china tourist visa criminal record

Navigating China’s Travel Restrictions for Those with Criminal Records

China is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes. However, if you have a criminal record, traveling to China may not be as simple as it is for other travelers. In this article, we will explore the restrictions and requirements for those with criminal records seeking to enter China, as well as some tips for how to navigate the process.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that China has strict laws and regulations regarding the entry of foreigners with criminal records. According to the Chinese government, any foreign national who has been convicted of a criminal offense is barred from entering China. This includes individuals who have been convicted of a crime, even if they have served their sentence or have been granted a pardon or amnesty.

However, it’s worth noting that the definition of “criminal offense” can be somewhat broad and may include charges that are considered minor or insignificant in other countries. Additionally, the Chinese government has discretion to deny entry to anyone it deems a security risk, even if that person does not have a formal criminal record.

If you are planning to travel to China with a criminal record, it is important to be upfront and honest about your situation when applying for a visa. You will likely be required to provide detailed information about your criminal history, including the nature of the offense, the date of conviction, and any sentence or punishment you received. It’s also a good idea to provide any documentation that may demonstrate that you have turned your life around and are unlikely to re-offend, such as letters of reference from employers or community leaders.

It’s also worth noting that, even if your visa application is denied, there may still be options for you to enter China. For example, you may be able to apply for a “special entry-exit permit” which is issued in special circumstances. Additionally, if you are a citizen of a country that has a visa waiver agreement with China, you may be able to enter China for a short period of time without a visa.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that China’s laws and regulations regarding the entry of foreign nationals with criminal records are subject to change and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information and guidance.

In conclusion, traveling to China with a criminal record can be a complex and challenging process, but it is not impossible. By being upfront and honest about your situation, providing all the necessary documentation, and seeking guidance from the Chinese embassy, you can increase your chances of being able to enter China and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.

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  I.Visa Types and  Required Documents

  Annex 1  Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling

1.  Please carefully read the prompts and requirements of the COVA form system, and complete the entries of the visa application COVA online form step by step, making sure that the information is true, accurate and complete. Please note: Once the application form has been submitted, it cannot be modified in any way.

2.  The " location " option  for submitting the visa application should be  in line with the consular jurisdiction.

3.  Basic personal information. Surname, given names, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport type, etc. must be exactly the same as those on the passport information page, otherwise your visa application will be returned.

4.  If you were born in China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), please note:

  (1) Application form 1.1D The Chinese name (if applicable) must be entered in Chinese with the Chinese character input method, please do not fill in "Chinese", "Chinese", etc.

  (2) In the application form 1.6G, select "Yes" for "former nationality", and then select the nationality information.

  (3) Item 1.6H of the application form is required. If the applicant is applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, this entry will be automatically generated during the form filling process; but if the applicant has previously applied for a Chinese visa, this entry will not be displayed when filling in the online form, and the form must be printed out and supplemented by hand-written Chinese name and other information. This Item cannot be empty.

5.  Fill in the work experience and educational background

  (1) Please fill in the work experience in the past 5 years.

  (2) The “position” and “duty” of the application form 3.2D and 3.2E must be filled in completely.

   (3)   Please fill in the highest diploma/degree in 4.1, and the diploma/degree and major in 4.1B and 4.1C must be completed.

6.  Completely fill in each address

The address of the spouse in 5.5A of the application form  must fill in the address of the current location , not the address of the place of birth. The address must be filled in completely, including street, city, state, and country.

7.  If you choose "not applicable" for any entry in the form, you need to state the reason for “not applicable”.

8.  Printing and signing. After completing the COVA online form filling, you must print out a full set of application forms, including the "Confirmation of Online Visa application" and "Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China" (depending on the individual filling situation, a total of 8 to 9 pages will be generated). All the pages of the forms must be printed to turn in, the signature and date on the Confirmation Page and the 8th page of Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China must be handwritten by the applicant him/herself. Visa applicant under the age of 18 is signed by their guardian, and meanwhile add a handwritten signature in the "For person filling in the application on the applicant’s behalf".

  Annex 2  Contents of S1, S2, Q1, Q2 Visa Invitation Letter

Inviter’s name XX, gender X, date of birth: XX, Chinese ID number XXX (or foreign passport number XX, Chinese permanent residence card number XX), current address in China is XX, contact phone number XX, email XX.

