Having a criminal record makes international travel very difficult. Because most countries try to protect their citizens from outside criminal activities, they have strict laws about who can enter a particular country and who cannot.
As a result, if you have a criminal record, you won’t be allowed to enter most countries where you’re required to obtain a visa prior.
Here is a list of countries that don’t allow convicted felons to enter:
You can travel to the following countries if you are a convicted felon:
Remember: The countries listed above do not ask you to provide your criminal history upfront but still have active laws prohibiting felons from entering the country. This means that while you don’t have to provide evidence of your criminal history, you will be denied entry if your history is discovered.
If you have visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Zone, 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. But, still, you can usually enter any country in Europe if you have a criminal record and:
However, once ETIAS is launched in May 2025, entering countries in Europe with a criminal history will be more difficult. ETIAS will provide background checks for every person who wants to enter the Schengen Area, and without receiving entry authorization, you cannot visit member countries.
You usually can’t enter Canada if you have a criminal conviction. However, you may gain entry if you submit an application for rehabilitation. If you are granted this waiver, then you can enter Canada despite your criminal history. But, waivers aren’t granted in severe crimes such as human trafficking.
You can’t enter the US with a criminal record. But, sometimes, there are exceptions; for example, if you were convicted of only one crime with a sentence of a maximum one year, this is considered a “sentencing exception.” In other cases, you may be eligible for special entry permission.
Felonies that prohibit you from travelling include serious crimes such as:
Minor misdemeanours that might be overlooked when you travel internationally include:
You have to keep in mind that the definition of a “serious crime” and “less serious” is regulated by each country. As a result, a minor misdemeanour can be considered a felony in another country, and you may still be denied entry. In addition to this, it’s important to remember that time is an essential factor in deciding whether your criminal record affects your travel.
Some countries consider the crime non-existent (or you’re rehabilitated) if enough time (10 or 15 years) has passed since you committed the crime – and you haven’t been convicted of other offences in the meantime. On the other hand, certain countries don’t care how much time has passed; you won’t be allowed to enter with a criminal history in any case. This is why you must always check with an embassy or consulate of your destination country to see their immigration laws if you have a criminal record and understand the entry requirements.
A few countries may allow you to enter if you were only accused of a crime but not legally prosecuted or convicted. However, this changes from country to country; you should check with a local embassy/consulate before leaving the country.
You can still travel even with a criminal record in an emergency. Some countries, such as Canada and the US, issue waivers allowing you to travel. But, these waivers, which 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.
To make your travelling experience more manageable, you should take note of the following things when travelling with a criminal history:
