newstart99
May 21, 2009, 07:47 AM
What would be the rules/considerations for a convicted felon to travel from the USA to UK? I've read varying answers on the internet, I read somewhere that if the crime is considered "spent" it wouldn't count, it has been 20 years since committing a felony so would that make any difference?
Is the ability to travel likely? Anyway around it?
Thanks
excon
May 23, 2009, 08:22 AM
Hello new:
I'll give it a shot. The only place that I KNOW you'll have trouble with, is Canada. Three years ago I traveled to Europe and had no trouble. No mention was ever made regarding my felonies... Lots of things have changed since them, in terms of terrorism, but I don't think any of that negatively effects felons.
It's true, I didn't go to every country and they're all different.. But, once you get in the EU, I don't think you're checked between the countries...
I also just came back from Mexico. I'm convinced that American customs see's NOTHING on their computers about my criminal record... Had they seen it, they absolutely would have stripped my car down to bare metal. Instead they smiled, and waved me through.
What I would do, if I was you, is just go. Certainly if you inform them in advance of your arrival, the bureaucrat who reviews your request for entry has NO upside for granting it.
I know, I didn't help much...
excon