18 and have completed the sentence, you may petition the court to expunge your record. Expunging your record will shield you from country-imposed travel restrictions.
What happens if the court grants your expungement is the court deletes your record of conviction or arrest. Because of that, you will no longer be required to report your conviction while applying for a VISA, or work. In some states, juvenile records are sealed automatically, and in others, you must petition the court. Therefore, we recommend consulting with a criminal lawyer near you to find out if you are eligible.
The first step to getting your record expunged is completing probation, for help with that try the app Finish Probation to keep track of all your appointments.
Conclusion: Can felons travel outside the country?
As an American citizen, your right to travel is enshrined in the constitution. Because of that, if you do not have an impending case or if there are no warrants for your arrest, you may get a passport and travel.
However, it is up to the country you are traveling to decide if you can get in. so we recommend contacting the country’s embassy or checking the countries immigration laws.
No visa countries only require you to have a passport, making them easier for felons to enter. However, entering another country illegally is a crime that may land you in a foreign prison. So, we recommend using formal means. It is also worth noting that there are fewer checks when you travel by sea.