A criminal record does not automatically ban you from all international travel. But it can complicate things significantly, depending on where you want to go.
Some countries actively screen for criminal history during the visa application process. Others only discover it if you are flagged in an international database like Interpol.
The key factors that determine whether you will be allowed in are the severity of the offence, how long ago it happened, and whether the destination country asks about it at all. Every country sets its own rules. There is no single global standard.
Source: VisaGuide World – Countries You Can’t Travel to With a Criminal Record; Carlson Meissner Hayslett – Entry Restrictions for Convicted Felons.
If you are unsure whether your record will be a problem, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country before you book anything. That single step can save you from being turned away at the border.
For a basic explanation of what embassies and consulates do, see our consulate vs embassy guide.
In this article…
Countries With the Strictest Entry Rules
These countries actively check criminal records and can deny entry based on past convictions, even for short tourist visits.
Canada
Canada is one of the strictest countries in the world for travellers with a criminal record. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), anyone convicted of an offence that would be considered an “indictable offence” under Canadian law can be deemed inadmissible.
This includes offences like DUI, assault, theft, drug possession, and fraud. Canada treats hybrid offences (those that can be prosecuted either way) as indictable for immigration purposes.
Source: Carlson Meissner Hayslett; Milwaukee Criminal Lawyer – Travel as a Felon.
There are ways around it. After 10 years with no further offences, you may be “deemed rehabilitated” automatically for less serious crimes. You can also apply for Criminal Rehabilitation (a formal application) or a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) if you have an urgent reason to enter.
💡 Tip: If your offence would carry a maximum penalty of 10 years or more under Canadian law, deemed rehabilitation does not apply. You must apply for Criminal Rehabilitation in advance.
Japan
Japan has some of the most inflexible entry rules. Under Article 5 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, you are inadmissible if you have been convicted of an offence punishable by one year or more in prison, even if the sentence was suspended.
Any drug-related conviction, regardless of sentence length, is grounds for refusal. There is no statute of limitations. A decades-old conviction can still result in denied entry.
Source: Carlson Meissner Hayslett; World Population Review – Countries That Don’t Allow Felons.
Japan does not offer a formal waiver or rehabilitation process for foreign travellers. If you fall under the inadmissibility criteria, your only option is to contact the Japanese embassy and request a case-by-case review.
If you are interested in Japan for longer stays despite these restrictions, see our Japan immigration guide for details on the general residency framework.
Australia
Australia applies a “character test” under Section 501 of the Migration Act 1958. All visa applicants must disclose criminal convictions, including spent convictions.
You are considered to have a “substantial criminal record” if you have been sentenced to 12 months or more of imprisonment (including suspended sentences), or if your combined sentences total 12 months or more.
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs – Character Requirements; Unlock UK – Travelling to Australia.
Convictions for sexually based offences involving a child result in mandatory visa refusal or cancellation. No exceptions.
You may still be able to enter if you can demonstrate rehabilitation, but this requires detailed submissions including police certificates, character references, and evidence of good conduct. The process is discretionary and there is no guarantee.
United States
The US denies entry to non-citizens convicted of “crimes involving moral turpitude” or drug offences. This includes offences such as fraud, theft, assault, domestic violence, and any drug-related conviction.
If you have a criminal record, you are typically ineligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). You must apply for a full visa at the US Embassy, where a consular officer will review your case.
Source: Carlson Meissner Hayslett; World Population Review.
A waiver of inadmissibility (Form I-192 for nonimmigrants or I-601 for immigrants) may be available, but it requires proving that your entry would not be contrary to US national welfare, safety, or security.
💡 Tip: If you have a criminal record and your ESTA is denied, do not attempt to re-apply. Apply for a B1/B2 visa through the US Embassy instead.
For details on the US visa process, see our US visa application guide.
New Zealand
New Zealand refuses entry to anyone sentenced to imprisonment for 5 years or more, regardless of when the offence occurred. If you have been sentenced to 12 months or more within the past 10 years, you are also likely to be refused.