I hereby invite the following relatives to visit China for a short-term visit/long-term residence. He/She plans to go to China on XX, and stay in China for XX days.

Invitee information: name XX, gender X, date of birth XX, nationality XX, passport number XX, and the relative relationship with the inviter is XX.

Inviter's signature:        Date:

  Annex 3  Cont ents of M， F and L Visa Invitation Letter

1. Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.

2. Information about the invitee’s visit to China: reason for coming to China, date of arrival and departure, place of visit, relationship with the inviting unit or inviter, who will pay for the travel, etc.

3. Inviting party information: inviting party name, address, tel e phone number, official seal, legal representative or inviter’s signature, date, etc. (the information must be included in the text of the invitation letter)

  Annex 4    Where You Stay Form  ( Download )

Please note: According to the v isa application requirements, if the applicant is not in the United States, he cannot apply for a visa to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General in the United States.)

II. Process of Visa Application

The  consular jurisdiction   of the Embassy  of the People ’ s Republic of China   includes : Washington D . C . ,  Maryland ,  Virginia ,  West Virginia ,  North Carolina ,  South Carolina ,  Kentucky,  Tennessee ,  Delaware ,  Alabama ,  Arkansas ,  Florida ,  Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Puerto Rico . Please confirm that the applicant lives in the above-mentioned states before submitting the visa application.

1. Visa applicants need to log on to the website  “ China Online Visa Application (COVA) ”  to fill in the COVA forms.

*After completing the COVA forms as required, please make sure to  print the full set of COVA forms (8-9 pages)  and  sign   on the Confirmation Page and the 8th  page . If the COVA forms are not prepared as guided, the application will not be accepted.

2. The physical application documents can be submitted to the Visa Office within the office hours by the visa applicant or by an agent.

3. In addition to the printed and signed COVA forms, visa applicants also need to prepare the physical  Required Documents (include   "A.Basic Documents"   and   "B.General Documents")   to submit on-site to the Visa Office. If the physical documents do not meet the requirements or not sufficient, the application may be returned, and the applicant may need to fill in the COVA forms again.

4. Please check all the information on the visa is correct when picking up. If there is any inaccuracy, please tell the staff immediately in case inconvenience brought by the incorrect information. Credit card (Master or Visa card only), money order or cashier's check are accepted for on-site pick-up. 

III.  Processing Time and Fees

Regular service:  4 business days

Express service:  3 business days (urgent situation)

Note:  The above processing time is average and for reference only. Some applications may require longer processing time that a pick-up date cannot be confirmed until notified by the Visa Office.

For visa processing fees, please  click   here .  

IV. Address and Contact Information of the Visa office

Address of the Visa Office :

2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite110, Washington, D.C. 20007 U.S.A.

Office Hours:

9:30-14:30 (Monday to Friday, closed on weekends and holidays)

Email address: [email protected]

Phone number:

001-202-855-1555 (12:30-16:30, Monday to Friday, except for holidays)

Face mask is required upon entry.

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Get a China Visa

Business visa application requirements for a china visa, photograph(s).

The Chinese Consulate requires a photograph that meets very strict requirements. We strongly recommend that you submit your photograph electronically to A Briggs so we can ensure it meets the stringent characteristics mandated by the Chinese Consulate. Follow https://abriggs.com/photo-service to upload your photo.

All electronic photo submissions must be taken within the last six months against an all-white background. It must show a full frontal view of your head, face centered in the middle, the tops of your shoulders, and display a neutral (non-smiling) expression with eyes open, mouth closed, and ears visible. No background light or shadows are permitted. You may not wear eyeglasses, jewelry, or headwear except for religious purposes. Do not wear a white shirt. 

Should you elect to submit an actual photograph then it must meet all of the above criteria and:

• Be exactly 48 mm tall by 33 mm wide  
• Be printed on high-quality photo paper
• Not be affixed to your application, with no evidence of adhesive tape or staples

Note that most passport photo vendors produce photos that are 2 inches by 2 inches and are  not acceptable. A Briggs cannot submit applications with incorrectly formatted photographs.

