travel to korea with criminal record

List of Felon Friendly Countries

Are there any felon friendly countries? what are the best countries for ex felons? If you’re planning an overseas vacation or thinking about moving to another country for a fresh start, make sure your felony won’t ruin your plans. With 195 countries in the world, there’s a wide range of rules and regulations travelers need to follow.

Many countries allow short-term visa-free entry to U.S. passport holders and don’t ask for traveler’s criminal background information.
Some visa-free counties ask travelers to fill out an entry card on arrival and may ask about criminal convictions.
Some visa-free countries require travelers to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling, which includes a criminal background check.
For countries requiring a visa, your felony could block your visa approval, but that’s not always the case.

Always check with an official source before you make any firm plans. You’ll find information on entry and visa requirements on the government website of the country you plan to visit.

Felon Friendly Countries In Europe For Short-Term Visits

What countries can you travel to with a felony in Europe? For travel purposes, Europe is divided into two categories. Countries inside the Schengen Area and countries outside the zone.

The Schengen Area currently includes 27 countries. U.S. passport holders enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Once you’re inside the Schengen Area, you can travel across internal borders without further checks.

Felons can travel freely to any other country in the Schengen Area as long as the total length of stay in the Schengen Area doesn’t exceed 90 days.

European countries that allow felons ; The 27 European countries in the Schengen zone are:

Czech Republic
Lichtenstein
Netherlands
Switzerland

Currently, having a criminal record will not result in being refused entry to these countries unless your felony is on the Interpol database and you’re deemed a security risk. Border officials are unlikely to ask you about your criminal record upon your arrival.

In 2024, ETIAS, a new travel authorization system is due to come online. The ETIAS travel authorization is valid for 3 years and allows travel throughout the Schengen Area.

The online ETIAS application asks you to disclose criminal convictions within the last 10 years as part of the approval process.

While having a more recent felony doesn’t mean your ETIAS application will be refused, you won’t receive instant approval through the automated system.

Instead, your application will undergo a manual review. You’ll be contacted if ETIAS needs more information from you, otherwise, you’ll receive an approval or refusal within 96 hours.

ETIAS is concerned with keeping serious criminals who pose a security risk out of the Schengen Area. Most felons will still be able to travel to these European countries once ETIAS is active.

European countries outside the Schengen Area include Ireland, the United Kingdom, Gibraltar, Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus.

For short-term visits, felons shouldn’t have any trouble entering Ireland or the United Kingdom, and you’re unlikely to face questions about your criminal history.

Can Felons Obtain Visas For Longer Stays In Europe?

If you need to stay in a European country longer than 90 days or plan to work or study, you’ll need a visa.

Each country has its own requirements, but having a criminal record won’t necessarily mean your visa application will be denied.

The United Kingdom has a strict policy on criminal records for visa applicants. A visa will be refused if the applicant:

Is the subject of a deportation order
Served a prison sentence of at least 4 years for a single offense
Served a prison sentence of between 12 months and 4 years, unless 10 years have passed since the completion of the sentence
Served a prison sentence of less than 12 months, unless 5 years have passed since completion of the sentence.

Germany is another country with strict visa rules. Germany doesn’t issue visas to applicants with a felony for a public order offense resulting in a prison sentence of 3 or more years, or a drug offense resulting in a prison sentence of 2 or more years.

Check the visa requirements for the country you want to enter to find out if your felony and the age of your offense make you ineligible for a visa.

Countries Felons Can Visit Visa Free In the Rest of The World

What countries can felons travel to without applying for a visa? Your U.S. passport allows you to enjoy the freedom of visa-free travel to 148 nations. Because you don’t need to apply for a visa, you’re unlikely to face entry restrictions unless your felony has been entered into Interpol’s database.

Some of these countries require travelers to obtain an Electronic Travel Approval in advance. ETA applications ask about criminal convictions, and you may be instructed to apply for a visitor visa because of your felony.
Other countries on this list may ask you to fill out a landing or entry card. Depending on the country, you could be asked to disclose criminal convictions.

Keep in mind that some offenses are included on Interpol’s database which is accessible to immigration officials when they scan your passport.

Canada is the only country on the list below with direct access to the NCIC database which holds information about state and federal criminal offenses in the United States.

If you want to visit Canada, you’ll need to make special arrangements before you travel and you must meet certain conditions before you enter Canada (see below).

We’ve already covered visa-free travel to Europe, so here are the other countries you can visit without a visa for short trips.

American Samoa
Antigua and Barbuda
Bosnia & Herzegovina
British Virgin Islands
Caribbean Netherlands
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Cook Islands
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French West Indies
Marshall Islands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
North Macedonia
Northern Mariana Islands
Philippines
Puerto Rico
São Tomé and Príncipe
South Africa
South Korea
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands
United States Virgin Islands
United Arab Emirates
Vatican City

If your trip isn’t eligible for visa-free travel, you’ll need to apply for a visa. Visa applications typically ask about criminal convictions and you may need to provide a police or court record to document your conviction and confirm you served your sentence.

Each country has its own rules on issuing visas to convicted criminals. Check the immigration website for the country concerned to find out which restrictions apply.

Traveling To Canada With A Felony

Canadian immigration officials have direct access to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.

Any felon trying to enter Canada will be refused entry at the border. Felons must have prior entry approval from the Canadian government using one of the following methods.

A Canada Temporary Resident Permit ( TRP ) allows entry for a specific period if you have a valid reason for traveling to Canada and meet the eligibility conditions.
Canadian Criminal Rehabilitation is available to felons who completed all sentencing requirements at least five years earlier. Rehabilitation approval takes at least one year. Once you’ve been given confirmation of approval, you will no longer face any issues at the Canadian border because of your felony.

Countries That Don’t Allow Felons

The following countries don’t allow felons to visit for tourism or other purposes:

Other countries may refuse your visa application if you don’t meet their eligibility requirements.

Because U.S. passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to so many countries, there’s a good chance that you won’t be asked about your felony when you arrive in one of those countries.

Before you travel, check the government website of the country you want to visit to find out if you need to complete an entry card on arrival or obtain an ETA in advance.

These countries are more likely to ask about your criminal history, although they may only refuse entry for serious offenses.

If you’re traveling to a country that doesn’t offer visa-free travel, or you require a visa because of the length of your stay or the purpose of your trip, you should expect the visa application to ask about criminal convictions. Depending on the immigration policy, your felony may result in a visa refusal.

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Can a Felon Travel to South Korea

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Many felons can recall wanting to travel back when life was different and simpler, before their felony conviction.

They may have dreamed of traveling abroad before their conviction, and for some this may have been a reality.

This blog post will address the question of whether a felon can travel to South Korea.

Travel Restrictions

Why south korea, traveling to south korea, requirements to enter south korea, encouraging a felon to travel to south korea.

After their release, felons must complete the terms of their sentence, including probation.

During the probation period, felons are restricted from leaving the district in which they reside without permission from their probation officer.

Of course, travel outside the U.S. is out of the question until the conditions of probation have been satisfied entirely.

Once this is accomplished, travel beyond the U.S. border is possible.

They must obtain a passport allowing international travel. Felons are able to obtain a passport .

Being convicted of drug trafficking or a crime of treason against the U.S. may prevent felons from being able to obtain a passport, as well as for anyone owing at least a certain amount of child support.

Having current legal charges pending can also prevent having a passport. This is because leaving the country will be interpreted as an unlawful attempt to avoid prosecution, which is a federal crime.

For those felons, legal assistance will be necessary.

Why would felons want to visit South Korea? Well, for the same reasons anyone wants to travel there. Felons may have served time in prison, but they have the same interests as any other U.S. citizen.

Traveling to South Korea is no exception with many compelling reasons to visit there.

South Korea is in Asia with only North Korea sharing a border. Japan is to the east and China to the west.

Korea became a possession of Japan in 1905 and remained unified until Japan divided the peninsula into the two separate countries in 1945.

South Korea became an independent nation in 1948. Seoul is the capital and largest city.

The cuisine in South Korea is delicious. There are numerous Buddhist temples to visit.

The beaches in South Korea are clean and inviting, and there are majestic mountains to hike.

The citizens are polite, and mutual respect is a hallmark of their culture.

Some felons’ families may have come from South Korea.

The main restriction for them flying to South Korea would be if they have a felony warrant outstanding against them.

The other possible issue would be if their name is on what is called the no-fly list maintained by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for those suspected of being terrorists.

There are about 3500 names on this list at any time. So, felons are probably OK for flying.

Going on a cruise is also a popular means of travel to South Korea.

There are two types of cruises, closed loop and open loop. A closed loop cruise is one that starts and ends in the same U.S. port while an open loop cruise has different starting and final port city locations.

Felons may sail on either type of cruise, although the requirements for a closed loop cruise are less restrictive than for open loop cruises.

U.S. citizens going on a closed loop cruise can depart and enter the U.S. with only proof of citizenship. This proof consists of an original or copy of a birth certificate and a government issued photo ID.

Open loop cruises require a passport, regardless of the starting or destination port. Regardless of the type of cruise, having a passport is important for felons in case the ship docks at a foreign port on the route to South Korea.

South Korea has several requirements all U.S. citizens, regardless of whether they are felons or not, must meet in order to gain entry.

First, the law in South Korea states that they must have a passport, valid at the time of entry. Those staying in the country for 90 days or less may do so with only a passport.

Any stay by a U.S. citizen of more than 90 days will require a visa, which must be obtained prior to departing form the U.S.

If you’re in a hurry to get your visa or want someone to walk you through the process, I recommend you use this website to help.

Felons would do best if they plan their stay in the country to be limited to less than 90 days in order not to be subjected to having their criminal record checked.

For felons especially, their conduct while in South Korea is critical. Of course they will want to stay out of legal difficulties.

This would obviously result in significant problems for felons who may find it extremely difficult to gain their release. For those felons ending up in jail, legal counsel will be necessary.

Those felons that are arrested for a crime in South Korea would be held without bail throughout the investigation and any trial that would result. This could take months.

It would be best to strictly obey all laws and be able to leave the country as planned.

Families of felons who visit South Korea can be helpful to those felons by encouraging them to travel outside the country for a sense of peace and relaxation. A trip to South Korea can also be a great opportunity to re-connect with their family.

Once the decision has been made to travel to South Korea, be supportive of their making the trip.

It is important to remind them that as a traveler to a foreign country, just being there as an American will bring them under more scrutiny.

For this reason and others, they must obey the laws and not draw the attention of the legal authorities to themselves.

Remind them of their commitment to live an honest life and how legal difficulties while in South Korea will only defeat these efforts and may result in returning to prison.

Approximately 69% of those released from prison return within the first two years. Don’t let them be one of those statistics.

So what do you think about this blog post about how a felon can travel to South Korea? Have you or someone you know traveled to South Korea with a felony? What was that like, and were they successful? Please tell us in the comments below.

After researching to assist a family member with finding work, Ron realized that the information he required wasn’t reliable.

Noticing a need in the market, Ron wrote and self-published Jobs For Felons – 1st Edition which has been shared at numerous inmate facilities and reentry programs across the nation.

Using what he learned in writing that text, Ron developed this website as a free resource and has worked with his team to continue answering questions for those in need.