Immigration New Zealand also retains broad discretion to deny entry on “character grounds” if they believe you pose a risk to public interest, public order, or safety.
Source: World Population Review; Milwaukee Criminal Lawyer.
Multiple convictions, recent offending, or patterns of criminal behaviour can weigh heavily against you even if no single sentence crosses the threshold.
💡 Tip: Buy travel health insurance before your trip.
Check out popular travel insurance plans and choose one that suits you.
Most plans only cost less than $20 a day.
Countries That Screen During Visa Applications
These countries may not check at the border for short tourist visits, but they do ask about criminal history as part of visa or residency applications.
China
China requires criminal history disclosure on visa applications. A serious conviction can lead to visa denial, though the assessment is discretionary. What constitutes a “serious” offence may be defined differently under Chinese law than in your home country.
India
India’s eVisa application asks about criminal convictions. Serious offences or drug-related convictions may result in refusal. Those denied an eVisa can still apply through the embassy, where case-by-case review is possible.
Russia
Russia requires disclosure of criminal convictions on visa application forms. Severe enough offences can disqualify you. The threshold is not publicly defined, so outcomes can be unpredictable.
South Africa
South Africa requires visitors from some nationalities to apply for a visa. Criminal convictions in the last 10 years may influence approval.
Source: Apply Visas UK – Countries You Cannot Go with a Criminal Record; World Population Review.
For visa extension questions in South Africa specifically, see our South Africa visa extension guide.
💡 Tip: If a visa application asks about criminal history, always answer honestly. Lying on a visa form can result in permanent inadmissibility, which is far worse than a potential denial based on an old offence.
Comparison: Strictest vs Most Lenient Countries
| Country | Screening method | Key threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Border + visa checks | Any indictable offence equivalent |
| Japan | Visa + border checks | 1 year+ sentence or any drug offence |
| Australia | Visa character test | 12 months+ imprisonment |
| United States | Visa + ESTA screening | Moral turpitude or drug offences |
| New Zealand | Visa character check | 5 years+ ever, or 12 months+ in past decade |
| Most of Europe (current) | No routine checks for visa-free visitors | Changes when ETIAS launches |
Source: Carlson Meissner Hayslett; VisaGuide World.
Europe and the Schengen Area
Currently, most European countries in the Schengen Area do not routinely ask about criminal records for visa-free short-stay visitors. If you hold a passport that allows visa-free entry (US, Canadian, Australian, etc.), you are unlikely to be questioned about criminal history at the border.
If you need a Schengen visa, the application form does ask whether you have been convicted of any criminal offence. The consulate reviews this on a case-by-case basis. A conviction does not automatically mean refusal. Factors include the severity, how long ago it occurred, and whether the offence is related to drug trafficking or human trafficking.
Source: VisaGuide World; Confused.com – Travel with Criminal Conviction.
Germany is notably stricter than other Schengen members for drug-related offences. A sentence longer than 2 years for drug offences or 3 years for other offences can lead to deportation.
For Schengen visa costs and timelines, see our Schengen visa cost page.
ETIAS: What Changes Are Coming
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in 2027. It will require all visa-exempt travellers to complete an online pre-screening before entering any Schengen country.
The ETIAS application will ask about criminal history. A prior conviction will not automatically disqualify you, but certain serious offences committed within specific timeframes may result in refusal.
Source: Carlson Meissner Hayslett; Expatriate Healthcare – Countries You Cannot Visit.
💡 Tip: ETIAS has been delayed multiple times. Check the official EU ETIAS website for the most current launch date before planning travel.
Once ETIAS is active, entering Europe with a criminal record will require more transparency than it does today. Prepare your documentation in advance.
For a breakdown of Schengen visa types, see our Schengen visa types guide.
Countries That Generally Do Not Check
Many countries do not actively screen for criminal records during short-term tourism entry. This does not mean they have no laws about it. It means they do not ask, and they do not check, unless your name appears in an international database.