Letter of Invitation

Business cover letter.

You are required to provide a Business Cover Letter from your U.S.-based company. Be certain your letter meets the specific requirements of the consulate by using our Digital Business Cover Letter. Visit  https://abriggs.com/bcl-order  to get started.

Proof of State Residency

You must provide a proof of your current address of residency. The document must either be a copy of the front of your driver's license or government ID, or a utility bill. The document must:

• Display your name as it appears on your passport
• Display the current residence address as provided on your visa application

Please note, if you must submit a utility bill the consulate requires electric, gas, or a water bill; phone and cable bills are not accepted.

A Briggs Order Form

Provide the A Briggs Order Form included in this kit.

Visa Application Form

One fully completed and signed visa application form.  The application must :

• Be completed online
• Include answers for all required fields
• List the name of the traveler exactly as it is written in the passport
• Be printed single-sided
• Be dated and signed in blue or black ink
• Be enclosed with all other documents in your visa application kit
• Have your signature on the declaration confirmation page, as well as in section 9.1A

Former PRC Nationals or Individuals Born in Chinese Territories

If you are a former PRC passport holder or were born in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau:

• You must write your name in Chinese characters for question 1.2 on the visa application form
• You must provide a copy of your most recent China visa and a copy of the passport in which the visa was issued
• If you have never been issued a China visa you must submit your original China passport and a copy of your Green Card, and a copy of your Naturalization Certificate
• If you were adopted from China you must also include a copy of your adoption papers showing adoptive parents names, name change, and photo with parents (do not include the original papers).  If applicable, include a copy of your naturalization certificate and U.S. birth certificate.

Previous Visas

U.s. citizens born in certain countries, ngo/non-profit workers, applicants with criminal record, "where you stay" form, military statement.

If you have ever served in the military, are in active military duty, are on the reserves or retired from military, the Chinese Consulate request you to complete the DECLARATION OF ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE template form included in the kit.   The dates on this DECLARATION OF ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE form must match the dates on your application form for questions #8.8 and #8.12. The military information including dates of service must also be included in the Employment History section (3.2) of your application even thought this section only requires 5 year work history.

Tourist Application Requirements for a China Visa

Travel record.

You must provide a copy of the travel record form included in this kit. The form must:

• Include all countries that you have visited in the last 28 days 
• Include entry/exit dates of each travel

Applicants Under the Age of 18

All minors under the age of 18 traveling to China must:

• Provide a copy of their birth certificate
• Provide a copy of both parents' passports or drivers' licenses
• Provide a copy of the parents' proof of U.S. residency status (if not U.S. citizens)
• Provide a notarized letter of consent from both parents (if the parents are not accompanying the minor on the trip) that states the child has permission to travel. To access a sample consent letter, follow this link:  https://abriggs.com/forms?formname=ParentalConsent.pdf or type the address into your browser
• On Page 4 (Part 4) of the application, both parents must sign Part 4 and print the name of the minor
• On Page 4 (Part 5) of the application, one parent's information must be filled in and that parent must sign Part 5

Media Professionals and Religious Professionals

If you are a religious professional, media professional or employed by a media company, even if you are not traveling for business purposes, you must submit both a personal statement and a letter from your employer on company letterhead indicating that you are not traveling on company business and will not be performing any media or religious related work.

Cruise Passengers

View a china visa.

Want to see what a visa to China looks like?  You can view a sample visa for China and see what information it contains.

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How to Get a Certificate of No Criminal Record in China – A Guide for Foreign Residents

Foreign residents living in China can request a criminal record check from the local security bureau in the city in which they have lived for at least 180 days. Certificates of no criminal record may be required for people leaving China, or those who are starting a new position in China and applying for a new visa or residence permit. Taking Shanghai as an example, we outline the requirements for obtaining a China criminal record check.

Securing a Certificate of No Criminal Record, often referred to as a criminal record or criminal background check, is a crucial step for various employment opportunities, as well as visa applications and residency permits in China. Nevertheless, navigating the process can be a daunting task due to bureaucratic procedures and language barriers.

In this article, we use Shanghai as an example to explore the essential information and steps required to successfully obtain a no-criminal record check. Requirements and procedures may differ in other cities and counties in China.