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Travelling abroad with a criminal record – Country by country

Our mission is to support & advocate for people with criminal records to be able to move on positively in their lives. Find out more

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If you’ve been convicted of a criminal offence in the past, then your opportunities for entering another country may be limited. It can be difficult to get a definitive answer as to what questions are being asked by a country’s immigration department about criminal records.

The aim of this page is to give brief guidance on the entry criteria for various countries throughout the world. It’s part of our information on travelling abroad .

Many countries do not readily welcome people with a criminal record. However, how relevant your offence is and the time period that should elapse before being given permission to enter varies from country to country. Some are a lot stricter than others and it’s likely that we will have separate information where this is the case.

If you are being supervised by probation or on licence, you should follow the advice provided to you by your probation officer. Leaving the country without permission may result in a breach of your licence conditions.

If the country you’re intending to visit doesn’t require you to have a visa then you’re less likely to have a problem as a result of your criminal record.

Disclosure of your criminal record will often vary depending on the type of visa that you’re applying for. Most countries that issue retirement visas will require a police certificate as do work and student visas.

If you’re asked about your criminal convictions you should answer truthfully. If you don’t and they subsequently come to light, this could result in a lengthy or permanent bar to entering the country; this is especially so in Canada and the USA.

A visa to travel to Egypt needs to be purchased online in advance. However, there are no questions about criminal records on the visa application form.

The majority of people travelling to Ethiopia will require a visa. This is available as an e-visa which can be completed in advance or can be purchased on arrival. There are no questions about criminal records on the form.

Almost everybody travelling to Kenya will require a visa; the majority of individuals will be able to apply for an online e-visa . This visa application form asks individuals to disclose “any offence under any system of law”.

The majority of people travelling to Tanzania will require a visa. It can be purchased on arrival in the country or in advance as an online e-visa . There are no questions about criminal records on the application form.

Most visitors will not need a visa to visit Morocco. They will be asked to complete a Moroccan Immigration Landing Card but this has no questions about criminal records.

The majority of visitors will not need a visa to travel to Tunisia. They will be asked to complete a Tunisian Immigration Landing Card but this has no questions about criminal records.

South Africa

Most visitors will not need a visa to visit South Africa but they will usually be asked to complete a TC-01 Traveller Card on arrival (this is generally for customs purposes). There are no questions about criminal records on the TC-01 form. Further information on travelling to South Africa can be found here .

If you’re a British passport holder, travelling for less than 90 days, you won’t need a visa to travel to Argentina.

If you’re a British passport holder, travelling for less than 90 days you won’t need a visa to visit Brazil. You will be asked to complete a Brazilian Immigration Arrivals Card but there are no questions about criminal records.

Detailed guidance on travelling to Canada can be found here .

If you’re a British passport holder travelling for less than 90 days you won’t require a visa to travel to Chile. You will be required to complete a Tourist Card but there are no questions about criminal records.

Before travelling to Cuba you’ll need to purchase a Tourist Card online . There are no questions about criminal records on the application form.

Dominican Republic

If you’re a British passport holder travelling for less than 30 days you won’t require a visa to travel to the Dominican Republic. The purchase of a Tourist Card is no longer required.

If you’re a British passport holder you won’t require a visa to travel to Mexico. You will be asked to complete an Immigration Card on both arrival and departure but there are no questions about criminal records.

If you’re an British passport holder you won’t require a visa to travel to Peru if you’re visiting as a tourist.

Detailed guidance on travelling to the USA can be found here .

Tourist visas can be purchased on arrival in Cambodia or online by e-visa .

Detailed guidance on travelling to China can be found here .

You can travel to Hong Kong for up to 6 months without a visa. You will be asked to complete an Arrivals Card but there are no questions about criminal records.

Detailed guidance on travelling to India can be found here .

If you’re a British passport holder travelling for up to 30 days you won’t require a visa to travel to Indonesia. The Arrivals Card has also recently been abolished.

The majority of people visiting Iran will need a visa . You should make sure that you apply well in advance of your visit as the process can be long an unpredictable. There is a question on the visa application form which asks “Have you ever had any history of arrests or convictions in any country” .

You won’t need a visa to enter Israel as a tourist. Upon entry, visitors will be given an Entry Card to complete where you’ll be asked to confirm that you’ve not committed any criminal offence.

Detailed guidance on travelling to Japan can be found here .

You can travel to Macau for up to 6 months without a visa. You will be asked to complete an Arrivals Card but there are no questions about criminal records.

If you’re a British passport holder you won’t need a visa to travel to Malaysia. Landing cards have now been abolished.

The majority of people travelling to Nepal will require a visa. You can apply online but there are no questions about criminal records on the application form.

Phillipines

If you’re a British passport holder you can enter the Phillipines without a visa for an initial period of 30 days. You will be asked to complete an Arrivals Card but it doesn’t ask questions about criminal records.

You can travel to Singapore for up to 90 days without a visa. You will be asked to complete a Disembarkation/Embarkation form but there are no questions about criminal records.

South Korea

If you’re a British passport holder you can enter South Korea as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa. You will be asked to complete an Arrivals Card but it doesn’t ask any questions about criminal records.

If you’re a British passport holder you can enter Taiwan without a visa for 90 days. You will be asked to complete an Arrivals Card but it doesn’t ask any questions about criminal records.

British passport holders can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa – this is known as a visa exemption. You will be asked to complete an Arrivals Card but it doesn’t ask any questions about criminal records.

If you’re a British passport holder you can get a tourist visa on arrival in the UAE. As the UAE embassies do not issue visas, you’ll need to apply for one via a UAE-based airline.

Until June 2021 British passport holders can enter Vietnam for 15 days without a visa. After June 2021, visitors will need to apply for an e-visa online although there are no questions about criminal records.

Detailed guidance on travelling to Australia can be found here .

New Zealand

Detailed guidance on travelling to New Zealand can be found here .

The personal stories below have been posted on theRecord , our online magazine:

Travelling to Thailand with a criminal record – You just Thai and stop me

Having my wings clipped by an old conviction – How my criminal record stopped me travelling with my family

Read and share your experiences on our online forum.

Key sections include:

Below you will find links to useful websites relating to this page. More specific details (including addresses and telephone numbers) of some of the organisations listed below can be found here .

GOV.UK – Provides the latest travel advice by country including entry requirements
For practical information – More information can be found in our travelling abroad section
To read personal stories – You can read stories about this posted on theRecord, our online magazine, under the category of travelling abroad
To discuss this issue with others – Read and share your experiences on our online forum
Questions – If you have any questions about this you can contact our helpline .

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Can you help please? My partner from Barbados lived in the UK some 20 years ago and whilst he was here was convicted and served a 15 year sentence in the UK. At the end of his sentence he was given a choice to either stay in the country under licence or go back to Barbados. As his family and grandchildren live in Barbados he made the decision to return there. We subsequently met nearly 5 years ago and my partner now wishes to come to the UK to visit me for a holiday. I understand he will need to apply for a standard visit visa however I have also read that if refused it is harder to obtain a visa through appeal. Can you recommend the best way to go forward with this please? Thank you

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Traveling with a criminal history

2.2 Ethiopia
2.4 Tanzania
2.5 Morocco
2.6 Tunisia
2.7 South Africa
3.1 Argentina
3.3.1 Character concerns
3.3.2 Rehabilitation
3.3.3 Temporary resident permits
3.3.4 Pardons
3.3.5 Financial history
3.3.6 Other concerns
3.3.7 Exception for British Citizens
3.6 Dominican Republic
3.9.1 Visa Office Advisory Opinions
4.1 Cambodia
4.3 Hong Kong
4.5 Indonesia
4.10 Malaysia
4.12 Philippines
4.13 Singapore
4.14 South Korea
4.15 Taiwan
4.16 Thailand
4.17 United Arab Emirates
4.18 Vietnam
5.1 Schengen Area
5.2 Ireland
5.5 Ukraine
5.6 United Kingdom
6.1 Australia and New Zealand

If you have been convicted of any crimes in the past , your opportunities for entering another country might be restricted. Many countries ban people who have served time in prison from entering, and while minor countries that do so often don't have the resources to find out about crimes that haven't made it to the international news, bigger countries may have them. For visas for long term visits (studying, work etc.) it's not uncommon that the destination country requires you to provide a translated statement from your country's criminal record system.

There is no single authoritative source to consult on travelling with a criminal history, nor will your experience in every country be the same (there are, after all, over 190 countries in the world) but most information can be found either on the destination country's immigration agency website, through its embassy in your homeland, or by searching legislation.

Understand [ edit ]

Many countries do not easily welcome those with criminal backgrounds for obvious reasons, but what criminal history is relevant, and the period that must have elapsed since a conviction, varies from country to country. For some countries, particularly Canada and the US, even a minor criminal conviction 50 years ago can cause you to be refused entry, while others would require a conviction for a violent or serious crime to be refused entry. This page also lists ways (if known) to overcome a bar on entry due to a criminal history.

In general it is very difficult, if not impossible, to travel to any country if you have a record of convictions for violent or sexual crimes, repeated convictions for felonies, or a recent conviction for a serious crime. Some countries prohibit their own citizens from leaving if they have serious criminal histories. However, in general, authorities are not concerned about petty offences.

If you are on probation or parole you must follow the travel policies set by your probation officer to the letter, as leaving the country (or even your locality in certain countries) without permission will result in a violation. Generally offences committed in the destination country count more than offences committed outside of their country. The most common question on visa forms and arrival cards is if you've formerly been deported or refused entry from the country (and often whether this has happened to you in any country).

Visas [ edit ]

If the destination country allows you to visit by just showing up at the border with your passport (or even ID-card), unless you are wanted by the authorities, it's less likely you will have problems. If you on the other hand need to apply for a visa or something similar (e.g. the American ESTA ), criminal history is frequently something they're interested in.

Requirements vary with the type of visa. All countries that issue retirement visas require a criminal background check, which is a letter from police in your home country or other places you've lived saying you have a clean record, and many countries require that for working, immigration or student visas as well. The background check might need to be notarized and even affixed with a apostille , a kind of international notarization. For a tourist visa, few if any countries check that carefully, but may sometimes ask about criminal history.

If you are asked about your criminal convictions, you must answer truthfully. Any false statements could result in a lengthy or permanent bar to entering that country, particularly the USA or Canada. Other countries, like the UK, have a concept of "spent" convictions that do not have to be declared once the conditions for "spent convictions" have been met, and that is about the only time you can get away with not disclosing a conviction. Countries with close relationships often have access to each others' criminal record databases that immigration officers can pull up; examples include the United States and Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as all Schengen Area and European Union countries.

Africa [ edit ]

Egypt [ edit ].

No questions about criminal history in the visa form or arrival card .

Ethiopia [ edit ]

Almost everyone needs a visa, but it's available as e-visa, and for most nationalities on arrival. No questions about crimes in the application form [dead link] .

Kenya [ edit ]

Citizens of a few African countries and small island nations around the world get in visa-free, almost everyone else needs a visa, for most this means e-visa. In the visa application you need to declare "any offence under any system of law".

Tanzania [ edit ]

Citizens of some African countries and small island nations can enter visa-free. For those who need a visa, almost everybody can obtain it on arrival or as an evisa. The visa form doesn't have any questions about previous crimes or convictions.