Countries where entry with a criminal record is generally not an issue for tourists include most of Central and South America (for visa-free nationalities), most of Southeast Asia, and much of Africa.
Specific examples frequently cited include Mexico, Colombia, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Peru, most Caribbean nations, and most African countries that issue visas on arrival.
Source: Carlson Meissner Hayslett; VisaGuide World.
Important: “Does not check” is not the same as “allows.” These countries may still have laws on the books that permit denial of entry based on criminal history. If your record is flagged through Interpol or another international system, you could be refused entry anywhere.
Mexico is a good example. Immigration officers are not required to ask about criminal history, and short-term tourism entry often passes without questioning. However, Mexican officials retain full discretion to deny entry if they determine a traveller poses a public safety concern.
For passport-related travel access, see our Chilean passport visa-free countries page for a different angle on where travel is straightforward.
Brazil: A Special Case
Since 2025, US citizens are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Brazil. The eVisa application specifically asks whether you have ever been arrested or convicted of “any offense or willful crime.”
If you answer yes, you are ineligible for the eVisa. You must apply in person at a Brazilian Consulate, where your case will be reviewed individually.
Source: Carlson Meissner Hayslett; Milwaukee Criminal Lawyer.
💡 Tip: Brazil does not automatically deny entry for criminal records. But the in-person consulate route takes longer. Apply well in advance of your travel dates.
DUI Convictions and Travel
DUI (driving under the influence) convictions deserve a separate mention because they cause more border denials than many people expect.
Canada is the most well-known problem.
A single DUI conviction can make you inadmissible because Canada classifies impaired driving as a serious criminal offence. This catches many travellers off guard at the US-Canada border.
Australia evaluates DUIs under its character test. A single DUI may not trigger refusal, but multiple offences or a felony DUI can.
Japan may deny entry if a DUI resulted in a sentence of one year or more.
Source: Zelig Law – Countries That Won’t Let You In With a DUI.
For most other countries, a misdemeanour DUI is unlikely to cause problems unless the application form specifically asks about it.
If you are a US citizen planning to visit Canada with a DUI on your record, applying for Criminal Rehabilitation or a TRP before your trip is strongly recommended.
For general guidance on how visa interviews work, see our Schengen visa interview process page.
How Countries Share Criminal Record Information
Countries share criminal record data through several mechanisms. Understanding this helps you assess your actual risk.
Interpol: The International Criminal Police Organization maintains databases that member countries can access. If you have an Interpol notice (Red Notice, for example), you can be flagged at any border worldwide.
Bilateral agreements: Some countries share criminal record data directly. The US and Canada, for example, share certain criminal history information through law enforcement cooperation.
Five Eyes alliance: The intelligence-sharing arrangement between the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand includes some criminal data sharing. Travellers with records in one Five Eyes country should expect that the others may be aware of it.
ETIAS and EES (Europe): When ETIAS launches, Europe will cross-check travellers against Interpol, Europol, and other databases before approving travel authorisation.
Source: VisaGuide World; Carlson Meissner Hayslett.
The practical takeaway: if your offence is serious enough to be in an international database, assume every border crossing carries some risk of detection.
For a broader understanding of visa refusal reasons beyond criminal records, see our visa refusal reasons page.
Can You Get a Passport With a Criminal Record?
In most countries, having a criminal record does not prevent you from holding a passport. A passport is a travel document issued by your own government. Entry decisions are made by the destination country.
Exceptions exist.
You may be unable to obtain or renew a passport if you are on probation, parole, or have an active court order restricting travel. Convictions for passport fraud or certain international crimes can also lead to passport denial.
Source: Apply Visas UK.
Having a valid passport does not guarantee entry to any country. The two are separate processes entirely.
💡 Tip: Check whether your parole or probation conditions restrict international travel before you apply for a passport. Violating these conditions can result in additional criminal charges.
If you are exploring what your passport gives you access to, see our Bosnian passport visa-free countries page for a sample of how passport strength works in practice.
