Travel for Ex-Felons

spheres002 · #1 Aug 11, 2008, 11:15 PM

What countries can ex-felons travel to without a problem?
I have no drug charges.

Clough · Aug 13, 2008, 02:05 AM

That would depend on the kind of offense that you had committed and when you were convicted. So, it would help to know those things in order to answer you the best here. Also, it would help us to help you the best to know if you are still on probation or parole of some kind.

I know that Canada has a policy that you have to wait at least five years after a felony conviction of any kind in order to enter that country.

Are there any countries that you are thinking of in particular?

Thanks!

spheres002 · Aug 13, 2008, 07:47 PM

Hi Clough, THANK YOU for your answer... The convictions were between 1996-1998 and
the crimes were theft and forgery. I did serve more than 1 year but I've been off of parole for 5 years now. So... no probation, no parole.
I want to go EVERYWHERE and feel like I can't go anywhere without going through a bunch of paperwork. Guess that is part of my consequences...

I was thinking of Thailand, Europe would be nice too. I also have a lot of family in Japan...
So I would love to go there again. I was hoping someone would know of places that aren't so strict then I would choose from those suggestions.
Anyway, thanks again for your reply... Any help would be appreciated!!!

Clough · Aug 14, 2008, 01:13 AM

Where are you encountering a bunch of paperwork to go through that might be hindering your travel, and how is it hindering your ability to travel, please? It would help us to know about that in order to help you the best here. I don't have all of the answers, but I do know of at least a few people on this site who might know about the restrictions to certain countries. If necessary, I can alert them to your post. They normally are paying attention to other topic areas on this site.

Thanks!

spheres002 · Aug 14, 2008, 08:26 AM

For Japan, I need to go through a bunch of paperwork... Put down my crimes and the penalty, letter from my parole officer (who I'm no longer in contact with), letter from my family in Japan saying they'll be responsible for me during my stay... They also want my paystubs and proof that I'm gainfully employed... And I'm not sure what else... I need to submit all of this for a visa... And it is then up to the Japanase Consulate to approve my visa. So I could go through all the paperwork and still be denied.
From checking through other sources, I've found that I need to do this for other countries too. Europe for instance... But its all very unclear.
The same advice I keep getting is 'call the embassy of the country you want to go to and find out their requirements'. I don't wanna have to go through all that. I just want to know where I can go without a problem.
Thanks again for your time...

excon · Aug 14, 2008, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spheres002

I just want to know where I can go without a problem.

Hello s:

That's a wonderful thing to want..... It's just not gonna happen.

There are a bunch of countries out there. Believe it or not, like us, they change their rules all the time. They may or may not publish those rules, and nobody has compiled those rules into a comprehensive list.

If YOU made a list like that, I could tell you where you could sell it for BIG bucks.... But, if you think about it, nobody COULD really compile such a list....

So, what I would do, is just go. What I would NOT do is inform them of your criminal past and then ask them if you can visit!! MOST of them have no idea about you or your criminal past and have NO WAY of finding out. So if YOU alert them, shame on you. It's kinda like snitching on yourself. Besides, by doing so, I'm sure 99% of them will turn you down. Clearly, there's no upside for a bureaucrat to grant you permission to enter his country - only downside.

I don't know if OUR FBI records are available to even western nations that are our allies. They shouldn't be, but under George W. Bush, your privacy doesn't matter much... But, for sure, your FBI records aren't available to MOST of the world.

So, when I say go, that's exactly what I mean. Most visa's are granted WHEN you enter. If they DON'T have a reason to turn you down, they won't. If they do, then turn around and get on an airplane for your next destination.

excon

spheres002 · Aug 14, 2008, 07:59 PM

Thanks Excon!!! I've heard that before... "JUST GO!!!"
I would just hate to be traveling with family or friends and get stopped and ruin everybody
elses vacation. But... You only live once, right???

Do you think travel agents would have anymore info?

Thanks for your help, though... It's appreciated very much!!!

deepseadvr · Nov 28, 2008, 09:37 AM

As an ex-felon, I will have to agree with ex-con. The visas are granted when you arrive. Unless they have your name on a watched list, highly unlikely, there is no reason for them to do an in depth search of your past. besides, your passport doesn't identify yourself as an ex-felon. Just don't tell on yourself. I have traveled to Japan, Singapore, Carribean, Mexico, Italy and had no problems. Just go.

philspc1 · Dec 7, 2008, 12:02 PM

Hey deepseadvr... How long after your felony did you visit Japan? I really want to go there myself, along with so many other places. I'd love to know more about how you went about going as far as the process goes, because I'd hate to drop a grand or so on a plane ticket just to be denied once I get there. Thanks for your help!

conned · Jun 16, 2009, 01:02 PM

I wish I would have read this posting earlier! I tried to cross the border at Canada, and they asked me if I had ever been fingerprinted. The question really stunned me. I said Yes! They immediately zeroed in on the conviction, ran a background check, searched my car, had me wait about 45 minutes while they asked me a line of questions.

Finally, I was denied entry and told I was not allowed into Canada unless I received approval from their govt.

This was a manslaughter conviction from 25 years ago when I was a teenager. It was an accidental situation, but I took a plea bargain like an idiot. Since then I graduated from college and have been manager for many years until recently when articles started appearing on Google.

Do you think Canada would have never had this information? I asked Canada if they intend on disseminating this info and they said no. I was not sure if I could be charged for lying and crossing the border. Oh well, bad move!

Now I cannot find a job in the good ole USA, and would like to move out of the country. Any suggestions (in other words, HELP!!).