Morocco [ edit ]

Neither the visa application [dead link] nor the arrival card has any questions about criminal history.

Tunisia [ edit ]

Unclear about the visa application but the arrival card doesn't include questions of this nature.

South Africa [ edit ]

If you need to apply for a visa to enter or transit South Africa, you must declare [dead link] former crime convictions, criminal actions that are pending against you, memberships of organizations whose activities are against the law in different ways in any country. In addition they will ask you about being removed from or refused entry into South Africa. Visitors need to complete a TC-01 traveller card when arriving; this is mostly for customs issues.

Americas [ edit ]

Argentina [ edit ].

The Argentinian visa application includes a range of questions about crimes from prostitution to genocide and jail terms of more than three years.

Brazil [ edit ]

No questions about your past in the entry and exit card [dead link] nor in the visa application form , but after the form is filled out you may have to schedule an interview at the embassy or consulate.

Canada [ edit ]

While Canada's policies on criminal record are really strict (any convictions no matter how minor or how long ago makes you inadmissible), it is possible to overcome the inadmissibility by submitting an application for "rehabilitation". This process can take a long time and requires numerous references to prove that you are in fact rehabilitated and that further offences are unlikely. If you do not want to wait that long and must go to Canada, you may be able to apply for a temporary resident permit; however, the reason must be justified and vacations are not considered a justified reason.

If you have been convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, you will probably be found criminally inadmissible to Canada as this is an offence under Canada's Criminal Code.

Frequently Asked Questions for criminal inadmissibility to Canada

Character concerns [ edit ]

All potential visitors, whether applying for a temporary resident visa or requesting landing permission at the border must be of good moral character, and under Canadian law this means having a completely clean criminal history. Any offence, misdemeanour or felony, regardless of how minor or how long ago it took place could exclude you from Canada for a period of time or indefinitely. Some U.S. citizens have been turned back while attempting to drive across the border. Even former U.S. President George W. Bush needed to apply for a waiver to enter on an official state visit during his term in office because of a past D.U.I. which happened twenty-four years before that. There are a few exceptions, and if you are inadmissible because of a criminal conviction, you do have some options.

A minor misdemeanour (what Canadian law calls a "summary conviction") may keep you out of Canada for at least five years from the date you finish your sentence. More serious offences ("felonies" in US law, "indictable offences" in Canadian or British law) may require you to wait up to ten years, or in the most serious cases obtain a pardon or other civil relief locally before applying for entry. Some relatively minor infractions in other countries (minor drug possession tickets in countries where they are not handled through the criminal system, or drunk driving in jurisdictions which treat this as a simple traffic violation) are considered criminal convictions for the purpose of immigration law, as Canada's Criminal Code treats these as crimes. With the exception of crimes of conscience, even if you were prosecuted for an offence in that country which would not have been an offence in Canada, it would result in you being inadmissible. Similarly, if you committed a violation that is considered a criminal offence in Canada but not in the country in which it was committed, that would also result in you being inadmissible to Canada. Even if you were never arrested, charged with a crime or sentenced it is possible to be turned away by a border guard on suspicion of criminal activity. Additionally, you cannot enter Canada if there are current charges pending against you or a trial is under way (for obvious reasons).

Although unlikely as a visitor who meets all other entry requirements, you may also be refused if you have significant unpaid debt, have an active civil judgement against you, or have recently declared bankruptcy. This is more likely to be an issue if your nationality requires a visa to enter Canada. In these cases, you can regain your ability to enter Canada by either paying the debt in full, showing evidence of a payment plan in good standing or after a bankruptcy showing a history of financial solvency over the period of a few years.

Offences committed before the age of 18, parking tickets, local ordinance violations and crimes of conscience (such as publishing statements critical of the government in an authoritarian country) generally do not result in inadmissibility. Similarly, non-criminal traffic tickets usually do not result in inadmissibility, although if you were ever required to appear in court over a traffic violation (not simply going to court to challenge a ticket) or you accumulated enough points that your license was summarily suspended or revoked, you may be inadmissible and should contact a Canadian embassy or high counsel for advice.

Rehabilitation [ edit ]

If you have a single misdemeanour or summary offence on your record and it's been at least ten years since you finished your sentence, and your offence could be punishable with a prison term of less than 10 years in Canada, you may be deemed rehabilitated on arrival. Some offences are hybrid, so even some summary offences carry a possible 10-year maximum sentence meaning you cannot be deemed rehabilitated . The burden is on you, the visitor, to provide proof that you have indeed reformed and are unlikely to re-offend. Possible proof includes but is not limited to:

Police "good conduct" reports
Character references
Letters from employers, pay stubs, tax returns or other documentation showing that you have steady employment
Evidence of any educational, volunteer or treatment experience that you've completed since your conviction.

Bring everything you have that suggests you're living a stable and crime-free life. The more documentation you have and the less the officer has to rely on your word that you've turned your life around the stronger your case is for being admitted.

If you are turned away, or if your offence makes you ineligible to be deemed rehabilitated, you can apply for individual rehabilitation directly to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) . Again, at least five years must have passed since you completed your sentence. An application for individual rehabilitation has onerous documentation requirements, costs between CAD200 and CAD3,000 depending on the nature of the offence and whether the application requires approval from the Minister of Justice (all except the most straightforward misdemeanour convictions do) and can take six to twelve months (there are no guaranteed processing times) to get an answer. While you can compile the documentation and submit the application yourself, both CIC and many who have gone through the process highly advise retaining an immigration attorney to complete and file the application on your behalf. If you are denied rehabilitation, there is no right of appeal, you will not be given specific reasons as to why your application was denied, and you must wait at least one year before applying again.

Temporary resident permits [ edit ]

If you aren't qualified for either type of rehabilitation or are turned down, another option is a temporary resident permit , a one-time waiver for an inadmissible person to enter Canada. This is not the same as a temporary resident visa , but the two can be applied for together if you are from a country requiring such a visa. These are very rarely granted - only for "exceptionally compelling humanitarian grounds" or "reasons of significant national interest" .

While this has been used or abused by a politically well-connected few (including disgraced Canadian media mogul Conrad Black, who renounced citizenship) issuance of these permits is rare. Unless you're dealing with a documented family emergency, can afford to hire a really good immigration attorney or have connections in Canada (such as a Member of Parliament) who can intervene on your behalf, don't even bother applying for one of these.

Pardons [ edit ]

Obtaining a pardon or unconditional discharge will generally restore your ability to travel to Canada, and depending on your circumstances you may have much more luck going this route. If the crime was committed in Canada, there's a centralized process you can go through and odds of success are fairly high if you've shown commitment to turning your life around and kept your nose clean since then.

If your pardon or discharge was issued for a crime outside Canada, be sure to bring documentation to that effect with you to the border or when applying for a visa.

Financial history [ edit ]

Immigration authorities may perform a credit check and review your overall financial history as part of the character and risk assessment when applying for a visa or for landing permission at the border. Credit checks are not automatic for temporary visitors; they typically occur as part of a larger background investigation that results if the officer cannot ascertain your ability to support yourself. Minor issues (such as an occasional late credit card payment) are not a major concern. That being said, if you have frequent late payments, chargeoffs, liens, repossessions, or a bankruptcy, in the past few years, definitely be prepared to explain yourself (and having recent pay-stubs or other evidence of steady funds available for review is highly advised.)

On the other hand, if you are applying for any type of long term visa (such as a work or study permit) or are immigrating to Canada, your credit will be checked as part of the background investigation, and visas are occasionally denied for recent financial problems or just for having a large amount of unpaid debt, even if it's in good standing (e.g. student loans). Unless you can prove your credit problems were due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g. prolonged disability or illness, failed business venture, or identity theft) or are prepared to hire an immigration attorney, cleaning up your financial state of affairs at home prior to making plans for working or moving to Canada is strongly advised.

If you have a civil judgement against you (whether paid or not), or are a defendant in a pending lawsuit for unpaid debt, depending on the circumstances you may be inadmissible, contact an immigration attorney for advice. Additionally:

The People's Republic of China and several Persian Gulf countries ( Bahrain , Kuwait , Qatar , and the United Arab Emirates ) treat default as a criminal offence punishable with a jail term.
In the United States, apart from child support or taxes, default is not a crime. However, in many states evading collection attempts once a debt has progressed to litigation (usually by not showing up for hearings or failing to submit requested documents to the court) can lead to a criminal contempt charge, fines and a jail term.

If either situation applies, you are inadmissible and will need to go through the standard rehabilitation procedure prior to travelling to Canada. In addition to the requisite time requirement, you will also need to show that the debt in question is paid in full or satisfactory arrangements are in place to pay it.

Other concerns [ edit ]

Besides a criminal record, CIC lists a host of other situations that may prevent admission into Canada. While most of these shouldn't be an issue for the average traveller (e.g. previously deported, human rights violations, involvement with terrorism or organized crime), there are a few that do occasionally complicate or bar entry for visitors:

Business travellers are required by law to present a letter of introduction on corporate letterhead to immigration on arrival. The letter must follow a standardized format specified by CIC and contain a statement of financial support. CBSA is very serious about this requirement and refusals for not having a letter are common.
If visiting friends or family, you are not officially required to have a letter of introduction, although having something in writing (even an informal e-mail) from your host with their contact information is helpful, should immigration decide to verify your story.
Tourists should be prepared to provide details about their itinerary - places of interest, hotels that will be stayed in, etc. Having this information (including addresses and phone numbers for hotels) printed out ahead of time is strongly advised.
All visitors may be asked to show that they have confirmed travel arrangements for departing Canada, as well as "binding ties" to their country of origin or residence (such as a family, job or university studies to return to).
It's possible to overcome a medical refusal by obtaining an exam from a nominated physician and have them certify that you will not burden the healthcare system. If this applies to you, the immigration officer will give you the required paperwork along with further instructions.
Obtaining medical insurance that will cover you in Canada, while good advice for all, may especially help in borderline cases.
For Western tourists, a valid major credit card (not a debit, ATM, or bank card - which may not even work in Canada) usually satisfies this requirement.
If you do not have a credit card, a recent bank statement or pay-stub is also acceptable.
have health, financial, or credit problems - your admissibility is unaffected.
have a criminal record - you may be found inadmissible, although in practice this almost never happens unless your relative's crime made national news headlines.
are a human rights violator or a known member of an organized crime, terrorist, or hate group - you're inadmissible, call a lawyer.

As a general rule, admissibility and rehabilitation decisions cannot be appealed beyond a supervisory review at the visa office or border. The only exception is if you can prove the decision was based on wrong information (for example you were acquitted of a crime, but that fact was never properly recorded.) That being said, you are usually allowed to apply again once any specific issues relating to a refusal have been corrected, once the requisite time has passed for rehabilitation, or one year after being denied rehabilitation.

Exception for British Citizens [ edit ]

Citizens of the United Kingdom who have convictions considered "spent" under the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act do not have to apply for "rehabilitation", as they are automatically pardoned under the 1991 Federal Court of Appeals case [dead link] Canada (Minister of Employment and Immigration) v. Burgon, [1991] due to the similarity of the two countries' legal systems. Guidance issued to border officers in the ENF14 /OP 19 Criminal Rehabilitation Manual specifies: "the UK Rehabilitation of Offenders Act automatically pardons eligible individuals without the person having to apply [for Rehabilitation], if the person has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of less than 30 months" . However, some exceptions to this rule have been witnessed.