The Rehabilitation Factor
Time matters. Many countries apply a rehabilitation standard that considers how long ago the offence occurred and whether you have had a clean record since.
Canada: Automatic (“deemed”) rehabilitation may apply 10 years after completing your sentence, for offences that carry a maximum penalty under 10 years in Canadian law.
Australia: You can submit evidence of rehabilitation alongside your visa application. The Department of Home Affairs reviews this under the discretionary provisions of the character test.
New Zealand: Convictions older than 10 years with sentences under 12 months are generally not a barrier. Sentences of 5 years or more are never rehabilitated.
Japan: No formal rehabilitation mechanism for foreign travellers. Old convictions still apply.
Source: Carlson Meissner Hayslett; Unlock UK.
The lesson is clear. Countries that offer rehabilitation pathways require you to prove it, not just wait it out. Gather your court documents, police certificates, and evidence of good conduct long before you plan to travel.
For anyone rebuilding their ability to travel internationally, our guide on how to apply for a US visit visa covers the US waiver process in more detail.
Practical Advice for Travelling With a Criminal Record
Research before you book.
Check the entry requirements of your destination country for criminal record policies. Contact the embassy if the information is not clear online.
Always be honest.
If a visa application or border officer asks about criminal history, disclose it truthfully. Lying on an immigration form can lead to permanent inadmissibility, deportation, and potential criminal charges in the destination country.
Carry documentation.
If you have evidence of rehabilitation, court records showing the offence details, or a certificate of good conduct, bring certified copies. Having paperwork ready can make the difference at a border.
Consider legal help.
For countries like Canada or Australia where formal applications (Criminal Rehabilitation, character test submissions) are required, an immigration lawyer can significantly improve your chances.
Apply early.
Waivers, rehabilitation applications, and special permits can take months to process. Do not leave this for the week before your flight.
💡 Tip: Some countries that do not ask about criminal records during visa-free entry may still ask during residency, work, or long-stay visa applications. Plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel internationally with a criminal record?
Yes, in many cases. Most countries do not actively screen short-term tourists for criminal records. However, some countries do, and lying about your record on a visa form can have severe consequences.
Which country is the hardest to enter with a criminal record?
Canada and Japan are consistently cited as the strictest. Canada treats even a single DUI as grounds for inadmissibility. Japan refuses entry for any conviction punishable by one year or more and has zero tolerance for drug offences.
Will my record show up at the border?
It depends on the country and whether your record is in an international database. The Five Eyes countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) share some criminal data. Interpol databases are accessible to most countries worldwide.
Does a spent conviction count?
In some countries, yes. Australia requires disclosure of spent convictions on visa applications. Other countries may not ask about them. Check the specific requirements of your destination.
Can I enter Europe with a criminal record?
Currently, most Schengen countries do not check criminal records for visa-free visitors. When ETIAS launches (expected 2027), all visa-exempt travellers will need to complete an online pre-screening that includes criminal history questions.
Does a misdemeanour affect international travel?
For most countries, a misdemeanour alone will not cause problems. The exceptions are countries like Canada, where even certain misdemeanour equivalents (like DUI) can lead to inadmissibility.
Can I get a waiver to enter a country that would otherwise deny me?
Some countries offer waivers or special permits. Canada has Temporary Resident Permits and Criminal Rehabilitation. The US offers waivers of inadmissibility. Australia has discretionary provisions under the character test. Japan has no formal waiver process.
💡 Tip: Buy travel health insurance before your trip.
Check out popular travel insurance plans and choose one that suits you.
Most plans only cost less than $20 a day.
Disclaimer
Immigration laws vary by country and can change without notice. The information on this page reflects the latest available data as of February 2026.
Always confirm entry requirements with the official embassy, consulate, or immigration authority of your destination country before travelling.
This page is for general guidance and is not legal advice. VisitVisaGuide.com is not affiliated with any government, embassy, or consulate.
Leave a Reply