Countries You Cannot Visit with a Criminal Record and Those You Can

They say, ‘The world is your oyster,’ but for those with a criminal record, that oyster can feel quite small. While some countries restrict entry to those with convictions, others welcome visitors without issue.

In this blog, we look at the countries you can’t visit with a criminal record and give you an insight into the ones you can.

Yes and no. There are many countries around the world with strict rules prohibiting entry to anyone with a criminal record. Other countries are much more relaxed and have no qualms about granting entry, regardless of criminal history.

Much depends on the crime committed, how long ago it occurred, and what the sentence was. For example, in the USA, if you were under 18 when you committed the offence, have had at least five years pass since the offence took place, and were sentenced to less than six months, you’ll be viewed much more favourably than a criminal who doesn’t fulfil these criteria.

A key point to remember is that, in most cases, your criminal record is only divulged via a visa application. If you do not require a visa to travel to the country you are visiting, then the likelihood of your criminal past causing a problem is small. That being said, if you knowingly hide a conviction and it comes to light, you could be banned from the country or prosecuted. Again, much depends on the country you are visiting. Some will require a visa, some won’t. Some will ask about criminal history, some won’t.

On the basis that no visa means no diving into a criminal past, the following countries are likely to be a little more welcoming to those with a criminal record. Whilst entry is not guaranteed, no visa is required, nor are any questions asked about any criminal history on entry applications.

These countries include:

Other countries may not be so welcoming, though. With strict visa requirements or simply a no-tolerance policy, you could find entry refused or only granted if you complete a host of detailed forms divulging your criminal past.

These countries include but are not limited to:

For full clarity, you should contact the relevant embassy in advance of any plans to travel. This way, you’ll get clear rules to follow and a better understanding of whether entry is subject to specific conditions.

Well, you’ll have seen in our list above that it is one of the countries listed on our list of places you cannot enter. This can be a grey area. The USA is very strict on who it lets enter.

Should you be visiting the USA on holiday, you normally apply for an ESTA for approved entry. However, a criminal record could see you need to seek a visa instead.

Within this application, you’ll need to provide details of your criminal record, attend an interview at the embassy, and be assessed for entry. Depending on the crime and the factors we mentioned earlier — such as age and sentence length — a decision will be made. You could also apply for a “waiver of ineligibility.” This allows US authorities the chance to review your case themselves and grant access regardless of the crime.

If you have visa-free access to the Schengen zone, you can travel freely even with a criminal record. Should you not have such access, you may be required to disclose your criminal history when applying for a visa.

This year, though, things are changing. From late 2026, ETIAS is launching. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System will provide background checks on everyone wanting to enter the Schengen area. These checks will then help determine entry, and should authorisation not be given, you’ll not be allowed to enter.

Canada is much like the USA in its approach to criminals. Honesty is simply essential if you want to enter. There is one question on the travel authorisation application that asks if you “have ever committed, been arrested for, been charged with, or convicted of any criminal offence in any country?”

If you have, then you need to respond accordingly. You’ll then have to provide a police certificate and court records within 30 days. Depending on the crime, how long ago it happened, and how you have behaved since, you’ll find your entry request refused or accepted.

Australia is known to be tough with granting entry, but even with a criminal record, it is still possible. You’ll need to apply for an eVisitor Visa, but as with the USA and Canada, you must be completely honest.

Should you have criminal convictions where the sentence is for 12 months or more, you have been convicted of two or more offences where the combined sentence length was 12 months or more, or you have a suspended sentence of 12 months or more, you will not be allowed the eVisitor Visa. However, you could still enter the country via a tourist visa.

This visa needs to be applied for via the Australian embassy and requires a police certificate as part of the application. As a result, the Australian authorities will look at your criminal history, and if you don’t exhibit what they classify as being of “good character” or have a substantial criminal record, you’ll need to prove what you have done to give them confidence you are now of good character.

Should they deem the crimes too serious or that you are not of suitable character, your visa application will be cancelled, and you’ll be banned permanently from entering Australia.

Dubai is huge right now. It’s a prime destination for the rich as well as the faux-rich and draws a large crowd for much of the year.

You can visit if you have a criminal record, but only if you visit for a holiday or for a short time. The tourist visa grants a stay of up to 40 days, but should you want longer, you’ll need a probationary work permit.

These last up to three months and are obtained from the Ministry of Labour. Within the application, you will need to disclose any criminal history, and should you be looking for work, your employer will also request a background check. The authorities will then decide whether you can be granted entry.

Each country has its own rules, but a select number of crimes are classed as serious and will see attempts to enter turned down. These include:
• Murder
• Human trafficking
• Rape
• Manufacture and sale of drugs
• Tax evasion
• Manslaughter
• Animal cruelty

Should any of these, and crimes similar to them, appear on your record, it is highly unlikely you’ll be granted entry to a large number of countries for long-term stays.

There are a few crimes that authorities overlook, but it shouldn’t be assumed that this applies in every country. What may be seen as a minor misdemeanour in some countries is a significant crime in others.

Crimes that may be overlooked include:
• Shoplifting
• Vandalism
• Petty theft
• Public intoxication
• Trespassing

In some countries, even the more serious crimes have an expiry. If you have served your time, committed no further crimes since, and the crime happened long ago, it might be classed as non-existent. This would then make you free to travel. On the flip side, other countries may label you permanently as a criminal, regardless of how much time has passed. This then sees you refused entry until entry rules change.

The simplest solution is to speak to the relevant embassy. Gather as much information as possible and research what you may need to do for entry to be granted.

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