Countries Felons Can Visit

Most countries allow entry to U.S. citizens who have been convicted of a felony. The only document you are likely to need is a U.S. passport. Countries felons can visit, require travel visas, and may ask for your criminal record on the application form. They may also conduct a criminal background check during the approval process. Several countries will deny you entry, while some other countries will also grant you access based on your information.

There are also countries that a felon would consider visiting without being denied upfront. But could be kicked out if their criminal record is discovered, and it’s found offensive by their government rules.

Countries Felons Can Visit

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

Brazil: If you’re a British passport holder, traveling for less than 90 days you won’t need a visa to visit Brazil. You will be asked to complete a Brazilian Immigration Arrivals Card but there no questions about criminal records exist

Chile: If you’re a British passport holder traveling for less than 90 days you won’t require a visa to travel to Chile. You will be required to complete a Tourist Card but no questions about criminal records exist.

Dominican Republic: If you’re a British passport holder traveling for less than 30 days you won’t require a visa to travel to the Dominican Republic. The purchase of a Tourist Card is no longer required

Ethiopia: The majority of people traveling to Ethiopia will require a visa. This is available as an e-visa which can be completed in advance or can be purchased on arrival. There are no questions about criminal records on the form.

Mexico: If you’re a British passport holder you won’t require a visa to travel to Mexico. You will be asked to complete an Immigration Card on both arrival and departure but there are no questions about criminal records.

Hong Kong: You can travel to Hong Kong for up to 6 months without a visa. You will be asked to complete an Arrivals Card but no questions about criminal records exist.

India: The majority of people traveling to India will require a visa. You will need to apply for an online e-visa before traveling and although it takes some time to complete, it doesn’t ask any questions about criminal records.

Having made mention of countries felons can visit, below are:

Read: Felons Travel To The UK

Countries Felon Can’t Visit

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

Argentina: If you’re a British passport holder, traveling for less than 90 days, you won’t need a visa to travel to Argentina. Also, note that a background check will be conducted.

Australia: Anyone who has been sentenced to prison for more than 1 year or more, or has been involved in multiple charges will be automatically rejected. However, Australia grants access and overlooks crimes, if it was minor misdemeanors.

Canada: Canada is another place, where you can’t enter if you have any criminal record. If a felon was pardoned and considered rehabilitated, “according to Canadian law” they may be granted access despite their criminal record. But, if their criminal record is bad as committing horrible crimes like human trafficking, rape/sexual assault, manslaughter, and manufacturing of methamphetamine, then they wouldn’t have access to enter Canada.

Japan: Japan has zero tolerance for drug-related issues, also if you’ve been imprisoned for more than 12 months. Therefore, you are likely to be denied a visa.

New Zealand: Before considering visiting this country, you must be sure that you haven’t committed any crime that made you spend 1 year in prison, in the past ten years. If a felon has been sentenced to prison for more than 5 years, then, he/she is automatically rejected from entering.

United States: The US is one of those countries that don’t allow convicted felons. But, there are certain cases you might be allowed, that is if you were convicted of only one crime with a sentence of a maximum of one year. In other cases, you might not be granted access.

United Kingdom: If you have an American passport, then 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, because the UK government will conduct a background check. But, still, you can usually enter the UK 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.

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

You can still travel even with a criminal record if it is an emergency. Some countries, such as Canada and the US, issue waivers allowing you to travel. But, these waivers 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.

As a convicted Felon, there are many things you may want to consider before traveling with a felony. Here;

• Try to be truthful and sincere as possible. If you’re being asked about your criminal record. Your criminal history may not be inspected nor will there be any background checks. Although, you may be asked if you’ve had any felony convictions ever. Then, in a situation like this, try as much as possible to be honest and sincere and disclose your full criminal record. If you’re being truthful, your chances of being in the UK would be permitted.
• Patience is also needed for the application process. The process might be taking quite a long time, based on your criminal record. While background checks are ongoing, try to be patient.
• A felon has to make sure he/she has enough funds to support themselves throughout their visit.

Also check: Traveling to Mexico as a felon

Summary

We all know how strict so many countries maybe when it comes to accepting felons on vacation, based on how critical their criminal record may be. However, there are still other countries that allow felons, even without a background check. But, before leaving, felons must make sure that they are granted access by the US government first, before leaving for their desired country.