can you travel to ghana with a criminal record

Countries You Cannot Visit With A Criminal Record

When you’re looking at travel destinations it helps to know which countries you cannot visit with a criminal record and what countries don’t allow felons.

Your freedom to enter other countries depends on multiple factors:

The nature and severity of your offense
How much time has passed since the offense
Your reason for travel
Whether you need a visa or a travel authorization
Whether you’re listed on Interpol’s database

Before you finalize your travel plans, obtain the most recent immigration information from the official website or embassy of your intended destination.

Countries You Cannot Visit With A Criminal Record in 2024

The countries you can’t travel to with a criminal record are mostly limited to nations that require American visitors to obtain a visa, e-visa, or short-term entry authorization.

These countries may require a criminal background check as part of the visa application process or ask you to disclose your criminal convictions.

Having a criminal record won’t necessarily result in being refused entry to a country, and travelers with a minor offense on their record usually face fewer immigration problems than those with a serious felony conviction.

Check the entry rules for your intended destination to find out if you can visit with your criminal record. This information is available on the official website of the country you’re traveling to or from their embassy or consulate.

Related: what countries can felons travel to? .

You Need A Traditional Visa Before Traveling To These Countries

You’ll need a visa issued by the relevant embassy before you travel to the following countries.

Depending on the type of visa you require the visa application may ask for details of your criminal history and may require a copy of an approved background check issued by your local police department or the FBI.

Afghanistan
Central African Republic
Republic of the Congo
Turkmenistan

E-Visa Required Before Travel

The e-visa application and approval process is carried out online before the date of travel. You may be asked to disclose criminal convictions and provide an approved criminal background report. E-visas are required for travel to:

Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ivory Coast
Equatorial Guinea
Papua New Guinea
South Sudan

Visa Issued On Arrival

A visa on arrival is issued for short-term visits for tourism, family visits, and business trips. You can’t use a visa on arrival if you’re planning to live, work, or study in a country.

You’ll need to provide some documents when you apply for a visa on arrival and the documents required vary according to the country concerned.

Visit the official website of the country you want to visit to see which documents you’ll need to provide.

The visa on arrival application may ask about criminal convictions but this isn’t always the case. For example, Egypt doesn’t check criminal convictions for tourist visas.

The following countries issue a visa on arrival:

Saudi Arabia

Visa Free Travel

American passport holders benefit from visa-free travel to more than 140 nations. Visa-free travel permits short-term entry to a country for business or pleasure without going through a lengthy and expensive visa application process.

You’ll still need a visa if you plan to live, work, or study in these countries, though.

Your passport is the only document you need to enter most visa-free countries. Foreign border agents (except for Canada) don’t have access to state or federal criminal records databases and can’t pull up your criminal record when they scan your passport.

However, some countries on the visa-free list for American travelers require visitors to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before arrival, and some require visitors to complete an entry card on arrival. In both cases, you could be asked if you have a criminal record.

European Union member states will require an electronic travel authorization for visitors from mid-2025. The travel authorization is called an ETIAS and will be required for the countries marked with an * in the list below.

You will be asked about criminal convictions on the ETIAS application but having a criminal record won’t automatically result in an ETIAS denial.

These are the destinations currently offering short-term visa-free access to American passport holders:

American Samoa
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia (ETA)
Caribbean Netherlands
Bosnia and Herzegovina
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Cook Islands
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French West Indies
Kenya (ETA)
Liechtenstein*
Luxembourg*
Marshall Islands
Netherlands*
New Caledonia
New Zealand (ETA)
North Macedonia
Northern Mariana Islands
Pakistan (ETA)
Philippines
Puerto Rico
São Tomé and Príncipe
South Africa
South Korea
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Switzerland*
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands
United States Virgin Islands
United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City

Travelers wishing to stay for longer visits and those planning to live or work in a visa-free country must apply for the relevant visa.

