A Guide to Traveling with a Criminal Record
While a person might be eager to see the world to move on from a criminal conviction, there are some restrictions a convicted felon might face.
Before you set your heart on traveling the world, it is important to review the different obstacles you could face when visiting both international and domestic destinations.
To learn more about the restrictions you can face, read this informative guide to traveling with a criminal record.
The Withdrawal of Your Passport
Certain criminal offenses committed in the United States can lead to a person’s passport being revoked during the duration of both your imprisonment and parole. For example, you will lose your right to a passport if you have been convicted of a state or federal drug offense, even if it is a misdemeanor.
As a result, you will be unable to leave the United States when on you are parole, and you will also be subject to supervision once you leave prison. If, you are worried about a potential felony conviction, don’t delay in contacting the best criminal lawyers Anchorage.
Foreign Travel Limitations
Different countries will have different laws regarding a US criminal conviction. For example, Canada’s border service agents can gain access to the US National Crime Information Center database via a passport. As a result, they will have the ability to conduct a criminal background check when a US citizen attempts to cross the border. However, you might be refused entry, as Canada can prohibit people from crossing the border for specific offenses, such as a DUI.
Unfortunately, you also might be refused entry if felony charges were filed, but you were never taken to trial. That is because Canada will exclude you if they believe you may have committed an act that is viewed as a crime in their country. What’s more, you might be banned from the country if you entered a guilty plea, even if the charges were dismissed.
Visa Application Problems
As other countries are not granted access to the US crime database, it is unlikely you will encounter various problems during travel. However, you may be refused entry into the country if you are required to submit a visa application. This is because most visas will ask questions about a traveler’s criminal history to-date, and some nations can be stricter than others regarding criminal offenses.
Your ability to enter a country and obtain a visa will more than likely be determined by the offense committed. Every country will have different stipulations for visas, which is why you should get in touch with your chosen country’s embassy to learn more about the visa entry requirements.
Conclusion
While a criminal conviction can lead to some travel restrictions, it might still be possible to fly to other corners of the globe. Once your US passport has been returned to you, and you are free to leave the US, learn more about a country’s entry requirements before booking a flight or a hotel.
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