Who needs a no-criminal record certificate in China?

A criminal record check is required for foreign residents when they seek to apply for a new work or study visa whilst already living in China. Some people may also need a criminal record check from China when they apply for a certain job position, visa, or other official matters in another country after having left the country.

Note that foreigners who are not currently living in China and need a criminal record check to apply for a Chinese visa must obtain the certificate from their country of residence or nationality, and have it notarized by a Chinese embassy or consulate in that country.

Who can apply for a no-criminal record certificate in Shanghai?

Foreigners who have a valid residence permit and have lived in Shanghai for at least 180 days can request a criminal record check in the city. This means that the applicant will also need to currently have a work, study, or other form of visa or stay permit that allows them to live in China long-term.

If a foreigner has lived in another part of China and is planning to or has recently moved to Shanghai, they will need to request a criminal record check in the place where they previously spent at least 180 days.

How to get a Certificate of No Criminal Record in Shanghai

There are two steps to obtaining a criminal record certificate in Shanghai: requesting the criminal record check from the Public Security Bureau (PSB) and getting the resulting Certificate of No Criminal Record notarized by an authorized notary agency.

Requesting a criminal record check from the PSB

Individuals can request a criminal record check by themselves or authorize another person to do it on their behalf.

Companies can also request a criminal record check for their current or prospective employees. However, companies must comply with the provisions of laws and administrative regulations regarding employment prohibitions.

Foreign individuals in Shanghai must apply for the criminal record check at the Entry-Exit Administration Bureau of the PSB , located at 1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area.

Sample Certificate of No Criminal Record. Source: Ministry of Public Security.

According to the Provisions on the work of public security organs in handling criminal record inquiries (the “provisions”) released by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) in 2021, requests by companies on behalf of an employee will be handled by the local PSB in the employee’s place of residence. If the employee is a foreigner, the request will be handled by the Entry-Exit Administration Bureau of the PSB at or above the county level of the company’s place of residence.

Foreigners requesting a criminal record check should submit the following documents:

• Original valid passport (as well as any previous passports covering the period in which the applicant has lived in Shanghai);
• Photocopies of the photo page, visas, and residence permits covering the period the application has lived in Shanghai;
• A copy of a Foreigner Temporary Accommodation Registration Form, which can be obtained from the applicant’s local police station;
• The foreigner application form, which can be downloaded from the MPS website but is usually also provided at the Entry-Exit Bureau; and
• If the applicant entrusts another person to submit the application, a power of attorney and the trustee’s valid identity document.

If an individual requests a check more than three times within a year, they must submit relevant materials proving that the request is for reasonable purposes.

If a company requests a check on behalf of an employee, it must submit the following materials:

• A letter of introduction from the company;
• The valid identity document of the company’s person in charge;
• An application form stamped with the company’s official seal; and
• Relevant materials indicating that the person for which the check is being requested is an employee or prospective employee of the company or a person to be recruited.

For individual requests, if no criminal record is found for the applicant, a “Certificate of No Criminal Record” will be issued. Once the processing is completed, the applicant or entrusted person must go back to the department where they applied to pick up the certificate. If a criminal record is found for the applicant, a “Notice of Refusal to Issue a Certificate of No Criminal Record” will be issued instead.

For requests made by companies, the results will be communicated to the requesting company in the form of a “Notice of Inquiry.”

Timeline for receiving criminal record results from PSB

According to the provisions, if the department in question is able to process the request immediately, it should be done on the spot. If immediate processing is not possible, the department should issue an “Acceptance Receipt” to the applicant or the requesting company (or third-party person), and the processing should be completed within three working days.

However, in practice, the processing may take longer than the stipulated time limit and can take up to two weeks.

In some cases where the situation is complex, and further investigation and verification are required, the processing time may be longer. The time taken for investigation and verification is not counted towards the processing time.

Notarizing the Certificate of No Criminal Record

After the applicant has received the Certificate, they must apply for notarization at a notary office. The notary office will verify the contents of the Certificate with the PSB. It will then notarize the certificate if the PSB confirms that the information is correct.

Several notary agencies in Shanghai can notarize Certificates of No Criminal Record in Shanghai, such as the Shanghai Dongfang Notary Public Office .

