Which Countries a Convicted Felon Can Visit With a Passport?
Some countries do not require a U.S. citizen to have a passport before entering. So, a convicted felon will not have a problem going to any of these countries. But there are plenty of countries that do require a passport and a visa. A convicted felon with a passport is not guaranteed entry when a visa is required.
What Countries Can a Convicted Felon Travel to?
There are plenty of countries that do not ask a U.S. citizen for a visa when visiting them. So, any person with a valid U.S. passport can enter without issues, even a convicted felon. Some of these nations include the following:
- Brazil
- Caribbean countries
- Cambodia
- Chili
- Mexico
- Columbia
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Malaysia
- Morocco
- Nepal
- Peru
- Venezuela
- European countries
- South Africa
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Philippines
- United Arab Emirates
- Ukraine
Remember that a valid passport is necessary, and the six-month passport validity rule applies for more information on travel restrictions for a convicted felon here.
Which Countries Denied Entry if You Have a Convicted Felony?
Visitors who are traveling to these countries below with a felon may be denied if they have a convicted felony.
- Australia
- Argentina
- Canada
- Cuba
- China
- Israel
- India
- Japan
- Kenya
- Macau
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- United States
- United Kingdom
Which Countries Where Visas Are Required and Request Criminal Records?
Some countries that require a U.S. citizen to have a visa for entry may want you to get it before traveling or upon arrival. During the visa application, these countries will ask about your criminal history and may not issue a visa depending on the crime. Such countries are
With a felony conviction, you may be denied entry. Other nations that require a pre-entry visa are Brazil and India. The excellent news about Brazil and India, their visa application does not ask about a criminal record. So, a convicted felon can travel to these nations without fear of denying entry.
Where to Apply for a Visa?
Most countries have an embassy in the U.S. For that reason, many require you to apply for one at the embassy in your state. Others prefer you use online. An electronic visa called ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is required to travel to Australia or India. Some visas are valid for 90 days, while others can be for up to ten years. You may need a visa valid for one entry, while others, like China and Brazil visas, are good for multiple uses in ten years.
Some countries have complicated visa processes. The best advice is to seek visa services to prevent any delays, especially if a visa is required in advance or even if you can get one at a port of entry. Getting one when you arrive can take time away from your trip. Also, as a felon, you do not want to be denied entry after making your trip.
Conclusion:
If you plan to visit any country that requires a visa for entry, apply at an embassy way in advice to prevent any disappointment. If a visa is only granted at the port of entry, it is best to ask an embassy if you will be denied entry based on your conviction before boarding your flight. It is necessary so that you can go to another country that may not need a visa to visit.
