A criminal record can cast a long shadow that can affect almost every part of your life, including your ability to travel. When traveling internationally, you should be aware of how your record can affect your ability to travel to other countries. It is easier to travel domestically unless you have restrictions because you are still on parole or probation.
If you have a criminal record but are not currently on parole or probation, you may be unsure of how your criminal history can affect your ability to travel. If your criminal record is decades old, you might wonder if it still shows up on a background check. An easy way to find out is to run a background check on yourself to see what shows up. You can use an online site such as https://checkpeople.com/ for an essential service.
Doing a background check on yourself is a good idea even if you do not have a criminal history, as mistakes can happen, and identity theft is always a concern. To make sure nothing is surprising on your background, use a background site that provides an in-depth premium report.
Getting a Passport with a Criminal Record
There are only a few specific convictions that can prevent the State Department from issuing you a passport. For instance, federal law prevents the issuance of a passport to anyone convicted of a felony drug charge involving the crossing of international borders.
At their discretion, the State Department can also refuse a passport for those convicted of other drug charges, including federal misdemeanor charges. To find out more about specific drug charges that can stop you from getting a passport, visit The United States Department of State site dealing with passport denials.
Visas
Even if you have a passport, certain criminal records can result in the denial of entry to various countries. Each country sets its own disqualifications for entry, and some can be very strict. Canada is an excellent example. Canadian Border officials can deny entry to anyone from the United States who has been convicted of a crime.
Each country sets its own rules for disqualifying criminal records that can deny you the ability to enter the country. Some countries, such as Canada, have strict rules about disqualification for entry.
Canadian border officials have the capacity to deny entry into the country to those who have been convicted of any crime in the United States. You can also be denied entry if you were charged despite a lack of conviction. There are ways to obtain special permission, but you need to plan ahead.
Research any country you plan to visit in advance of traveling. The State Department maintains a webpage for each country with valuable sources of information, and you can also visit the websites of each country's embassy or consulate.
Clear Up Outstanding Warrants Before You Travel
A warrant is a court order asking law enforcement to arrest you, and it is never wise to travel with an outstanding warrant. An arrest warrant can be for relatively minor infractions such as unresolved traffic tickets. The possibility of a warrant for a minor infraction you may have forgotten about is another good reason to do a quick background check before you finalize travel plans.
Traveling While on Parole or Probation
Travel restrictions are quite common for those who are on parole or probation. Depending on the offense, and your sentence, those restrictions may be relatively lax or quite restrictive. You will need special permission to travel outside the county or state where you reside, so request this well in advance of any travel plans.
It is uncommon to be allowed to travel out of the country while on parole or probation. If there is an urgent need, such as a family emergency, you can talk to your parole or probation officer, but be prepared to be denied permission. Once granted permission, remember, you will also need permission from the country that you are entering.