According to the Shanghai Dongfang Notary Public Office, the following materials must be submitted when applying for the notarization:

• Valid passport (if the passport has been updated, the old passport for the period of residence in China must also be provided),
• Photocopies of the photo page and all visas and residence permits covering the period of residence in Shanghai;
• A copy of a Foreigner Temporary Accommodation Registration Form;
• Proof of work or study in Shanghai, such as foreign employment certificate, labor contract, tax bill, and employment certificate issued by the company. Students can provide a student ID card, certificate of enrolment, and graduation certificate;
• Accompanying family members must provide proof of kinship with the employed person (such as marriage or birth certificate);
• Original copy of the Certificate of No Criminal Record issued by Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau; and
• If the applicant has entrusted someone else to handle the procedures, power of attorney, and the trustee’s identity document.

The processing time for the notarization may depend on the notary service but can typically take two weeks.

China Briefing is one of five regional Asia Briefing publications, supported by Dezan Shira & Associates . For a complimentary subscription to China Briefing’s content products, please click here .

Dezan Shira & Associates assists foreign investors into China and has done so since 1992 through offices in Beijing , Tianjin , Dalian , Qingdao , Shanghai , Hangzhou , Ningbo , Suzhou , Guangzhou , Dongguan , Haikou , Zhongshan , Shenzhen , and Hong Kong . We also have offices in Vietnam , Indonesia , Singapore , United States , Germany , Italy , India , and Dubai (UAE) and partner firms assisting foreign investors in The Philippines , Malaysia , Thailand , Bangladesh , and Australia . For assistance in China, please contact the firm at [email protected] or visit our website at www.dezshira.com .

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• Travel Visas Do I Need a Visa? Expedited Visa Solutions ETA Travel Visa FAQs Corporate Travel Solutions
• Passports Expedited Passport Renewal Standard Passport Renewal First-Time Passport Lost or Stolen Passport Child Passport Name Change Second Passport Passport FAQs
• Document Services
• Resources VisaCentral Travel Blog Destination Entry Requirements Podcast ETIAS White Papers Research Webinars
• Services A1 Compliance Global Immigration Services US Immigration VisaCentral Service Directory Learn More About Our Services Corporations Cruise Lines Tour Operators Onsite Services All Partner Solutions Learn More About Our Client Solutions
• Your Order Check Order Status View Invoice Upload Documents

Get a China Visa

Business visa application requirements for a china visa, photograph(s).

The Chinese Consulate requires a photograph that meets very strict requirements. We strongly recommend that you submit your photograph electronically to VisaCentral so we can ensure it meets the stringent characteristics mandated by the Chinese Consulate. Follow https://visacentral.com/photo-service to upload your photo.

All electronic photo submissions must be taken within the last six months against an all-white background. It must show a full frontal view of your head, face centered in the middle, the tops of your shoulders, and display a neutral (non-smiling) expression with eyes open, mouth closed, and ears visible. No background light or shadows are permitted. You may not wear eyeglasses, jewelry, or headwear except for religious purposes. Do not wear a white shirt. 

Should you elect to submit an actual photograph then it must meet all of the above criteria and:

• Be exactly 48 mm tall by 33 mm wide  
• Be printed on high-quality photo paper
• Not be affixed to your application, with no evidence of adhesive tape or staples

Note that most passport photo vendors produce photos that are 2 inches by 2 inches and are  not acceptable. VisaCentral cannot submit applications with incorrectly formatted photographs.

Letter of Invitation

Business cover letter.

You are required to provide a Business Cover Letter from your U.S.-based company. Be certain your letter meets the specific requirements of the consulate by using our Digital Business Cover Letter. Visit  https://visacentral.com/bcl-order  to get started.

Proof of State Residency

You must provide a proof of your current address of residency. The document must either be a copy of the front of your driver's license or government ID, or a utility bill. The document must:

• Display your name as it appears on your passport
• Display the current residence address as provided on your visa application

Please note, if you must submit a utility bill the consulate requires electric, gas, or a water bill; phone and cable bills are not accepted.

VisaCentral Order Form

Provide the VisaCentral Order Form included in this kit.

