What Countries Can Felons Travel to? A Comprehensive Guide

Traveling is a dream of many, including me, but it is not always as simple as it looks. People with criminal records often face extra challenges when crossing borders. If you are a felon and tried to move abroad but could not find a way, you have come to the right place. While many countries do not allow felons to enter, many first-world countries allow felons to cross their border.

Some countries have stricter rules and some have less strict rules. It is best to know these rules that can save time and money.

Many felons search for queries like, can felons leave the country? And what countries can felons travel to? Well, the answer depends on multiple factors. Some travelers can travel freely, while some face heavy restrictions. Getting a passport is usually possible, but that does not guarantee entry to every country. Places like Canada, Australia, Japan, and Mexico have tough rules while most of the Schengen countries show leniency towards felons.

This guide will highlight the latest facts and information on international travel for falcons. In addition to this, we will also help you find the answers to many common questions like whether can felons travel internationally and whether countries blacklisted felons.

What is a Felon?

A felon is someone convicted of a serious crime. In the U.S., felonies include offenses like:

• Robbery
• Drug Trafficking
• Fraud
• Sexual Crimes
• Violent Crimes

These crimes usually lead to prison time of more than one year. Some lesser crimes, called misdemeanors, have lighter punishments.

The term “felon” comes from English law. Over time, laws changed, but felons still carry severe consequences. In the U.S. felons also lose some major rights such as voting or owning firearms. However, felons can restore some of their rights later, but it depends on the type of crime and state laws. In addition to all these, a felon faces an international travel ban from some countries.

Challenges Felons Face When Traveling

Traveling with a felony is not always easy. Many countries have strict entry rules for people with a criminal record. Some felons can travel without issues, while others face major restrictions. The severity of the crime plays a big role in determining travel rights.

Violent crimes, drug offenses, and fraud lead to the toughest restrictions. Countries like Canada and Mexico often deny entry to felons with these convictions. Those convicted of minor offenses may have better chances of visiting different countries.

Can felons leave the country? In most cases, yes. The U.S. government allows felons to get passports unless they commit serious crimes like drug trafficking or international crimes. However, having a passport does not mean every country will allow entry.

Countries blacklisted felons based on their laws. Some check criminal records before granting a visa. Others deny entry at the airport if background checks reveal a past felony.

Proper planning is important. Some countries allow felons to enter if they apply for a special waiver or wait a certain number of years after serving their sentence.

Visa Process for Felons

Getting a visa can be more difficult for felons. Most countries check background history and criminal records before approving a visa. Many countries ask for police clearance certificates or court documents. The type of crime and how much time has passed since the conviction affect the chances of approval.

Some countries like France and Austria allow entry with extra paperwork, while others have strict bans. Countries like Canada and Mexico often reject applications for serious offenses. However, others may allow felons to visit if they provide proof of rehabilitation.

Honesty is important when applying. Do not add false information on the visa form. It can lead to a permanent ban on international travel. Some countries offer waivers for past crimes, but the process can take time.

Countries That Blacklist Felons

Now we will look at countries that do not allow felons to enter. Some nations have strict rules and deny entry based on criminal records. Serious crimes like drug offenses, fraud, and violence lead to the toughest restrictions. We will check the rules and restrictions for each country.

1. Can Felons Visit Canada

Canada has strict entry rules for individuals with criminal records. No matter the number of years, recent or old conviction. If you have a felony conviction, you are inadmissible and not allowed to enter the country. This applies even if the conviction occurred many years ago. The most strict actions are taken against the felons involved in crimes such as:

• Murder
• Drugs transport
• Theft

However, there are ways to overcome this inadmissibility. One option is to apply for criminal rehabilitation. This application does not mean that you will get a guaranteed visa. However, if it is approved, then your inadmissibility is permanently removed. There is another option is to obtain a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), only in extreme circumstances. It allows temporary entry into Canada. The decision to grant entry is made by Canadian immigration officers, who assess each case individually.

It is important to note that Canadian authorities have access to U.S. criminal records. If you attempt to enter Canada without declaring your criminal record, you can face a permanent ban.

Therefore, it is crucial to address any criminal inadmissibility issues before attempting to enter Canada. This may involve applying for rehabilitation or obtaining a TRP, depending on your specific circumstances.

2. Can Felon Enter Mexico

In another neighbor to the U.S. Felons also face restrictions to enter into Mexico. But this neighbor imposes little limits than that of Canada. The State Department of Mexico states that:

 “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.”

Now, what does it mean by serious crimes? According to Article 194 in Mexican law, all those crimes that violate the public’s fundamental rights are considered serious crimes. Examples of serious crimes include:

• Murder/Manslaughter
• Terrorism
• Genocide
• Attempt/Prison break
• Attack on government properties
• Child Pornography
• Corruption
• Rape
• Drug trafficking/ minor trafficking
• Highway robbery/ vehicle theft
• Tax fraud
• Smuggling

According to these crimes, luckily, many felons with minor crimes do not come into the category of serious crimes in Mexico. So if you are wondering can convict felons travel to Mexico, the answer is yes but subject to the type of crime a felony has committed. I have personally met with many felons who traveled to Mexico and said that no one from the customs or border forces asked about their criminal activities or convictions.   

3. Can Felons Enter into Japan

Japan has strict entry rules for travelers with a criminal record. The Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act of Japan states that some felons will not get entry into Japan. Moving to Japan is quite difficult or maybe impossible as compared to Canada and Mexico. They do not have rehabilitation programs. So past convictions remain a concern when applying for a visa.

Felons may be denied entry if:

• They were sentenced to one year or more in prison (Except for political offenses).
• They were convicted of drug-related crimes, including narcotics, stimulants, or psychotropic substances.
• They were involved in prostitution-related offenses or activities linked to it.

This means that not all felons are automatically banned. The sentence length and the type of crime are the main deciding factors. Minor offenses with short sentences may not cause issues. However, those with drug-related or violent convictions face stricter restrictions.

How Japan Enforces These Rules

Most visitors to Japan arrive by air. It gives immigration officers time to check their background. Japan does not have direct access to U.S. criminal records, but officials may request this information. If a felony is discovered during screening, entry may be denied.

Travelers applying for a visa must answer questions about their criminal history honestly. Lying on an application can lead to a permanent ban. Japan does not perform routine background checks on visa-free travelers. However, border officers have the right to ask questions and deny entry if they suspect an issue.

4. Can Felons Travel to New Zealand?

New Zealand tops the list of the most difficult destinations for felonies.

The country has difficult character requirements. All travelers must declare their full criminal history, even if some convictions are considered “spent” in other countries. Immigration officials have the authority to refuse entry to anyone they believe poses a risk.

Felons cannot enter New Zealand if they:

• Sentenced to five or more years in prison.
• Received a 12-month or longer prison sentence within the last 10 years.

However, even if a felon does not fall under these categories, they can still be denied entry at the discretion of border officers. Officials can reject travelers they believe show criminal tendencies based on past convictions. This makes New Zealand one of the most unpredictable places for felons to visit.

Can Felons Apply for a Waiver?

New Zealand does offer a character waiver, but approval is not guaranteed. When applying for a visa, felons must submit a waiver request explaining why they should be allowed entry. Immigration officers consider factors like:

• The nature of the crime.
• How much time has passed since the offense?
• Any rehabilitation efforts.

Honesty is key when applying. Lying about past convictions can lead to permanent bans and legal consequences. Even those with minor offenses should consult New Zealand’s immigration department before traveling.

5. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom also has a similar kind of visa policy for felonies. If you are a felon, your entry to the UK depends on several factors.

• If you are convicted of four or more years in prison, such individuals, are most likely denied the visa. 
• Convictions within the last 12 months or multiple convictions lead to visa rejection.

You can apply for the Visa Waiver Program. To be eligible for this program, you must enclose your criminal history. Authorities will assess your application and allow or reject your visa.

The UK has strict rules for travelers with a criminal record. It follows the spent conviction system. If 10 years have passed since a sentence of 6 to 30 months, the conviction is spent. This means it no longer affects travel. Shorter sentences have a rehabilitation period of around 5 years. Sentences over 30 months are never spent. Border officers must prove a conviction is not spent to deny entry. Travelers do not need to mention spent convictions. But officials can still check records. It is best to review UK entry laws before planning a trip.

What Countries Can Felons Travel to: Best Countries for Felons

Can felons travel internationally? Yes, felons can travel internationally without so many difficulties like Canada, Australia, Japan, and Mexico. Felons still can travel to several first-world countries if they meet certain requirements.