Chile [ edit ]

No questions related to criminal history in the visa application .

Cuba [ edit ]

Nationals of a few countries get in visa-free, but almost everyone else can enter on a tourist card [dead link] (effectively a simple visa) where you're asked about little more than your name, birth date and passport data.

Dominican Republic [ edit ]

A considerable number of nationalities including virtually all first world and Western Hemisphere countries can get in visa free (purchase of tourist card is needed). Visa applications [dead link] have no questions related to criminal history.

Mexico [ edit ]

There aren't any questions about a criminal record in the Mexican visa application , nor in the FMM (arrival card).

If your passport reveals a criminal record when scanned, however, you may be denied entrance to the country.

Peru [ edit ]

In general, visitors from the Americas, Europe, Oceania and some Asian countries get in without a visa. On the migration card there aren't any questions related to criminal history, neither is there on the visa form .

United States [ edit ]

The United States of America is generally very strict with criminal records, no matter how minor or how long ago it has been. They do not have any concept of "spent" or "pardoned" convictions, meaning you must truthfully answer any questions about criminal convictions even if your convictions have been spent or pardoned in your country. For citizens of any country who are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, being convicted of any crimes, having proceedings pending, or even a previously refused visa makes you ineligible for the visa waiver program! Similarly, Canadian and Bermudian citizens, who ordinarily do not require visas to enter the United States, may be refused entry on the grounds of previous criminal convictions.

There are numerous crimes that render you ineligible to enter the US. The two main categories are:

crimes involving moral turpitude, and
aggravated felonies.

There is only a loose definition of crimes involving moral turpitude, but generally, it includes crimes that make a person seem untrustworthy, such as fraud or rape, rather than "honest" crimes, like getting into a fistfight. The actual penalty for the conviction does not matter. If you declare a crime involving moral turpitude, then you will probably be deemed 'permanently ineligible to enter the USA'. It is possible to apply for a waiver of permanent ineligibility after a period of time.

Being convicted of an aggravated felony is even worse, though just like crimes involving moral turpitude, these also have a loose definition, therefore the offenses can change over time. This used to include murder and smuggling drugs or guns, and has since been expanded to include things like bribery, human trafficking, and kidnapping people for ransom. There is absolutely no relief, and anyone deported or excluded for this reason cannot enter the U.S. until all court-ordered punishment has been completed and an additional 15 years have elapsed.

Consular staff will interview you to determine the seriousness of your offense and evaluate evidence of rehabilitation. Once granted a waiver, you can obtain a visa (usually one year at first). As a holder of a waiver you can expect long delays in secondary processing at the U.S. border, even with a visa in your passport.

An exception to this is "purely political offenses." Since the U.S. has freedom of speech to criticize the government, people from other parts of the world are given a pass on this type of conviction. However, you must report all crimes on the visa forms, and note anything that wouldn't be a crime in the U.S.

Do not attempt to enter the US if you have been previously deported without a proper visa! Doing so is a felony under US law (8 U.S. Code § 1326), and is punishable by up to 2 years in prison, or, in certain circumstances, 20. Do not lie about your convictions when questioned, as chances are they will find out. The US conducts extensive security checks on all visa applicants.

Visa Office Advisory Opinions [ edit ]

US immigration law is extremely complex, and consular officials often issue decisions without time to fully consult the technical issues of a case , before pushing applicants to pursue a waiver. Although officials benefit from the "sovereignty" of not having their finding of the facts legally questioned, if you are denied a visa it is possible to seek a legal review of the decision if you believe the consular official misapplied the law. You or your attorney may request the US Visa Office in Washington study the case and issue an Advisory Opinion [dead link] on the inadmissibility finding. The results of the opinion are binding on the embassy or consulate receiving the advice, and are often shorter (6-8 weeks) than the waiver process (6-18 months) which may not be relevant.

Asia [ edit ]

Cambodia [ edit ].

Visitors from outside Southeast Asia will need a visa, though for almost everyone this is available on arrival. On the visa form there are no questions related to criminal history.

China [ edit ]

Article 21 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China denies Chinese visas to many kinds of aliens, and Article 25 of the same law bars many kinds of aliens from China, including those "(m)ay endanger China’s national security or interests, or disrupt social and public order, or engage in other illegal or criminal activities". Those who may be affected should consult the nearest Chinese consular offices before travelling.

Entry may also be denied even if the traveller is not prosecuted. This is the case when some Hong Kong travellers who were arrested for public order offences during the protests but not charged in court were denied entry and have their Home Return Permit revoked.

Transit passengers of many countries are allowed a few days in major cities, but other than that almost everyone needs a visa to enter China. In the visa form , you're asked about a criminal record in China or any other country, and you need to give details if you reply yes.

For a work visa, you will need to provide a criminal record check. A certificate from your local (e.g. county-level) jurisdiction will probably be sufficient, but will need to be notarized and apostilled; see Working in China for more.

Hong Kong [ edit ]

Unlike China, few nationalities need more than a passport and a filled in arrival card to get into Hong Kong, where you just need to fill in personal and passport data and where you will stay. Also the visa application has no questions on previous crimes.

There are also no provisions regarding criminal history in the Immigration Ordinance , though it seems that immigration officials have the sole discretion of approving or denying inbound travellers.

India [ edit ]

Virtually everyone needs a visa to enter India, to be applied for electronically. contains questions about previous crimes [dead link] .

Indonesia [ edit ]

Few nationalities need a visa to visit Indonesia, and the arrival card has reportedly been abolished too, so most visitors apparently don't need to declare anything about your past in writing.

Iran [ edit ]

Any arrests or convictions need to be declared and explained when applying for an Iranian visa .

Israel [ edit ]

Nationals of countries in the Americas, Europe and Oceania and a few others can enter visa-free. In the visa form you need to declare that you haven't committed any criminal offence.

Japan [ edit ]

Article 5(1)(iv) of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act [dead link] prohibits any person who have been sentenced to imprisonment or imprisonment without work for 1 year or more, except for political crimes.

In the Japanese visa application there are several questions related to a criminal history; convictions of a crime in the first place, sentences to imprisonment of a year or more, deportation, drug offenses, prostitution and trafficking of people, in any country. If you can enter with just a passport, you will need to fill in a disembarkation card (like when arriving in many other countries) and there too you need to declare previous convictions.

Macau [ edit ]

Similar to next door Hong Kong, most visitor need a passport and a simple arrival card with things like name, passport number and address in Macau.

However, according to Law 16/2021 , non-local residents who have been sentenced to imprisonment in or outside Macau may be denied entry to Macau.

Malaysia [ edit ]

Having being sentenced to any jail term is one of the things that will get you labeled as a "prohibited person" per section 8 of the Immigration Act 1959/63 . Nevertheless, visitors are not asked about this in the visa application [dead link] , and most nationalities don't need a visa anyway. Disembarkation cards have been abolished.

Nepal [ edit ]

People of almost all nationalities need a visa, but can get it on arrival or online, no crime-related questions asked in the form [dead link] .

Philippines [ edit ]

Most nationalities can get enter the Philippines without a visa. Like most arrival cards, the Philippine doesn't have questions about criminal convictions, neither does the visa form .

However, section 29 of the Philippine Immigration Act prohibits "persons who have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude" from entering the Philippines.

Singapore [ edit ]

Like Hong Kong, almost everyone can get in without a visa. The Disembarkation/Embarkation Card visitors need to fill in doesn't have any questions about previous crimes.

However, section 8(3)(d) of the Immigration Act 1959 lists those that have been removed or convicted for a sentence of imprisonment as potential undesirable immigrants, and entry may be refused.

South Korea [ edit ]

Unlike China and Japan, the visa application includes no questions about criminal history. A considerable number of nationalities get in with just a passport and the arrival card doesn't have any such questions.

Taiwan [ edit ]

Article 18 of the Immigration Act allows the government of the Republic of China to bar aliens from Taiwan for not only criminal history anywhere but also for many other reasons, like serious diseases or the risk of endangering national interests, public security, public order. Please consult the nearest Taiwanese consular offices before travel. Trying to enter Taiwan with visa exemption or landing visas may result in being refused entry and asked to apply for advanced visa before reentering Taiwan, or even banned from Taiwan in the worst cases. Even if already admitted into Taiwan, being found indeed inadmissible risks deportation per Article 36 of the Immigration Act .

Thailand [ edit ]

Per the Immigration Act of Thailand B.E. 2522 (1979) , any jail term except for a petty offence, negligence or something excepted by Ministerial Regulations will disqualify you from entry. You don't have to declare this on the visa application form nor on the TM.6 arrival card .

United Arab Emirates [ edit ]

In the UAE visa application you need to declare your profession, and the biggest issue seems to be people coming in to work without a job permit. On the other hand, there aren't questions regarding crimes.

Vietnam [ edit ]

Generally a visa is needed to enter, but some Western European and most nearby countries can get in visa free. No questions about previous crimes in the visa form, except for business visas. .

Europe [ edit ]

Schengen area [ edit ].

The rules for the European Union , specifically the Schengen Area , regarding character concerns are relatively lax. Questions about criminal convictions are not asked when applying for a Schengen visitor/business visa and border agents (there are no landing cards for data entry) usually don't ask any questions about this either.

If any officials or forms ask you if you have a criminal history you still have to answer truthfully but, in general, if it's not more than 3 years of imprisonment, or crimes involving alien smuggling or drug offences that resulted in more than 2 years of imprisonment, then they will not refuse you entry or a visa on those grounds. Countries like Germany do have specific rules that state anyone convicted of an offence relating to public order with a sentence of more than 3 years, a drug offence with a sentence of more than 2 years, and any offence related to alien smuggling are subject to deportation. Like the UK, they are more concerned with offences committed in their country, rather than outside of the EU. Do not lie in any visa application or when answering questions to officials, because in Germany this lie will mean you can then be deported. Not all countries have the same rule regarding character concerns, so some EU countries may be more lax, however Germany is known to be a rather strict country so it is a good guideline on rules for the EU.

In Schengen visa applications , there doesn't seem to be a question about any criminal past. Nevertheless, this might come up in a visa interview, and the ETIAS [dead link] system which is going to be implemented early 2021 for visa-free visitors to the Schengen area (similar to for example the American ESTA) reportedly will include background checks with questions related to criminal records, deportations and such by Frontex .

Ireland [ edit ]

Citizens of most countries in Europe and the Americas and a few countries elsewhere in the Eastern Hemisphere can get in visa free. No crime-related questions in the visa form .

Russia [ edit ]

The shorter variant of the Russian visa application form [dead link] is applicable to most nationalities who need a visa, and there applicants are just asked about their planned trip, current employer and relatives in Russia. The more extensive form [dead link] is for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and Georgian citizens and there applicants have to report former arrests and convictions among others. According to the visa form replying in affirmative to such questions don't automatically mean you don't get a visa but you may have to go to the consulate for an interview.