Visa Application Form

One fully completed and signed visa application form.  The application must :

• Be completed online
• Include answers for all required fields
• List the name of the traveler exactly as it is written in the passport
• Be printed single-sided
• Be dated and signed in blue or black ink
• Be enclosed with all other documents in your visa application kit
• Have your signature on the declaration confirmation page, as well as in section 9.1A

Former PRC Nationals or Individuals Born in Chinese Territories

If you are a former PRC passport holder or were born in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau:

• You must write your name in Chinese characters for question 1.2 on the visa application form
• You must provide a copy of your most recent China visa and a copy of the passport in which the visa was issued
• If you have never been issued a China visa you must submit your original China passport and a copy of your Green Card, and a copy of your Naturalization Certificate
• If you were adopted from China you must also include a copy of your adoption papers showing adoptive parents names, name change, and photo with parents (do not include the original papers).  If applicable, include a copy of your naturalization certificate and U.S. birth certificate.

Previous Visas

U.s. citizens born in certain countries, ngo/non-profit workers, applicants with criminal record, "where you stay" form, military statement.

If you have ever served in the military, are in active military duty, are on the reserves or retired from military, the Chinese Consulate request you to complete the DECLARATION OF ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE template form included in the kit.   The dates on this DECLARATION OF ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE form must match the dates on your application form for questions #8.8 and #8.12. The military information including dates of service must also be included in the Employment History section (3.2) of your application even thought this section only requires 5 year work history.

Urgent Applications

Tourist application requirements for a china visa, travel record.

You must provide a copy of the travel record form included in this kit. The form must:

• Include all countries that you have visited in the last 28 days 
• Include entry/exit dates of each travel

Applicants Under the Age of 18

All minors under the age of 18 traveling to China must:

• Provide a copy of their birth certificate
• Provide a copy of both parents' passports or drivers' licenses
• Provide a copy of the parents' proof of U.S. residency status (if not U.S. citizens)
• Provide a notarized letter of consent from both parents (if the parents are not accompanying the minor on the trip) that states the child has permission to travel. To access a sample consent letter, follow this link:  https://visacentral.com/forms?formname=ParentalConsent.pdf or type the address into your browser
• On Page 4 (Part 4) of the application, both parents must sign Part 4 and print the name of the minor
• On Page 4 (Part 5) of the application, one parent's information must be filled in and that parent must sign Part 5

Media Professionals and Religious Professionals

If you are a religious professional, media professional or employed by a media company, even if you are not traveling for business purposes, you must submit both a personal statement and a letter from your employer on company letterhead indicating that you are not traveling on company business and will not be performing any media or religious related work.

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Visa pre-check.

Have an urgent visa application that carries a tight deadline?   VisaCentral can help you to save valuable time and avoid expensive delays.  A VisaCentral expert will review all of your documents to confirm your application is accurate, complete and ready for submission. We will contact you personally to quickly handle any mistakes ensuring your application is submitted correctly.

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• United Kingdom
• United States

Top Destinations

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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

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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.

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).

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.

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

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 ] .

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".

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.

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

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

South Africa

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

No questions related to criminal history in the visa application .

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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 2019-2020 protests but not charged in court. They were nevertheless 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 [ dead link ] .

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

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

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.

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 .

Per the Immigration Act of Thailand B.E. 2522 (1979) [ dead link ] , 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

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.

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. .

Schengen Area

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 [ dead link ] .

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 .

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.

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 ]

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

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.

Australia and New Zealand

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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Tourist Visa (L-visa) is issued to those who are going to travel to China for tourism.

Please provide the following documents, printed document and photocopies should be in letter size paper.

If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant. The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.

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Travelling abroad with a criminal record – Country by country

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Africa

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

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

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

Detailed guidance on travelling to Canada can be found here .

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

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

Dominican Republic

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

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

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

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

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

Detailed guidance on travelling to China can be found here .

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

Detailed guidance on travelling to India can be found here .

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

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

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

Detailed guidance on travelling to Japan can be found here .

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

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

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

Phillipines

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

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

South Korea

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

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

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

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

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

Detailed guidance on travelling to Australia can be found here .

New Zealand

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

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

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

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

Read and share your experiences on our online forum.

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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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