Most of the European countries of the Schengen region allow felons to enter. Most of these countries allow 90 days to 180 days stay.  However, it is important to note, it is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be implemented in mid-2025. This new system will require travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain authorization before entering Schengen countries. This system will include background checks, and having a criminal record may affect the approval of your ETIAS application.

Following are some of the best countries for felons.

1. France
2. Ireland
3. Spain
4. Czech Republic
5. Italy
6. Germany
7. Iceland
8. Poland
9. Netherlands
10. Austria

France

France is part of the Schengen Area. Currently, travelers with a felony conviction can enter France without a visa for short stays. When you apply for a visitor visa to France, there are no questions asked related to criminal history and previous convictions. However, with the upcoming ETIAS system, travelers will need to obtain authorization before their trip.

Ireland

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and has its entry requirements. Travelers with a criminal record may face stricter scrutiny. But you can have a bright chance of entry into Ireland. It is a beautiful destination with historic landmarks and old-styled pubs.

Spain

Spain is a part of the Schengen Zone. It permits travelers with felony convictions to visit for up to 90 days without a visa. The upcoming ETIAS authorization will be necessary for future travel. For now, you can visit the country. Entry to Spain depends on the type and duration of conviction you have faced before. If it is not a serious crime, you are most likely to get entry into Spain.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a Schengen member. It also allows visa-free short-term travel. With the ETIAS system, travelers will need to apply for authorization before their visit. For now, felons can travel to the Czech Republic to enjoy the romantic destinations of the area. Prague in Czechia is considered one of the most romantic places in the world.

Italy

Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Felons with a conviction can travel for a few days to Italy without a visa. If you have completed the conviction and probation period after that, you can travel to Italy with ease. However, just like other Schengen region countries, Italy will also require the ETIAS authorization for entry into the country.

Germany

As a Schengen country, Germany allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days. However, those people with a serious crime history like drug trafficking and human smuggling can face a ban, even if they have completed the sentence period. Furthermore, after mid-2025, the forthcoming ETIAS system will require prior authorization.

Iceland

Iceland is part of the Schengen Zone. It permits short-term visa-free travel. ETIAS authorization will be needed once implemented. It’s important to stay updated on the latest travel regulations and consult the Icelandic embassy or consulate before planning your visit.

Poland

Poland allows travelers with felony convictions to visit without a visa for short stays. Only people with current convictions or active felonies, The ETIAS system will soon require travelers to obtain authorization before entry.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area. It also enables visa-free travel for up to 90 days. ETIAS authorization will be mandatory soon. For now, you can visit the Netherlands unless you are facing an active felony warrant against you.

Austria

Austria permits short-term visa-free travel. The upcoming ETIAS system will require prior authorization for entry. The country has beautiful landscapes and architecture. Around the year, several festivals make this place worth visiting.

Can a Felon Get a Passport and Leave the United States

Felons can leave the United States after completing their sentence. This includes prison time, probation, or parole. But some restrictions apply.

• Supervision Restrictions – Felons on parole or probation need approval. Their officer decides if they can travel.
• Unpaid Child Support – Those owing more than $2,500 in child support cannot get a passport.
• Court Orders – A court can ban a felon from leaving the country. This happens if they have an ongoing case.
• Drug Trafficking – Felons with drug trafficking charges face more travel restrictions.

Can a Felon Get a Passport?

Most felons can apply for a U.S. passport, and mostly they can get a passport. A passport is only a travel document. It does not guarantee entry to another country. Some felons cannot get a passport. These include:

• Those convicted of drug trafficking across borders.
• Felons with court orders stopping them from leaving.
• Individuals with unpaid child support over $2,500.

Each country has its own rules. Some allow felons to enter. Others do not.

Summary

What countries can felons travel to? Felons can travel internationally, but there are challenges. Some countries allow entry, while others have strict rules. Places like Canada, Japan, and New Zealand have tough restrictions. Others, like France and Spain, are more lenient.

Can a felon get a passport? Yes, getting a passport is possible for most felons. But those with unpaid child support, drug trafficking convictions, or travel bans may be denied. Some may also need special permission if they are on parole or probation.

Can felons travel internationally? Yes, but each country has its own rules. It is important to check entry requirements before planning a trip, I have given a list of what countries can felons travel to. Some felons may need visas and special approvals.

Traveling with a felony is not impossible. But it requires research and preparation. Understanding the laws of different countries can help avoid problems at the border.

Frequently Asked Questions