Turkey [ edit ]

On the Turkish visa form there are no questions about criminal history, other than having being deported from Turkey. People that are deemed to pose a public order, security or health risk can be refused entry. [dead link]

Ukraine [ edit ]

Nationals of most first world countries (but not Australia and New Zealand), countries from the former CIS and some Latin American countries are allowed in visa-free, the rest need to apply for a visa (e-visa for most Latin American and many Asian countries). The visa form [dead link] doesn't include crime-related questions.

United Kingdom [ edit ]

Character requirements for the United Kingdom are considerably stricter than that of the Schengen area.

The United Kingdom has a concept of "spent" convictions - this act has recently been updated so check these: application forms [dead link] . Immigration officers wishing to exclude or remove someone on the basis of a criminal conviction must prove that the offence is not spent and therefore the person is not rehabilitated. A conviction is "spent" if more than 10 years has passed since imprisonment (if any) between 6 and 30 months. Any imprisonment over 30 months cannot ever be spent and therefore will always count against you. Imprisonment of less than 6 months or fines have an even shorter rehabilitation period (around 5 years or less).

The immigration officer wishing to deport you, or refuse entry on the basis of criminal conviction must prove that your convictions have not been "spent". The burden of proof is on them, not you, so if you were refused entry due to a criminal conviction chances are your offence is not spent. If the offence is spent, then you don't even have to tell them about it and they cannot use it against you even if they do know. For consecutive prison sentences the rehabilitation period would begin at the time you were last in prison, unless the sentence is over 30 months.

Oceania [ edit ]

Australia and new zealand [ edit ].

These countries are rather strict regarding character concerns but Australia specifically says "in the last 10 years" on entry literature since Commonwealth of Australia legislation specifically regards as "spent" [dead link] convictions that are more than 10 years old (you also should not have been sentenced to imprisonment for more than 30 months and you've not re-offended (even in a minor way) during the 10 year (5 years for juvenile offenders) waiting period and a statutory or regulatory exclusion does not apply. For an Australian work visa, you'll need to get a background check from every country you've lived in for 12 months or more during the past ten years.

While New Zealand does have a clean slate scheme, immigration is specifically excluded from the scheme. That means when applying for a visa or entering New Zealand, you must declare your full criminal record including all spent convictions. Character issues [dead link] can bar you from entering New Zealand. These include having ever being sentenced to a jail term of 5 years or more, or for 12 months or more during the last 10 years. You'll also be refused entry if you've been deported from any country or are deemed likely to commit crimes or otherwise pose a risk if you're let in.

There are already other concerns that are just as strict such as being deported from any country (New Zealand), health concerns like being HIV positive or even having cancer or diabetes, that can result in a visa being denied, entry refusal or deportation.

While citizens of Australia and New Zealand are generally free to travel to each other's countries and stay indefinitely with full-time employment rights, entry may still be denied on the basis of previous criminal convictions.

Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York

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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION RECORD CHECK CERTIFICATE

APPLICATION FOR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION RECORD CHECK CERTIFICATE [Download]

The Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) is providing “Criminal Investigation Record Check Certificates (CIRCC)” according to below procedure.

1. Applicants

Korean nationals living abroad
Foreign nationals who once lived in Korea in the past. Korean nationals as well as foreigners who currently live in Korea can request this service through local police stations. (tel: +82-2-182)

2. Required Documents

Application
Photo taken within 6 months (3×4㎝)
Valid Passport and a copy of it
Copy or proof document of Alien Registration Card (If an applicant is a foreigner) * If you can't provide a copy or proof document of Alien Registration Card, you should provide us at least your Alien Registration Number.
Self-Addressed Envelop with stamps (If you want to receive your CIRCC by mail) You can get and fill out Application at a diplomatic (Consulate) office.

3. Procedure

An appointment is required to visit our office in person. [Consular Services 24] Choose "일반업무" > "국적 업무/재외동포사증(F-4) 업무/병역 업무/해외이주신고/공동인증서 발급/기타"
You should know your current address (or address you lived) in Korea
You should know your Alien Registration Number and bring a copy or proof document of Alien Registration card if you are a foreign applicant.
Completed Form MUST BE CERTIFIED by Korean Embassy (Consulate) personnel with a seal or stamp. Register your application with required documents. CIRCC is sensitive information by Private Act, certifying steps must be done
CIRCC will be ready After 2-4 weeks later you registered. A diplomatic (Consulate) officer will contact you if your CIRCC is issued. Then, please visit a diplomatic (Consulate) office to pick up your CIRCC or you can request mailing service if your residence is distant. Issuance is only for the person registered. If you use mailing service, the destination should be the home address in the application

4. Contact information of Identification Office in KNPA, Korea: +82-2-182

To check the status of the CIRCC please call Korean Embassy or Korean Consulate General, or call above number. END. Documents you present to the diplomatic office are not allowed to return.

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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South Korea

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

South korea - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to South Korea.

If you decide to travel to South Korea:

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for South Korea.
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

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Must be valid at time of entry

One page per stamp

No – From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens traveling for short-term business or tourism purposes.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy seoul.

188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, Korea Telephone: +(82) (2) 397-4114 (from within Korea, dial 02-397-4114) DSN:721-4114 Fax: +(82) (2) 397-4101 Email: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate in Busan

Lotte Gold Rose Building #612, Jungang-daero 993, Jin-gu Busan 47209, Korea Telephone: (+82) 51-863-0731 Email: [email protected]

The Embassy and Consulate are closed on weekends and on American and Korean holidays . Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +82 (2) 397-4114.

Destination Description

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.
Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

Exceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.

In the event of an overstay, apply for a visa extension from the Korea Immigration Service (KIS) before attempting to leave the country. Also consult with KIS regarding changes in visa category.

Military Personnel/DOD and their families on orders:

Consult DOD Foreign Clearance Guide , and follow all instructions.
Enter Korea with DOD identification and travel orders.
Do not transit other countries such as China without a passport and appropriate visas.
Family Members/Dependents of Military Personnel/DOD on orders must present upon arrival passports valid for at least six months .

U.S. Government Executive Branch personnel on official business and DOD personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy (Including family members/dependents):

Employes assigned to Mission Korea should enter Korea with a diplomatic or official passport and a diplomatic or official Korean visa obtained through their sponsoring agency. Check with your sponsoring agency about other requirements.
TDY visitors traveling to Korea for up to 90 days on diplomatic or official passports do not require Korean visas and do not require a K-ETA. TDY visitors must obtain country clearance using Department of State's eCC system or DOD APACS system .

HIV/AIDS Restriction: The Department of State is unaware of any such entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Korea.

Visit the Embassy of Korea website for current visa information. Please read our Customs Information page .

COVID-19 Requirements :

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
Travel regulations and restrictions are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. You should review the information available on your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate’s webpage before traveling.

Safety and Security

Public Demonstrations: Demonstrations and rallies are common in South Korea, particularly near the U.S. Embassy, Seoul City Hall, and areas surrounding military installations. You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK): An armistice agreement, monitored by the United Nations, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953. Tensions occasionally flare up because of provocative acts by North Korea, including ballistic missile and nuclear tests and limited armed incursions into ROK-held territory. Some provocations have escalated into geographically limited skirmishes. South Korea routinely conducts military training exercises and civil defense drills. North Korea often issues strongly-worded and threatening messages, frequently in connection with these exercises. Please see our Fact Sheet on North Korea .

Weather-related Events: Heavy rains and flooding may occur during the June - August monsoon season or the May - November typhoon season. See general information about natural disaster preparedness at the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ): To receive security messages by email and make it easier to locate you in an emergency, register in STEP.

If the Embassy becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to the safety and security of U.S. citizens, we will inform you through our website, social media, and email.

Crime: For most visitors, South Korea remains a very safe country. Common crimes occur more frequently in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites, and crowded markets.

Take routine safety precautions.
Pay attention to your surroundings.
Report any concerns to local police.

Violent crime is not common; however, remain vigilant:

Exercise caution in crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts.
If traveling at night, consider traveling in groups.
Use legitimate taxis or public transportation only.

Victims of Crime: Call 112 for emergency assistance or to report a crime to local authorities. Call 02-397-4114 to contact the U.S. Embassy. We can:

Help you find appropriate medical care;
Assist you in reporting a crime to police;
Contact relatives or friends on your behalf;
Explain Korean judicial procedures in general terms;
Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
Help you find accommodations and flight arrangements to the United States;
Replace a lost or stolen passport.

Sexual Assault: The Embassy regularly receives reports of sexual assault from U.S. citizens. Most cases involved young women assaulted by acquaintances they met on social media, dating, or messaging apps. Alcohol is often involved, and Korea’s low overall crime can create a false sense of security. Specialized hospital units and police are available in South Korea to assist victims, however services in English and responsiveness to the crime are not always consistent. In general, sex crimes are not punished as harshly in South Korea as in the United States and the road to prosecution is a challenging one for victims.

Domestic Violence: Victim’s assistance resources or battered women’s shelters exist in Seoul and other urban areas but may be limited in rural areas. Most are government administered and require a police referral. Call 112 for emergency assistance or 1366 to reach Korea’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. Victims may also contact the Embassy, tel. (+82) 2-397-4114.

Lost or Stolen Passports: If your passport is stolen, file a report at the nearest police station.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if widely available. It is against South Korean law to purchase these goods and against U.S. law to bring them into the United States. The Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice has more information.

Avoid fraud and scams: See Department of State and FBI websites for more information.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: While in Korea, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Korean laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Be aware that:

Immigration violations can lead to arrest, fines, and deportation.
There is little tolerance for illegal drugs.
If you mail illegal drugs to/ from Korea, you will be prosecuted.
Commercial disputes may lead to criminal charges being filed under local laws.

Be aware that some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the Embassy. See our webpage for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Dual Nationality and Military Conscription: Dual national males (including U.S. service members) may be subject to compulsory military service. If you have family ties to South Korea, consult the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate or the Korean Military Manpower Administration regarding potential citizenship obligations before entering South Korea .

Passport Seizures and Exit Bans: If you are involved in a criminal investigation or commercial dispute, authorities may seize your passport and/or block your departure. While we may reissue a passport, we cannot lift an exit ban.

Exit Permits: Exit permits are not generally required. However, if a parent requests a travel restriction on his/her child, Korean authorities may prevent that child from departing even when traveling with the other parent. As of June 1, 2020, foreigners who are long-term residents of the ROK are required to obtain a re-entry permit four business days prior to departure from Korea. The permits are available online through an e-application at the www.hikorea.go.kr website.

International Child Abduction: See our website for information related to the prevention of international child abduction .

Working in South Korea: If working, including teaching or modeling, you must enter with the appropriate work visa. It is not possible to change your visa status without leaving the country. If you begin work without the appropriate visa, you may be arrested, fined, and/or deported. If you are working without a valid work permit and get into a contractual dispute with your employer, you have little legal recourse.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

ROK National Security Law: Authorities may detain, arrest, and imprison persons believed to have committed acts intended to endanger the “security of the state,” including statements deemed to praise the political system and/or officials of the DPRK.

Customs Regulations: There is strict enforcement of regulations on importing and exporting items such as firearms, narcotics and prescription drugs, non-prescription health supplements, radio equipment, and gold. Importation of materials deemed to be obscene, subversive, or harmful to the public peace is also restricted.

Amphetamines are illegal in Korea. Do not bring amphetamines or other prescription narcotics into the country without obtaining advance permission in writing from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. See the U.S. Embassy Seoul, Health Information page .
Traveling with Pets: See Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency website.

See the Korean Customs Regulations website for complete information.

LGBTI Travelers: Consensual same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized. Korea is a conservative country in regards to LGBTI issues. However, there are an increasing number of LGBTI-oriented clubs, festivals and NGOs advocating for LGBTI issues. The ROK National Human Rights Commission Act prohibits discrimination against individuals because of their sexual orientation, but there are no laws specifying punishment for persons found to have discriminated on this basis. Same-sex marriages are not recognized. Korean citizens can legally change their gender identity.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.

Mobility Issues: Korean law mandates access to transportation, communication, and public buildings. Cross walks typically have audio and visual signals. Older buildings and streets are generally less accessible than modern ones. Metro cars and buses in Seoul offer priority seating for the disabled and most metro stations have elevators. Metro platforms include Korean Braille information. Contact individual bus companies and subway associations for specific information. Foreign residents are eligible for disability assistance from local ward offices; assistance varies by ward.

Quality of Care : Western-style medical facilities are available in most large cities. However, not all doctors and staff, are proficient in English. A list of hospitals and medical specialists who speak English is available on our website. For emergency ambulance service dial 119. Ambulance services are widely available. For information on medical evacuation from South Korea, please see the State Department’s brochure on Air Ambulance/MedEvac/Medical Escort Providers .

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Verify your health insurance coverage before traveling overseas. See our webpage for information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . In most cases, health care providers will require payment in advance of treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to include coverage for medical evacuation.

Medication: Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Most prescription medications, except psychotropic types, can be obtained at Korean pharmacies (brand names often differ). Local pharmacies will require a prescription from a Korean doctor.

Update vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information go to:

World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Roads are well-paved, traffic signals functional, and most drivers comply with basic traffic laws. South Korea has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate than the United States. Causes of accidents include excessive speed, frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights, aggressive bus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists. It is recommended that you photo document any traffic accidents.

Be aware that motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks, and drivers do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

Traffic Laws include:

International driving permit (or ROK license) is required for all drivers.
Left-hand turns prohibited except with green arrow.
Seat belts and car seats are mandatory.
Motorcycle passengers must wear helmets.
Automobile drivers are presumed to have some fault in accidents involving pedestrians.
Expect long waits at police stations while police investigate any incidents.
Police may take your passport or detain you during an investigation.
Even if negligence is not proven, criminal charges may be filed.
Blood-alcohol content of 0.03% or higher is considered legally intoxicated.
Police regularly set up DUI checkpoints. Drivers are required to submit to breathalyzer tests; refusal can result in cancellation of your license.

For information about driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to our Road Safety page . You may also visit the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) website.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Republic of Korea's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the ROK's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA's Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to South Korea should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and as a broadcast warning on the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook .
See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

South Korea was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in South Korea. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Immigration Law
Traveling Outside the U.S. with a Criminal Ba...

Traveling Outside the U.S. with a Criminal Background

(This may not be the same place you live)

Can You Travel Outside of the U.S. with a Criminal Background?

Whether or not you can travel outside of the U.S. with a criminal background will depend on the country you wish to visit, the nature of your criminal record, and the severity of your offense. Generally speaking, most countries have their own laws and regulations regarding entry and immigration, and it is up to their discretion to decide who they allow into their country.

If you plan on traveling with a misdemeanor record, you may still be able to go to some countries, especially those that do not have strict immigration policies. However, some countries may deny entry to people with a criminal background, particularly for serious or violent offenses.

Even if you are able to travel to another country with a criminal background, you may still face additional scrutiny and restrictions during the immigration process, such as additional questioning or searches.

If you are planning to travel outside of the U.S. with a criminal background, first research the specific entry requirements for the country you plan to visit and speak with an immigration lawyer if necessary.

Additionally, you may want to apply for a travel waiver or visa, increasing your chances of being granted entry into certain countries.

What Are Some Effects of Having a Criminal Record?

What about traveling as a u.s. citizen, what about traveling as a non-u.s. citizen, how can i avoid difficulties when traveling, what else should i know about traveling with a criminal background, can i obtain a passport with a criminal record, can i travel outside of the u.s. if my record was expunged, how can an immigration lawyer help.

Having a criminal record can have significant and long-lasting effects on your life, including your employment opportunities, housing options, and even your ability to travel outside of the country.

Here are some specific effects of having a criminal record, particularly for felonies , DUI charges , and unpaid child support :

Travel restrictions: A criminal record can limit your ability to travel outside the country, particularly for felony offenses and DUI charges. Some countries may deny entry to people with certain criminal convictions or may require additional documentation, such as a travel waiver or visa, which can be difficult to obtain.
Employment opportunities: People with a criminal record may have difficulty finding employment, particularly in fields that require background checks, such as healthcare, education, and finance. Some employers may have policies that automatically disqualify people with certain types of criminal convictions.
Housing options: Landlords and property managers may also conduct background checks on potential tenants and may be hesitant to rent to people with a criminal record, particularly for felony offenses.
Financial impacts: Unpaid child support can result in a criminal record and can have significant financial impacts, including wage garnishments, tax refund intercepts, and even arrest warrants.
Personal relationships: Having a criminal record can also impact your personal relationships, as some people may be hesitant to associate with people who have been convicted of a crime.

Having a criminal record can have long-lasting effects on your life, and it is crucial to understand the potential consequences of criminal convictions. If possible, seek legal advice to explore your options for reducing or expunging a criminal record.

As a U.S. citizen, you have the right to travel within the country and to most international destinations. However, having a criminal record can impact your ability to travel to some countries, particularly for felony offenses and DUI charges.

Some countries have strict immigration policies and may deny entry to people with certain criminal convictions, while others may require additional documentation, such as a travel waiver or visa. You should research the specific entry requirements for the country you want to visit and speak with an immigration lawyer if necessary.

For non-U.S. citizens, having a criminal background can significantly impact their ability to travel, particularly if they are not citizens of the country where the offense was committed.

Many countries have strict immigration policies that may deny entry to people with criminal convictions, even for minor offenses.

Additionally, some countries may require a visa or other documentation for entry, which may be hard to obtain for people with a criminal record.

Research the specific entry requirements for the country you wish to visit and consult with an immigration lawyer. In some cases, obtaining a waiver or pardon may be possible to overcome the criminal inadmissibility grounds and gain entry into the country.

Here are some tips to help you avoid difficulties when traveling with a criminal background:

Research entry requirements: Before booking your trip, research the entry requirements for the country you want to visit. Some countries have strict immigration policies and deny entry to people with criminal convictions. If you are unsure about the requirements in the country you are planning to visit, speak with an immigration lawyer.
Obtain necessary documentation: If additional documentation, such as a travel waiver or visa, is required, make sure to obtain it well in advance of your travel dates.
Disclose your criminal record: Be honest when filling out travel forms and disclosing your criminal record. Failing to disclose your criminal record can result in a denied entry or even further criminal charges.
Plan for additional screening: If you have a criminal record, plan for additional screening and questioning during the immigration process. Try your best to stay calm and answer all questions truthfully.

Other legal issues to consider when traveling with a criminal background include the possibility of an immigration hearing , depending on the country you are planning on visiting. An immigration hearing may be required if you have been denied entry or if the immigration authorities have questions about your criminal history.

If an immigration hearing is required, contact an immigration lawyer to talk about your rights and options.

The answer is generally yes. However, there are some circumstances where a passport may be denied or revoked, such as for certain felony convictions or outstanding child support payments. Check with the U.S. Department of State for more information on passport eligibility requirements.

If your criminal record has been expunged or sealed, it may still impact your ability to travel outside of the U.S., depending on the country you are planning to visit. Some countries still consider the expungement or sealing of your record in their immigration decisions.

For this reason, you should research the specific entry requirements for the country you wish to visit before making any definite plans and consult with an immigration lawyer if necessary.

If you have concerns about traveling outside of the U.S. with a criminal background, you should talk to an immigration lawyer .

An immigration lawyer can help you research the specific entry requirements for the country you want to visit and advise you on any legal issues you may face. They can also help you prepare the necessary documentation and represent you in an immigration hearing if required.

Don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance from an experienced immigration lawyer to ensure a smooth travel experience outside of the United States. Use LegalMatch’s online attorney-client matching system to help you find the right immigration lawyer for all of your international travel needs today.

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Countries You Can & Can’t Enter If You Have A Criminal Record

Sometimes a person’s bad life choices can go far beyond a DUI. After all, depending on the circumstances, a DUI offense can be considered a mere misdemeanor. Granted, if it wasn’t your first (or sometimes second) DUI, or if your blood alcohol level was significant, or if (heaven forbid) you killed someone, it could be a felony (the laws vary from state to state). But then again, there are plenty of crimes that are considered felonies. These are some of them:

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

If you have a felony on your record, just like with a DUI, there are several countries that won’t let you in, period. These are the rules for the top 20 countries in the world (as per a 2019 ranking by the United Nations World Tourism Organization) in terms of tourism.

Some are countries that require a visa to enter. Others may let you in at the discretion of authorities. And they “may or may not” let you in if you were only accused of a crime but not legally prosecuted or convicted – check with a local embassy or consulate before you try to go.

Questions about criminal convictions are not asked when applying for a Schengen visitor/business visa and French border agents usually don’t ask any questions about this either. This may change once ETIAS visas are included in the mix, since there will be more checks on third-country arrivals.

Whether or not you can travel to Spain with a criminal record depends on the severity of the crime, and when/where the offense happened. Travelers convicted of misdemeanors are unlikely to be banned from entering the country. However, anyone with a criminal record for more serious or recent crimes may face additional entry restrictions or a travel ban.

This may change once ETIAS visas are included in the mix, since there will be more checks on third-country arrivals.

United States

There are several crimes that render you ineligible to enter the US. The two main categories are:

crimes involving moral turpitude, and
aggravated felonies

Generally speaking, moral turpitude means, crimes that make a person seem untrustworthy, such as fraud or rape. Regardless of your conviction, if you declare a crime involving moral turpitude, you’ll probably be deemed ‘permanently ineligible to enter the USA’. However, you may be able to apply for a waiver of permanent ineligibility after a period of time.

Being convicted of an aggravated felony is even worse. This used to include murder and smuggling drugs or guns. But it’s since been expanded to include things like bribery, human trafficking and kidnapping people for ransom. Anyone deported or excluded for aggravated felony can’t enter the U.S. until all court-ordered punishment has been completed and an additional 15 years have elapsed.

Article 21 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China denies Chinese visas to many kinds of aliens, and Article 25 of the same law bars many kinds of aliens from China, including those “(m)ay endanger China’s national security or interests, or disrupt social and public order, or engage in other illegal or criminal activities.” If you have a criminal record, you may want to visit the nearest Chinese consular offices before considering travel.

Transit passengers of many countries are allowed a few days in major cities, but other than that almost everyone needs a visa to enter China. The visa form asks about a criminal record in China or any other country, and you need to give details if you reply yes.

Felons can travel to Italy as long as they have completed their sentence and any required probation period. You cannot enter Italy if you’re on probation.

On the Turkish visa form, there aren’t any questions about criminal history, other than having been deported from Turkey. However, those who are labeled as potentially posing a public order, security or health risk can be refused entry.

There aren’t any questions about a criminal record in the Mexican visa application, nor in the arrival card you need to fill out.

However, if your passport reveals a criminal record when scanned, you may be denied entrance into Mexico.

Those who have served more than 3 years of jail time, or have been convicted of human trafficking or drug offenses with more than 2 years of jail time, are likely to be refused entry.

Any jail term except for a petty offense, negligence or something excepted by Ministerial Regulations will disqualify you from entry.

United Kingdom

People asking permission to enter the UK will usually be refused if they have previously been convicted of a criminal offense punishable by at least 12 months imprisonment.

A person may also be refused permission to enter the country on the basis of their character, conduct or associations or if they represent a threat to national security.

Entry clearance officers will take account of any available local intelligence about a person’s criminal activities overseas, but the agency doesn’t have access to foreign governments’ criminal records.

There are questions about past criminal convictions on the application forms. Click here for more info.

Japan prohibits any person who’s been sentenced to imprisonment or imprisonment without work for 1 year or more, except for political crimes.

The only restriction for felons flying would be if they have a felony warrant outstanding against them.

There don’t appear to be any problems for people with past criminal charges to enter Greece.

The visa application has no questions about previous crimes. To enter Hong Kong, you only need a passport and a filled-in arrival card to get into Hong Kong, where you just need to fill in personal and passport data and where you will stay.

There are also no provisions regarding criminal history in Immigration Ordinance.

Having been sentenced to any jail term is one of the things that will get you labeled as a “prohibited person.” However, visitors aren’t asked about this in the visa application (and most nationalities don’t need a visa anyway).

As of this writing, Russia is in the midst of its war with Ukraine. That being said, some people may eventually want to travel there. The shorter version of the Russian visa application form is applicable to most nationalities who need a visa, and those applicants are just asked about their planned trip, current employer and relatives in Russia. The more extensive form, specifically for residents of the UK, US , Canada, Australia and Georgia requests for reports of former arrests and convictions. According to the visa form, replying “yes” to those questions doesn’t automatically mean you won’t get a visa but you may have to go to the consulate for an interview.

There don’t appear to be any problems for people with past criminal charges to enter Portugal.

This may change once ETIAS visas are included in the mix since there will be more checks on third-country arrivals.

If you try to enter Canada with a felony conviction on your criminal record, you could be deemed “criminally inadmissible to Canada,” and denied entry at the Canadian border.

However, it is possible to overcome the inadmissibility by submitting an application for “rehabilitation.” This process can take a long time and requires numerous references to prove that you’ve been rehabilitated and that further offenses are unlikely.

The only restriction for people with a history of criminal activity would be if they have an outstanding felony warrant against them. The other possible issue would be if their name is on what is called the no-fly list maintained by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for those suspected of being terrorists.

The Netherlands

Countries you can visit with a criminal history.

As you can see above, different countries have different rules about allowing entry to people with histories of criminal activity. Some countries have something of a “don’t ask, don’t tell” sort of attitude. So if you have such a history and want to travel, perhaps consider visiting one of these:

South Korea
The Dominican Republic
The Philippines
United Arab Emirates

Note: the countries listed above don’t blatantly ask you to provide your criminal history. But they each still have their respective laws that prohibit felons from entering the country. This means while you may not have to provide evidence of your criminal history, you will be denied entry if your history is discovered.

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You talked about being denied access to particular countries if a person served jail time. Did you really mean jail or prison? People who serve jail time often are not convicted of the things they were accused of and end up with an arrest record but don’t serve prison time. Can you clarify what countries restrict access based on arrest only, jail time, or prison time. Thanks

I believe you’re possibly splitting hairs. Like all laws written by politicians they tend to be broad brushed and cumbersome. with respect to your question I highly doubt one would have to worry many of these countries are more interested in the tourist income than chasing down everyone that crosses their borders. I do agree with the blogger that when ETAIS does come about which I believe it has been pushed off a bit travelers with real criminal records may have issues.

I thought a speeding ticket was bulletproof because the police officer not showing up in court does not result in the ticket being thrown out. However, I fought and won 2 months ago!

I have a criminal malicious mischief issue that will be reduced to a misdemeanor malicious mischief on Dec. 14, 2023. A trip to London and Ireland is planned for November 2023. Does this present a problem to enter either country? We qill return to the US in early De ember. Will it be a problem getting back into the country via Canada. Flying in and out of Montreal.

Did you have any problems entering the UK or Canada?

Countries that Don't Allow Felons 2024

When preparing to visit (or immigrate to ) another country, one might have to go through the process of applying for a visa from the destination country. A visa is a document, usually stamped in a person’s passport, that gives that person official permission to enter a particular sovereign country. The process of applying for a visa varies from country to country. Some countries do not allow people who have a felony on their criminal records to obtain a visa, so they are unable to visit.

It is notable that the destination country may have different regulations regarding what constitutes a felony. This can impact the granting or denial of a visa. For example, a traveler from Australia hoping to visit China may have committed a criminal act that is considered a regular offense in Australia, but if China defines that same act as a felony, the Chinese government may still deny that visitor a visa.

In Australia, tourists who wish to visit but who have a criminal record must first apply for a visa. Certain offenses can generally disqualify someone from obtaining permission, but whether or not a visa is an issue is up to the discretion of the official reviewing the paperwork. If the offense occurred a long time in the past and the person has been in good standing since then, a visa may still be granted. However, if your crime resulted in a prison sentence of a year or longer, you will likely not be allowed to immigrate to Australia.

Canada reserves the right to refuse entrance to any would-be visitors who have a criminal history. This includes those who have committed felonies, primarily if the offense resulted in a 10-year prison sentence. However, if the person was officially pardoned or considered to be rehabilitated (according to the Canadian law definition of the term), they may still be allowed to enter the country. Similarly, people who wish to immigrate permanently are subject to extra scrutiny if they've committed crimes such as theft, assault, manslaughter, dangerous driving, DIU, or certain drug-related offenses. The potential immigrant must wait until five years after their sentence is completed and demonstrate to Canadian authorities that they've been reformed.

Japan allows visits of up to 90 days without a visa. However, a visa is required for a longer stay, and visitors who have been imprisoned for more than a year (or have a drug-related conviction) are likely to be denied a visa. Similarly, Japan has a zero-tolerance policy against immigrants with drug-related convictions.

New Zealand

Those wishing to immigrate to New Zealand must not have committed a crime that resulted in imprisonment in their original country of 12 months or longer within the past ten years. Those sentenced to five or more years in prison are also not allowed, no matter how long ago the sentence was handed down.

One must fill out a visa application and list any criminal convictions on the form to visit Russia. If severe enough, those convictions can disqualify someone from obtaining a visa.

United Kingdom

Visitors to the United Kingdom who have an American passport do not need to apply for a visa. However, for people with passports from a country for which the UK requires an advance visa, the government will conduct a background check. The permit may be declined if the officials reviewing the application believe that the person intends to commit harm while in the UK. Additionally, the immigration official at the border may refuse entrance.

United States

The United States may have the world's largest foreign-born population and attract immigrants from all over the globe , but that doesn't mean it lacks entry requirements. Those who have been convicted of offenses that would be defined as aggravated felonies in the United States—which is loosely defined as any offense that merited imprisonment for a year or longer in the person's home country—are unlikely to be granted entrance or permanent residency.

Countries that will deny entry to felons if discovered

Some countries have laws prohibiting people who've been convicted of a felony, but don't actively screen visitors' criminal records. In these countries, a person convicted of a felony may be allowed in on good faith, but kicked out if and when their criminal record is discovered.

A criminal record will not result in an individual being refused entry to these countries unless that person's felony is entered into the Interpol database and they are deemed a security risk. Border officials are unlikely to ask about a person's criminal record upon their arrival.

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How many countries deny felons up front?

The names of 16 countries deny felons up front.

Which countries deny felons up front?

The following countries deny felons up front: Argentina , Australia , Canada , China , Cuba , India , Iran , Israel , Japan , Kenya , Macau , New Zealand , South Africa , Taiwan , United Kingdom and United States .

How many countries deny felons if discovered?

The names of 22 countries deny felons if discovered.

Which countries deny felons if discovered?

The following countries deny felons up front: Brazil , Cambodia , Chile , Dominican Republic , Egypt , Ethiopia , Hong Kong , Indonesia , Ireland , Malaysia , Mexico , Morocco , Nepal , Peru , Philippines , Singapore , South Korea , Tanzania , Tunisia , Turkey , Ukraine and United Arab Emirates .

Frequently Asked Questions

List of Felon Friendly Countries - Renting To Felons
Countries You Can’t Travel to With a Criminal Record - Visa Guide
What Countries Don't Allow Felons - Info Tracer
What Countries Will Not Let You Enter With a Felony - Legal Beagle
Countries That Regulate the Immigration of Felons - Wiki

Countries You Can’t Travel to With a Criminal Record

If you have a criminal record, your ability to travel to certain countries can be restricted. Although some countries may allow entry depending on the type and severity of the conviction, most require strict background checks and are unwilling to admit those with criminal backgrounds. Here’s a list of countries that are likely to deny entry to individuals with a criminal record.

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

1. Australia 2. Canada 3. China 4. India 5. Japan 6. Mexico 7. New Zealand 8. South Korea 9. United Arab Emirates 10. United Kingdom 11. United States

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Which Countries Can a Convicted Felon Travel to?

It depends on the type of felony conviction, the country in question, and the individual’s criminal record. Generally speaking, some countries may be off-limits to those with a felony conviction. These include Canada, Australia, and many European countries.

However, there are some countries that may allow entry for those with a felony conviction, such as Mexico, Thailand , Costa Rica , and Brazil . It is important to research the specific regulations of each country before attempting to travel.

Can I Visit Europe With a Criminal Record?

If you have a criminal record, it is possible to visit Europe ; however, it is important to understand the requirements and laws of each country you plan to visit.

Depending on the nature of your criminal record and the countries you plan to visit, you may need to obtain a visa or other documentation in order to enter the country.

In general, if you have a criminal record, you may still be able to enter most European countries but you must be aware of the specific regulations for each country.

Some countries, such as France and Germany , require that you obtain a visa before entering the country. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, allow visitors with a criminal record to enter the country but will assess each individual on a case-by-case basis.

It is important to note that some countries may deny entry if the crime is deemed to be too serious or if the person has been convicted of a terrorist offense.

In addition to obtaining any necessary visas, it is important to make sure that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in the country you are visiting.

Furthermore, it is important to check with the relevant consulate or embassy before you travel to ensure that you are fully aware of any additional requirements that may apply.

Overall, although having a criminal record may make it more difficult to visit certain European countries, it is not impossible. By understanding the requirements and regulations of each country, you can better prepare yourself for a successful visit.

Am I Allowed to Enter Canada With a Criminal Record?

No. Generally, if you have a criminal record, you are not allowed to enter Canada. However, you may be eligible for criminal rehabilitation if the offense happened more than five years ago, or you can apply for a Temporary Resident Permit.

Can I Enter the US With a Criminal Record?

In most cases, it is possible to enter the US with a criminal record. However, depending on the nature of the offense, you may be denied entry.

In general, minor offenses such as traffic violations and misdemeanors will not usually prevent entry, but more serious offenses such as felonies may.

It is important to note that even if you are allowed to enter the US, having a criminal record can still cause issues with immigration services, so it is recommended to consult an immigration lawyer before attempting to enter the US.

What Is Considered a Felony When It Comes to Travelling?

A felony when it comes to traveling generally includes any serious crime that could lead to jail time or a large fine. Examples of felonies when it comes to traveling include smuggling illegal items across international borders, fraudulently obtaining travel documents, trafficking humans, and terrorism.

Can I Travel If I Was Acquitted?

Yes, you can travel internationally if you were acquitted. However, you should always check with the particular country’s visa requirements before traveling to ensure that you meet the necessary entry requirements.

What If I Have a Criminal Record And I Need to Travel for an Emergency?

If you have a criminal record and need to travel for an emergency, you should check the entry requirements for the country you are planning to visit. Some countries may have specific restrictions for travelers with a criminal history and may not allow them to enter.

In some cases, you may be able to obtain a waiver or special permission to enter the country. It’s best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are traveling to for the most up-to-date information and to determine what steps you may need to take.

If your travel is an emergency, it is important to contact the relevant authorities as soon as possible to explain your situation.

Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling With a Criminal Record

If you have a criminal record and are planning to travel, here are some things to keep in mind:

Research entry requirements: Check the entry requirements for the country you are planning to visit and determine if there are any restrictions or requirements for travelers with a criminal history.
Check visa requirements: Some countries may require a visa for travelers with a criminal history, even if they don’t normally require a visa for travelers from your country.
Consider obtaining a waiver: In some cases, you may be able to obtain a waiver or special permission to enter a country, even if you have a criminal record.
Be prepared to explain your situation: If you are asked about your criminal history, be prepared to explain the circumstances and provide any relevant documentation.
Know your rights: Know your rights if you are stopped or detained by authorities, and consider having contact information for a lawyer or your embassy readily available.
Be honest: Lying about your criminal history can result in serious consequences, including being barred from entering the country, or even facing charges.

It’s important to note that these requirements and restrictions can change frequently, so it’s a good idea to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are traveling to for the most up-to-date information.

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The police, prosecution service, courts, and Ministry of Justice independently operate their respective systems, but these systems are linked to the common system and are closely operated. Information entered earlier by each agency does not need to be entered again by other agencies, boosting work efficiency and ensuring information accuracy as well as speedy handling of work.

A total of 394 types of information are jointly being utilized. The police provides 74 types of information, such as opinion reports, transfer reports, and crime history data. The prosecution service provides 160 types of information, such as written arraignments, non-indictment decisions, various warrant claims, and command over punishment execution. The courts provide 95 types of information, such as warrant issuance/dismissal information, trial date information, and written judgments. Finally, the Ministry of Justice provides 65 types of information, such as imprisonment information and information on the targets of probation.

The criminal justice work by criminal justice agencies is electronically handled, shortening the handling period from four months to 28 days with regard to summary procedures such as the drawing up of documents, the transferring of cases, indictment, summary order, and the forwarding of documents in summary indictment cases. This system is called electronic-summary procedure.

With the adoption of the electronic-summary procedure system, in the current year (2011), about 30% of the total criminal cases are handled electronically, without paper documents, drastically reducing the workload of criminal justice agencies.

The persons concerned are electronically notified of the confirmation of penalty cases via e-mail or SMS, increasing the general public??s convenience.

At South Korea??s criminal justice portal (www.kics.go.kr), case progress can be accessed anywhere, anytime.

Also, information on various notices and court records, and on penalty imposition, is provided real-time.

Applications for the issuance of various certificates, filing of petitions and pleas, and submission of other case documents can be made online.

The portal provides a total of 71 online civil services. Various notices, court records, and non-indictment decisions can be accessed online. Also, inquiries about unpaid penalties, real-time online payment thereof, and application for deposit return can be made online.

The portal provides comprehensive information on criminal justice, such as various related document forms, judicial precedents, and laws, to boost the convenience of criminal justice services.

Expected benefits of KICS
What is a criminal justice portal?
What is a criminal case?
Criminal case procedures
Electronic summary proceedings?
Work by agency
Case progress inquiry
Court records and notice inquiry
Penalty payment
Deposit refund guide and application
Application for civil services
Civil service forms
Frequent civil services
Crime report
Opinion forum
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COMMENTS

Countries You Can't Travel to With a Criminal Record
Having a criminal record makes international travel very difficult. Because most countries try to protect their citizens from outside criminal activities, they have strict laws about who can enter a particular country and who cannot. As a result, if you have a criminal record, you won't be allowed to enter most countries where you're required […]
Felon Friendly Countries 2024 (Here's a complete list)
Currently, having a criminal record will not result in being refused entry to these countries unless your felony is on the Interpol database and you're deemed a security risk. Border officials are unlikely to ask you about your criminal record upon your arrival. In 2024, ETIAS, a new travel authorization system is due to come online.
Can A Felon Travel To South Korea
The main restriction for them flying to South Korea would be if they have a felony warrant outstanding against them. The other possible issue would be if their name is on what is called the no-fly list maintained by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for those suspected of being terrorists.
Travelling abroad with a criminal record
South Africa. Most visitors will not need a visa to visit South Africa but they will usually be asked to complete a TC-01 Traveller Card on arrival (this is generally for customs purposes). There are no questions about criminal records on the TC-01 form. Further information on travelling to South Africa can be found here.
Traveling with a criminal history
4.14 South Korea. 4.15 Taiwan. 4.16 Thailand. 4.17 United Arab Emirates. 4.18 Vietnam. 5 Europe. 5.1 Schengen Area. ... if not impossible, to travel to any country if you have a record of convictions for violent or sexual crimes, repeated convictions for felonies, or a recent conviction for a serious crime. ... have a criminal record - you may ...
IDENTITY HISTORY SUMMARY CHECKS
Travel Advisory Level 1: Exercise Normal Caution Travel Advisory Level 1: ... Fingerprinting services in Korea: ... request that the police conduct a criminal records search and provide you with a document reflecting that there is no history of a criminal record. Local police departments may require your personal appearance in order to conduct ...
K-ETA and criminal background? : r/koreatravel
I am planning to travel to Korea in that year and last time when I tried to apply for k-eta in 2022 it was rejected (prob for marking yes in criminal record, as I had one very minor violation, at this point, 3 years ago) ... I wasnt that detailed about the case when I filled in the "criminal record" box in the K-eta app. I just stated the ...
Criminal Records CertificateConsulate General of the Republic of Korea
Korean nationals as well as foreigners who currently live in Korea can request this service through local police stations. (tel: +82-2-182) 2. Required Documents. Application. Photo in 6 months (3×4㎝) Valid Passport and one copy of passport. Copy or proof document of Alien Registration Card (If applicants are foreigners) * If you can't ...
South Korea International Travel Information
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday ...
Travelling to South Korea with criminal record/ conviction
Thanks. 1. Re: Travelling to South Korea with criminal record/ conviction. I was found guilty drunk driving 9 years ago and have a criminal record. May I be allowed in South Korea. 2. Re: Travelling to South Korea with criminal record/ conviction. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.
Traveling to Korea with a criminal background? : r/korea
Nothing about whether you have a criminal record. Some countries do ask, and lying on the form will definitely get you into more trouble than just telling them the truth. They won't deny you entry unless it's pretty serious and you seem like you might do it again. (child porn, rape, drug smuggling, etc.) Reply.
Visa policy of South Korea
Included in these were a criminal record check, health check, and consulate/embassy interview for first-time applicants. ... Citizens of North Korea seeking to visit South Korea cannot use a North Korean passport to travel to South Korea. They must instead submit a North / South Korea visitation verification certificate as well as a departure ...
Traveling to South Korea with a criminal record
Posted on Mar 30, 2017. I have changed the practice area to government, i believe that is the best practice area. I think that you will need to contact the South Korean Embassy in D.C. It will be South Korean law that determines the answer. Best of luck.
Can You Travel Internationally with a Criminal Record?
Travel restrictions: A criminal record can limit your ability to travel outside the country, particularly for felony offenses and DUI charges. Some countries may deny entry to people with certain criminal convictions or may require additional documentation, such as a travel waiver or visa, which can be difficult to obtain. Employment ...
Countries You Can & Can't Enter If You Have A Criminal Record
Spain. Whether or not you can travel to Spain with a criminal record depends on the severity of the crime, and when/where the offense happened. Travelers convicted of misdemeanors are unlikely to be banned from entering the country. However, anyone with a criminal record for more serious or recent crimes may face additional entry restrictions ...
Countries that Don't Allow Felons 2024
A visa is a document, usually stamped in a person's passport, that gives that person official permission to enter a particular sovereign country. The process of applying for a visa varies from country to country. Some countries do not allow people who have a felony on their criminal records to obtain a visa, so they are unable to visit.
Traveling with a Criminal Record: All Questions Answered
If you have a criminal record, you may still be able to travel to America. However, you will need to apply for a waiver in advance, which can be a lengthy and complicated process. If you are convicted of a crime in your home country, you will likely be ineligible for a visa to enter the United States.
Travel to South Korea with a criminal record... any experience?
I have a criminal record and was hoping to travel to South Korea. I also have trouble flying, slight panic attacks before and the air pressure is too hard for my head. I'm prescribed diazepam for it. Helps when I've flown to NZ and is very beneficial when I'm flying interstate around Aus. [deleted] • 7 mo. ago.
Obtaining a Korean Background Check Certificate
If you're a foreigner living in South Korea and need to obtain a Korean Criminal Background Check (범죄경력조회), also known as a "Criminal Record Certificate" or "Police Clearance Certificate," you'll find the process straightforward but essential for various purposes, such as visa applications or job requirements.This article outlines the requirements and instructions to help you ...
Countries You Can't Travel to With a Criminal Record
Generally speaking, some countries may be off-limits to those with a felony conviction. These include Canada, Australia, and many European countries. However, there are some countries that may allow entry for those with a felony conviction, such as Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, and Brazil. It is important to research the specific regulations of ...
Travelling to South Korea with criminal record/ conviction
Answer 1 of 2: Does anyone know of anyone getting into Korea with a criminal record? And what was their offence/charges? I was charged with trafficking drugs and weapon possession Thanks. South Korea. ... Travel to South Korea with Indian passport and US Green Card 30 March 2024; Day tour 30 March 2024; See All South Korea Conversations.
Travel for US citizens with misdemeanor and/or felony charges?
For a H-1 visa (which is a working holiday visa) they ask for: Criminal Background Check (Basic Disclosure or Subject Access form; Please contact your local police) with Apostille stamp from FCO. Mine was clean, I'm not sure exactly what they look for to determine entry but a felony charge might exclude you from being eligible.
Kics
A total of 394 types of information are jointly being utilized. The police provides 74 types of information, such as opinion reports, transfer reports, and crime history data. The prosecution service provides 160 types of information, such as written arraignments, non-indictment decisions, various warrant claims, and command over punishment ...
Cherry Blossoms to Cheap Yen Spur Record Tourist Visits to Japan
1:23. Japan hosted a record number of tourists in March as the country's early start to cherry blossom season and a weakening yen drew in holidaymakers. Visitors totaled 3.1 million in March, up ...

List of Felon Friendly Countries

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