Countries Felons Cannot Travel To: A Reality Check

I never thought I’d need to research this topic until my cousin Jake called me in 2021. He’d made some mistakes in his youth, served his time, and wanted to join our family trip to Japan.

The heartbreak in his voice when I had to tell him Japan wouldn’t let him in still haunts me.

Having traveled to 67 countries, I’ve witnessed firsthand how past convictions can slam doors shut at borders.

Let me walk you through what I’ve learned about international travel restrictions for people with criminal records.

The Hard Truth About Felony Convictions and International Travel

A felony conviction doesn’t just affect life at home. It creates a complex web of travel restrictions that vary wildly between countries.

💡 Tip: Never lie about criminal history on visa applications. I watched a traveler at the Canadian border get a 10 year entry ban when border agents discovered his undisclosed DUI.

Countries That Almost Always Deny Entry to Felons

Based on my research and experiences helping friends navigate this challenge, these countries have the strictest policies:

I discovered Canada’s strictness when planning a road trip with my friend who had a 12 year old DUI. Even with all our documentation, he was turned away at the border.

The rejection stung, but at least his travel insurance covered our non refundable bookings. Always check if your policy covers visa denial reimbursement. Find options here.

How Different Countries Handle Criminal Records

Canada: Among the Strictest

Canada screens foreign visitors thoroughly and generally denies entry to anyone with a criminal record, including DUIs and misdemeanors that would be felonies under Canadian law.

I learned about their “deemed rehabilitation” policy when helping a friend apply. If your conviction was over 10 years ago and you’ve maintained a clean record, you might qualify.

They also offer a Legal Opinion Letter or Temporary Resident Permit, but both require detailed documentation.

My college roommate spent $2,000 on legal fees and application costs for a Canadian Temporary Resident Permit, only to have his rental car break down just across the border.

His regular travel insurance wouldn’t cover the tow because of his “special entry status.” Always get insurance that doesn’t discriminate based on visa type. Compare policies here.

European Union & Schengen Zone: Varies by Country

The 27 Schengen countries have different approaches:

After my cousin’s past marijuana conviction nearly got him denied entry to the Netherlands in 2023, I now recommend anyone with a record carry a legal opinion letter explaining the nature of their conviction and evidence of rehabilitation.

💡 Tip: European border agents have discretion. I’ve seen travelers with minor convictions breeze through some countries but get heavily questioned at others.

United Kingdom: Moderately Strict

The UK can deny entry for “serious” crimes but is often more lenient than Canada or Australia. They focus on:

1. Crimes with sentences over 4 years
2. Recent offenses (within the last 10 years)
3. Multiple offenses showing a pattern
4. Crimes relevant to public safety

When traveling through Heathrow with a friend who had a past conviction, we were surprised when he was pulled aside for secondary screening.

His travel insurance reimbursed the cost of his missed connection, but only because he had disclosed his conviction when purchasing the policy.

Many insurers have fine print exclusions for “detention by authorities.” Find felon friendly travel insurance here.

Mexico & Caribbean: Generally More Accessible

Mexico and many Caribbean nations are more lenient regarding past convictions:

I witnessed an uncomfortable situation in Cancun when my travel companion mentioned his past conviction casually to an immigration officer, thinking Mexico didn’t care.

He was detained for 3 hours of questioning before being allowed entry. Even in “lenient” countries, discretion is key.

Types of Crimes That Cause the Most Travel Restrictions

Some convictions create more border hurdles than others:

1. Drug Offenses: Even minor possession can trigger denials
2. Violent Crimes: Especially those with prison terms over 1 year
3. Sex Offenses: Among the most restricted globally
4. Financial Crimes: Particularly fraud, embezzlement, money laundering
5. Multiple Convictions: Shows pattern regardless of severity

When my former colleague tried entering Australia despite a 15 year old embezzlement conviction, not only was he denied entry, but his travel insurance wouldn’t cover his emergency flight home because his policy excluded “deportation costs related to undisclosed criminal history.”

Read the fine print carefully before purchasing insurance. Find policies with deportation coverage here.

What About Misdemeanors and Expunged Records?

Misdemeanors generally cause fewer issues, but some countries like Canada treat certain misdemeanors (like DUIs) as serious offenses.

Expunged records present a gray area:

• Legally, you often don’t need to disclose them
• However, some countries’ security databases may still show them
• Immigration officials may still discover them through questioning

💡 Tip: Even with an expunged record, carry documentation proving it was expunged. I watched a friend almost miss her cruise because Bahamas officials found her expunged conviction in an old database.

