Tourist Visa With Criminal Record

While you may already be aware of what a tourist visa is, you should know that your criminal record may make you ineligible for this type of visa. For this reason, if you want to travel to the United States but have a criminal record, read on!

A tourist visa (also called a vacation visa) is an official document issued by the appropriate authorities in the destination country that allows you to visit on a temporary basis. Yes, it’s true that having a criminal record makes you ineligible for most visas and tourism is no exception. But you do have some options.

There are many reasons why someone might have a criminal record, and if you have a criminal record but still want to travel abroad, you don’t need to give up hope. It may be possible for you to get a tourist visa if you have a criminal record.

The first thing that you’ll need is an explanation of the circumstances surrounding your conviction. In some cases, this is enough to convince the government that allowing you into their country is safe enough for them. In other cases, however, you may need to provide additional information about yourself and your family situation as well as proof that you’ve accepted responsibility for your actions.

If you think it’s possible that your conviction would prevent you from getting a tourist visa with criminal record, consult with an immigration attorney before applying for one.

List of Countries You Can’t Travel to With a Criminal Record 

Here is a list of countries that don’t allow convicted felons to enter:

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

What Countries Can a Convicted Felon Travel to?

You can travel to the following countries if you are a convicted felon:

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

Remember: The countries listed above do not ask you to provide your criminal history upfront but still have active laws which prohibit 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. 

Can I Visit Europe With a Criminal Record?

If you have visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Zone, 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. But, still, you can usually enter any country in Europe if you have a criminal record and:

• Your conviction does not pass 3 years. 
• You were not arrested in crimes related to human trafficking or drug smuggling.

However, once ETIAS is launched in 2023, 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 an entry authorization, you cannot visit member countries.

Am I Allowed to Enter Canada With a Criminal Record?

You usually can’t enter Canada if you have a criminal convention. 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.

Can I Enter the US With a Criminal Record?

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. 

What Is Considered a Felony When It Comes to Travelling?

Felonies that prohibit you from traveling include serious crimes such as: 

• Human trafficking
• Murder
• Manslaughter (unintentional killing)
• Rape/sexual assault
• Kidnapping 
• Child pornography 
• Manufacturing and selling drugs
• Assault 
• Animal cruelty
• Cybercrime
• Tax evasion 

Minor misdemeanors that might be overlooked when you travel internationally include: 

• Petty theft 
• Public intoxication
• Reckless driving 
• Shoplifting 
• Trespassing 
• Disorderly conduct 
• Vandalism 
• Indecent exposure 
• Possession of Marijuana (personal use)

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 misdemeanor 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 offenses 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.

Conclusion

When traveling abroad, everyone needs to remember that the American judicial system is not recognized everywhere. Having a criminal record may cause problems when applying for a tourist visa or even landing in a foreign country. It’s not worth taking a risk; immigration lawyer services are affordable and there are plenty of them to choose from. The last thing you want to do is find yourself in legal trouble while visiting another country on business or leisure. Be sure to learn about immigration lawyer services before your next trip.