Visa applications may ask you to disclose criminal convictions, provide an approved background check, and supply official documents relating to your conviction and completed sentence.

Having a criminal conviction doesn’t mean you’ll be refused a visa. Visa approval depends on the immigration rules of the country concerned and the nature and age of your offense.

What Countries Can Felons Not Travel To?

Countries that don’t allow felons to obtain any or some types of visas include:

Some major nations regulate the immigration of felons, those convicted of certain crimes, and those who served custodial sentences. These nations include:

Travelers must have a visa or ETA and fill out an entry card upon arrival. All of these documents ask about criminal convictions.

Australia doesn’t admit visitors convicted of a crime that resulted in imprisonment for 12 months or longer.

For noncustodial sentences and prison sentences under 12 months, immigration officials will only approve entry for individuals believed to be of good character.

Canadian border officials have access to United States criminal record databases and check travelers’ backgrounds at the border.

Canada is one of the countries felons can’t visit unless they receive special approval. Travelers convicted of misdemeanor offenses may also be criminally inadmissible.

Travelers with a criminal record should apply to the Canadian consulate for entry with a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) or via Criminal Rehabilitation.

Travelers with a criminal conviction resulting in a prison sentence of 12 months or more are not eligible for visa-free travel to Japan. You must apply for a visa.

New Zealand

New Zealand excludes travelers convicted of a crime at any time for which the sentence was incarceration for 5 years or more.

Travelers convicted of a crime in the past 10 years and sentenced to 12 months or more in prison are also refused entry.

You may be able to obtain a character waiver for some offenses.

If you were convicted of a crime in the last 10 years and were sentenced to 12 months or longer in prison, you cannot enter Russia.

The UK policy for visa applicants with a criminal record states that a visa will be refused if the applicant:

Is the subject of a deportation order
Served a prison sentence over 4 years for a single offense
Served a prison sentence of 12 months to 4 years, unless 10 years have passed since the completion of the sentence
Served a prison sentence under 12 months, unless 5 years have passed since the completion of the sentence

Countries That Don’t Allow Felons (If Discovered)

Laws in the following countries may prohibit felons from entering even though border officials don’t screen passengers on arrival.

However, if your felony conviction was shared with Interpol, your felony will be discovered when your passport is scanned.

Anyone deemed a security risk due to the nature of their conviction will be refused entry.

Traveling With A Criminal Record

Immigration policies and the countries felons can’t visit are subject to change. You must check the latest immigration and entry rules for the country you want to visit.

If you can’t find clear and definitive information on the destination’s official website, contact their embassy or consulate and follow the advice you’re given.

Always answer questions about your criminal background honestly, whether the question is on a visa application or entry card, or asked by a border official.

If you provide false information which is discovered, you could be prosecuted for fraud.

can you travel to ghana with a criminal record

Charles Greg is the Co-Founder, Author, & Head Developer behind RentingtoFelons.org With a lifelong passion for humanity.

Allows felons

Denied If Discovered

Denied up front

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

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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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Ghana Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Ghana

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required on public transportation.

Ghana entry details and exceptions

Documents & additional resources, ready to travel, find flights to ghana, find stays in ghana, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Can I travel to Ghana from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ghana.

Can I travel to Ghana if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Ghana without restrictions.

Can I travel to Ghana without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Ghana without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Ghana?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Ghana.

Can I travel to Ghana without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Ghana?

Mask usage in Ghana is not required on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Ghana?

Restaurants in Ghana are open. Bars in Ghana are .

How To Get Police Report In Ghana For Travelling Visa

Securing a traveling visa to explore foreign lands can be an exciting prospect for many Ghanaian travelers. However, one crucial document that is often a prerequisite for visa applications is a Police Report, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate or Police Criminal Record Check.

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The Police Report serves as a testament to an individual’s criminal history and is a vital part of the visa application process, ensuring that travelers meet the necessary criteria for entry into their desired destination.

In this guide, we will outline the step-by-step process of obtaining a Police Report in Ghana for a traveling visa, offering valuable insights to help applicants navigate through the procedure with ease and efficiency.

By understanding the requirements and following the prescribed steps, Ghanaian travelers can enhance their visa application’s success and embark on their journey with confidence and peace of mind.

Obtaining a police report in Ghana for a traveling visa involves a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to secure the required document:

Identify the Appropriate Authority: In Ghana, the police report is commonly known as a “Police Clearance Certificate” or “Police Criminal Record Check.” Visit the nearest police station or the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra to initiate the process.
Gather Required Documents: Typically, you will need the following documents to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate: a. A valid passport or national identification card. b. Two recent passport-sized photographs. c. A completed application form, which you can obtain at the police station or download from their website. d. Any additional documents requested by the police authorities.
Complete the Application Form: Ensure that you accurately fill out the application form with all the necessary information. Any errors or incomplete details might lead to delays in processing.
Pay the Fee: There is usually a fee associated with obtaining the Police Clearance Certificate. The fee amount may vary (usually GH₵40.00), so inquire about the current charges at the police station or CID Headquarters.
Submit the Application: Present all the required documents, including the application form and the fee payment, to the designated officer at the police station or CID Headquarters. They will review your application and initiate the processing.
Await Processing: The processing time for the Police Clearance Certificate may vary, but it usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, the police authorities will conduct background checks to verify your criminal record.
Collect the Police Clearance Certificate: Once the processing is complete, return to the police station or CID Headquarters to collect your Police Clearance Certificate. Ensure that all the information on the certificate is accurate before leaving the premises.
Submit for Visa Application: Finally, submit the Police Clearance Certificate along with other required documents to the relevant embassy or consulate when applying for your travel visa.

It’s essential to start the application process well in advance of your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing.

Additionally, be prepared to provide any additional information or documentation requested by the police authorities during the application process. Remember, the police report is a critical document in your visa application, and providing accurate information is crucial to a successful visa application.

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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Aim of this page, why is this important, travel to africa, travel to the americas, travel to asia, travel to oceania, personal experiences, discuss this with others, useful links, more information, get involved.

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 Record: All Questions Answered

Sometimes, an unfortunate event happens to us that may prevent us from getting the life we want. This can be the case with a criminal record . It is good to be aware of what situations you will be in when traveling, as not every country is going to be flexible in your situation. Here are some tips and advice for anyone looking to travel with a criminal record.

If you have a criminal record, there are several countries that will not let you enter. This can be a problem if you want to travel for business or pleasure. Here is a list of countries that will not allow entry to those with a criminal record.

Apply Online

In this article…

I have a criminal record and want to travel: What countries can I visit?

The United States, Canada , Australia , and New Zealand are some of the countries that will not allow entry to those with a criminal record.

Other countries too may refuse entry to visitors with a criminal record.

Countries that may refuse entry to visitors with a criminal record.

Afghanistan , Algeria , Angola , Bahrain , Cambodia , Cameron, Central African Republic , China , Comoros , Djibouti , Equatorial Guinea , Eritrea , Gabon , Gambia , Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia , Ivory Coast , Kazakhstan , Kuwait , Kyrgyzstan , Laos , Lebanon , Liberia , Libya , Malaysia , Maldives , Mauritania , Mongolia , Mozambique , Myanmar , Namibia , Nepal , Niger , Nigeria , Oman , Pakistan , Qatar , Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal , Sierra Leone , Somalia , South Sudan , Sudan , Syria , Tajikistan , Thailand , Togo , Turkmenistan , UAE, Uzbekistan , Vietnam , Yemen , Zambia , Zimbabwe

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How can I travel to America with a criminal record?

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.

Even if you are granted a waiver, you may still be subject to additional scrutiny at the border. Be prepared to answer questions about your criminal record and why you are traveling to the United States.

If you have a criminal record, you may still be eligible for a US visa waiver . To apply, you will need to submit a completed application, including all required supporting documentation, to the US Embassy or Consulate where you will be applying for your visa.

What are the travel restrictions for people with a criminal record?

If you have a criminal record, travel restrictions will vary depending on the country you are trying to enter. For example, Canada will not allow people with certain types of criminal records to enter the country. The United States has a similar policy, but there are some exceptions. If you are hoping to travel to a country with strict travel restrictions for people with criminal records, it is best to consult with an attorney beforehand to see if there is any way to obtain a waiver.

Also read: US Work Visa – How to Apply

Can I get a waiver to enter the United States with a criminal record?

If you have a criminal record, you may still be able to enter the United States. Whether or not you are eligible for a waiver depends on the type of offense and how long ago it occurred.

If your criminal offense was a misdemeanor, such as petty theft or disorderly conduct, you may be eligible for a waiver if it occurred more than five years ago. If your offense was a felony, such as rape or murder, you will not be eligible for a waiver. ( Source )

In order to apply for a waiver, you will need to submit a completed application, along with supporting documentation, to the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be applying for a visa. The consular officer will review your case and make a decision on whether or not to grant a waiver. If you are granted a waiver, you will be issued a visa and will be allowed to enter the United States.

How can I find out if my criminal record will prevent me from traveling?

If you have a criminal record, you may not be able to travel to certain countries. For example, Canada has a program called the International Criminal Information Centre (ICIC) which allows them to share information about people with criminal records with other countries. If you try to enter Canada and they find out you have a criminal record, you may be denied entry. ( Source )

There are also some countries that have specific requirements for people with criminal records. For example, Australia requires people with certain types of criminal records to apply for a special visa before they can enter the country.

If you’re not sure whether your criminal record will prevent you from traveling to a particular country, you can check with the embassy or consulate of that country.

There are a number of ways to check if you will be restricted from traveling to a particular country because of your criminal record.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website has a list of countries that have entry requirements for British citizens. This list includes information on whether a country requires a criminal background check as part of its entry requirements.

The FCO also provides advice for British citizens traveling to specific countries. This advice includes information on any entry requirements for that country, including any requirements for a criminal background check.

If you are unsure whether your criminal record will restrict your travel to a particular country, you can check with the embassy or consulate of that country. You should do this before you book your travel arrangements.

In some cases, you may be able to apply for a waiver or exemption from the travel restriction. For example, you may be able to apply for a waiver if you are traveling for business or humanitarian reasons.

If you are found to be traveling to a country without the required documentation, you may be refused entry and could be deported. You may also be placed on a watch list which could make it difficult for you to travel to other countries in the future.

Can I travel internationally with a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor on your record should not impact your ability to travel internationally.

There is no one answer to this question as different countries have different policies in place regarding entry for people with a misdemeanor. Some countries may allow entry for people with a misdemeanor, while others may not. It is important to research the entry requirements of a particular country before traveling there.

How can I travel if I have a criminal record?

If you have a criminal record, you may be able to travel if you meet certain requirements. For example, you may need to get a pardon or have your record sealed.

If you have a criminal record, traveling can be difficult. You may not be able to get a passport, or if you are able to get a passport, you may not be able to travel to certain countries. Even if you are able to travel, you may have to disclose your criminal record to customs and immigration officials, which could lead to problems.

Countries you can’t travel to with a criminal record

There are many countries that will not allow someone with a criminal record to enter. Some of these countries include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh , Barbados , Botswana , Brunei , Cambodia, Congo , Egypt , Ghana , Guyana, India , Iraq , Jamaica , Jordan , Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar , Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia , Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.

Do the Bahamas allow felons to enter?

The Bahamas does not have a formal policy on felons entering the country. However, it is generally assumed that felons would not be allowed to enter the Bahamas due to the country’s strict laws on crime and violence.

UK Criminal record travel restrictions

If you have a criminal record in the United Kingdom, you may be restricted from traveling to certain countries. This is because some countries do not allow people with criminal records to enter their territory.

Can I travel to the Caribbean with a criminal record?

If you have a criminal record, you may still be able to travel to the Caribbean . However, you will need to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit to find out their specific requirements.

You may also need to get a waiver from the country’s government in order to be allowed entry.

Can green card holders with criminal records travel?

If you have a criminal record, you may still be able to get a green card (permanent resident card), but it will likely be more difficult and you may need to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility.

If you have been convicted of a crime, you are not automatically ineligible for a green card. However, your crime may make you inadmissible to the United States, which means you will not be able to get a green card unless you qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility.

There are many different types of crimes that can make you inadmissible, including:

Crimes involving moral turpitude (such as fraud or theft)
Aggravated felonies
Drug offenses
Human trafficking offenses
Domestic violence offenses
Unlawful presence in the United States

Apply Online easily.

Which Countries a Convicted Felon Can Visit With a Passport?

Some countries do not require a U.S. citizen to have a passport before entering. So, a convicted felon will not have a problem going to any of these countries. But there are plenty of countries that do require a passport and a visa. A convicted felon with a passport is not guaranteed entry when a visa is required.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Countries Can a Convicted Felon Travel to?

Caribbean countries
European countries
South Africa
Philippines
United Arab Emirates

Remember that a valid passport is necessary, and the six-month passport validity rule applies for more information on travel restrictions for a convicted felon here .

Which Countries Denied Entry if You Have a Convicted Felony?

Visitors who are traveling to these countries below with a felon may be denied if they have a convicted felony.

New Zealand
United States
United Kingdom

Which Countries Where Visas Are Required and Request Criminal Records?

Some countries that require a U.S. citizen to have a visa for entry may want you to get it before traveling or upon arrival. During the visa application, these countries will ask about your criminal history and may not issue a visa depending on the crime. Such countries are

With a felony conviction, you may be denied entry. Other nations that require a pre-entry visa are Brazil and India. The excellent news about Brazil and India, their visa application does not ask about a criminal record. So, a convicted felon can travel to these nations without fear of denying entry.

Where to Apply for a Visa?

Some countries have complicated visa processes. The best advice is to seek visa services to prevent any delays, especially if a visa is required in advance or even if you can get one at a port of entry. Getting one when you arrive can take time away from your trip. Also, as a felon, you do not want to be denied entry after making your trip.

Conclusion:

If you plan to visit any country that requires a visa for entry, apply at an embassy way in advice to prevent any disappointment. If a visa is only granted at the port of entry, it is best to ask an embassy if you will be denied entry based on your conviction before boarding your flight. It is necessary so that you can go to another country that may not need a visa to visit.

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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.

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CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS CID - GHANA

Visit the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters Accra in person or apply through a resident Ghanaian who can complete the forms on your behalf.

Applicants must provide the following:

Photocopy of bio-data page of the passport
Particulars of parents
Particulars of schools attended/places worked
Three (3) passport size photographs
A fee of US$200
The next steps are stated below:

ATTESTATION /LEGALIZATION - GHANA

Public documents (such as Criminal Check Certificate, Marriage/Divorce Documents, Birth/Death certificates) issued by Ghanaian authorities for use abroad must be:

Notarized by Notary Public in Ghana
Certified by Judicial Service of Ghana
Attested by the Legal and Consular Bureau of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
Further attestation by Ghana High Commission in London

ATTESTATION - GHANA HIGH COMMISSION

Download and complete attestation form via Mission’s website -https://www.ghanahighcommissionuk.com/attestation.aspx
Attestation Checklist
Original and Copy of Document to be attested
Original and copy of biodata page of the passport
2 Passport size photographs
£30 postal order (Payable to: Ghana High Commission UK). No Cash allowed
Pre-paid special delivery self-addressed envelope for reposting to applicants

In our effort to contain the spread of Covid-19, all applicants are to submit the above-mentioned documents by post only to the High Commission’s Belgrave office. Please note application takes 5 working days from receipt of hard copy of documents at the Mission.

Below is the Mission’s postal address:

GHANA HIGH COMMISSION

CONSULAR SECTION

13 BELGRAVE SQUARE

LONDON

SW1X 8PS

CONTACT DETAILS: CONSULAR SECTION - 0207 201 5991 / 5922

Update April 12, 2024

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U.S. citizens may need a "certificate of good conduct" or proof that they lack a criminal record. These may be needed for many reasons abroad. These reasons may include adoption, school, and work. U.S. police may not know about this process because it is rare in the United States. U.S. citizens have many options to prove they have no criminal record.

Local Police Check

Go to your local police department where you live or last lived in the United States. Ask that the police conduct a local or state criminal records search. Ask that they provide a document showing you have no history of a criminal record. Police departments may need you to be there in person to request the background check.

Check if the country where you will use the records requires authentication. For information on that, please see our page on authentications .

FBI Records Check

The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is in charge of an FBI records check. They are responsible for criminal justice information. They work with law enforcement and governments around the world. They also work with private organizations and citizens like you.

The FBI offers two ways to request your FBI Identification Record or to prove that no record exists:

You may get a copy of your record by submitting a written request to the CJIS Division. The request must include proof of identity. This proof must include your name, date and place of birth, and a set of rolled-inked fingerprints (which can usually be obtained at your local police department). If there is no criminal record, they provide a report reflecting this fact. The FBI will not provide copies of other people's arrest records to you. See www.FBI.gov for current processing fees and more information. See also Identification Record Request and Guide for Obtaining Your FBI Identification Record . Lastly, see Submitting an Identification Record Request to the FBI.
You may also submit a request through an FBI-approved channeler. A channeler is a private business that has contracted with the FBI. They receive your fingerprint submissions and data. They also collect any fees. Then they send the submissions and information to the FBI. The FBI will give them the background check results, and they will give them to you. See www.FBI.gov for the list of FBI-approved channelers.

Note: You must submit a request directly to the FBI CJIS Division if you need:

An apostille or authenticated copy of your FBI Identification Record
An FBI Identification Record as a non-U.S. national or permanent resident

The U.S. Department of State Authentications Office can attach an apostille to a document for countries in the Hague Apostille Convention. For countries not in the convention, they will add a certification over the FBI seal.

Getting Your Fingerprints Taken

You should be able to get fingerprint cards from your local police or at www.FBI.gov . U.S. embassies and consulates abroad do not provide these services. See Fingerprint Identification: An Overview.

Authentication of Police or FBI Certificates of Lack of a Criminal Record

CJIS will authenticate U.S. Department of Justice Order 556-73 fingerprint search results for international requests. They do this if requested at the time of submission. They do so by placing the FBI seal and signature of a Division official on the results.

If needed, you can then send this document to our U.S. Department of State Authentications Office. They can authenticate it for you. Be sure to tell them what country you will use the document in.

Documents from your local police will need more than their seal. You will need more authentication. Contact your state Secretary of State’s office or other designated officials in your state. They can help you authenticate state-issued documents. See our general guidance on authentication of documents for use abroad .

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Criminal Data Service Bureau – CDSB

Criminal data service bureau - cdsb.

The Criminal data Services Bureau [CDSB] is one of the specialized units at the CID Headquarters. It is made up of the Fingerprint Bureau, Singles Fingerprint and the Criminal Records Office.

Functions of the CDSB

The CDSB undertakes the following functions:

The unit receives the fingerprints and crime details of suspects and convicted criminals (on CID Forms 6 and 8) from the various police stations for classification and preparation of criminal records.
Publication of wanted persons, missing persons, stolen property and recovered/found property in the Police Gazette.
Examination of disputed fingerprints of documents.
Visiting of crime scenes to lift latent fingerprints for analysis in order to identify suspects.
Vetting or criminal background check for prospective travelers and job seekers.

Automation of the Processes at the CDSB

Fingerprints and criminal records stored at the CDSB date back to the nineteen twenties (1920’s) as part of the initiative to automate the processes and procedures at the CID Headquarters, the automated criminal records database was implemented in May 2001. An automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) was also implemented in September 2011.

Currently over 3,700 fingerprints and related records have been captured in the AFIS system. In addition, records of convicts dating back to 1986 have been captured in the Criminal Records Database System. The unit is actively engaged in capturing all the manual records and fingerprints of convicts into the systems. When this exercise is completed, all searches would be fully automated and search results could be returned within minutes.

Contact the Ghana Police Service Help Desk for additional inquiries. We are here to assist you!

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COMMENTS

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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 ...
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The countries you can't travel to with a criminal record are mostly limited to nations that require American visitors to obtain a visa, e-visa, or short-term entry authorization. These countries may require a criminal background check as part of the visa application process or ask you to disclose your criminal convictions.
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If you decide to travel to Ghana: See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program 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 ...
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Obtaining a police report in Ghana for a traveling visa involves a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to secure the required document: Identify the Appropriate Authority: In Ghana, the police report is commonly known as a "Police Clearance Certificate" or "Police Criminal Record Check.". Visit the nearest police station or ...
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The Department of State renewed its Travel Advisory for Ghana on February 16, 2021. The advisory can be found here and is also copied below for your convenience: Reconsider travel to Ghana due to COVID-19. Read the Department of State's COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for ...
Traveling with a criminal history
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.
Ghana
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ghana. If you decide to travel to Ghana: See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
List of countries that regulate the immigration of felons
China excludes any person who has terrorism, deportation, smuggling, drug trafficking, prostitution or other felony convictions. [3] Japan excludes any person who has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment for 12 months or more. [4] [5] New Zealand excludes: [6] any person who, at any time, was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for 5 ...
CRB Checks in Ghana Ghana High Commission
CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS CID - GHANA . Visit the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters Accra in person or apply through a resident Ghanaian who can complete the forms on your behalf. Applicants must provide the following: Photocopy of bio-data page of the passport; Particulars of parents
Criminal Record Checks
Criminal Record Checks. U.S. citizens may need a "certificate of good conduct" or proof that they lack a criminal record. These may be needed for many reasons abroad. These reasons may include adoption, school, and work. U.S. police may not know about this process because it is rare in the United States. U.S. citizens have many options to prove ...
Criminal Data Service Bureau
The Criminal data Services Bureau [CDSB] is one of the specialized units at the CID Headquarters. It is made up of the Fingerprint Bureau, Singles Fingerprint and the Criminal Records Office. The CDSB undertakes the following functions: The unit receives the fingerprints and crime details of suspects and convicted criminals (on CID Forms 6 and ...
Which Countries Can You Travel To With A Canadian Criminal Record?
In theory, the USA is a country you cannot travel to with a Canadian criminal record. In reality, this happens quite often, though the risks are higher these days than they were 20 years ago. USA travel law has a straight forward policy. If you have a criminal conviction, then the customs and border patrol has every right to refuse you entry ...

Countries You Cannot Visit With A Criminal Record

Countries You Cannot Visit With A Criminal Record in 2024

You Need A Traditional Visa Before Traveling To These Countries

E-Visa Required Before Travel

Visa Issued On Arrival

Visa Free Travel

United Kingdom

What Countries Can Felons Not Travel To?

New Zealand

Countries That Don’t Allow Felons (If Discovered)

Traveling With A Criminal Record

Countries that Don't Allow Felons 2024

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United Kingdom

United States

Countries that will deny entry to felons if discovered

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