Cruise Ship Considerations for Travelers with Records

Cruise ships present unique challenges because they visit multiple countries. From my experience booking family cruises:

• Cruise lines typically ask about criminal history during booking
• You may be denied boarding if you have convictions
• Even if allowed on the ship, you might not be able to disembark at certain ports
• Some cruise lines offer pre screening services to avoid surprises

A painful memory from 2023: watching my uncle stuck on a Caribbean cruise ship at three consecutive ports because of his past conviction.

His travel insurance didn’t cover his “inability to enjoy excursions due to personal restrictions.” Always look for “vacation interruption” coverage. Compare cruise specific policies here.

Rehabilitation Programs That Can Help Regain Travel Privileges

Several countries offer formal rehabilitation programs:

💡 Tip: Start these applications at least a year before planned travel. My friend’s Canadian rehabilitation application took 14 months to process.

Travel Insurance Considerations for Those with Records

This is crucial and often overlooked. Many travel insurance policies have exemptions that can affect those with criminal records:

1. Many exclude coverage for visa denials related to criminal history
2. Some won’t cover legal assistance if detained at borders
3. Certain policies exclude coverage for “moral turpitude” issues
4. Emergency evacuation may be limited if related to legal issues

After helping a friend find coverage for his Europe trip despite his record, I discovered only about 25% of travel insurance policies lack these discriminatory exclusions.

Look for “non judgmental” or “second chance friendly” coverage language. Find inclusive insurance here.

Documentation to Carry When Traveling with a Record

Based on my experiences helping family members travel internationally despite past convictions, I recommend carrying:

1. Court disposition documents showing exact charges and outcomes
2. Evidence of completed sentences, probation, and rehabilitation
3. Character reference letters
4. Legal opinion letter explaining conviction in terms of host country’s laws
5. Proof of ties to your home country (return ticket, job letter, property ownership)
6. Documentation of the purpose of your trip

When my brother traveled to Germany despite his record, having this documentation ready at immigration saved him from a likely entry denial.

The border agent actually thanked him for being prepared.

FAQs About International Travel with a Felony Record

Does a felony conviction automatically disqualify me from getting a passport?

Generally no, unless your conviction involved international drug trafficking, treason, or you have outstanding felony warrants.

Do all countries perform background checks?

No. Many countries don’t have the resources or systems to conduct thorough background checks. However, most developed nations screen visitors.

How long do I need to wait after completing my sentence to travel internationally?

It varies dramatically by country and crime. Canada might consider you “deemed rehabilitated” after 10 years for some offenses, while Japan may never permit entry.

Will my DUI prevent international travel?

For some countries, absolutely. Canada is notorious for treating DUIs seriously, often denying entry even for decades old convictions.

What if I lie on my visa application about my record?

This is extremely risky. If discovered, you could face immediate deportation, future travel bans, and potentially new charges.

I witnessed the consequences of this firsthand when a tour member was caught lying about his conviction at the Australian border.

Not only was he deported and banned for 3 years, but he also received no refund for his $15,000 prepaid tour. Honesty may limit your destinations, but dishonesty can destroy your travel plans entirely.

Conclusion

Having a criminal record doesn’t mean international travel is impossible, but it does require careful research, preparation, and sometimes legal assistance.

Through helping friends and family with records navigate international borders, I’ve learned that acceptance of past mistakes varies dramatically worldwide.

While some doors remain closed, many countries recognize rehabilitation and are willing to welcome travelers who have served their sentences.

If you have a record, I recommend:

1. Researching your specific destination’s policies well in advance
2. Consulting with an immigration attorney when necessary
3. Being honest on all applications
4. Carrying appropriate documentation
5. Purchasing travel insurance that doesn’t discriminate based on past convictions

Remember that policies change, and restrictions that exist today may ease in the future. Several countries have recently reformed their entry requirements to focus more on rehabilitation than permanent punishment.

And if you’re planning travel with someone who has a record, be compassionate about destination selection.

Some of my most meaningful travel experiences have been finding beautiful, welcoming destinations that didn’t judge my loved ones for their past mistakes.

Before finalizing any travel plans, make sure your travel insurance covers situations related to past convictions, border questioning, and potential entry denials.

Many policies exclude these scenarios, leaving travelers vulnerable. Find comprehensive coverage here.

Safe travels to all, regardless of your past.