{"id":18708,"date":"2020-02-17T15:33:01","date_gmt":"2020-02-17T15:33:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalpardon.org\/?p=18708"},"modified":"2020-02-17T15:33:01","modified_gmt":"2020-02-17T15:33:01","slug":"canadian-criminal-record","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.nationalpardon.org\/?p=18708","title":{"rendered":"Travelling with a Canadian Criminal Record"},"content":{"rendered":"

International travel is part of many people\u2019s business and personal lives in this modern era.\u00a0 Whether you seek to travel for sightseeing, relaxation and enjoyment, or it\u2019s a necessary part of your job, more and more people are travelling abroad each year than ever before.\u00a0 However, if you are a Canadian citizen, and have a criminal record, travelling can be a bit more problematic.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll look at all of the issues surrounding travelling with a criminal record.\u00a0 We\u2019ll highlight why it can be problematic, why there\u2019s no simple \u201cyes or no\u201d answer to whether or not you can travel with a criminal record, and look at a list of countries and details for places you can travel, and places you can\u2019t travel with a Canadian criminal record.\u00a0 Finally, we\u2019ll offer up some useful rules and tips to help make it easier for you to travel with a criminal record.<\/p>\n

Why Travelling with a Criminal Record Can Be a Problem<\/h2>\n

It should come as no surprise that security and heightened scrutiny of foreign visitors is more important than ever before for many countries around the world.\u00a0 Terrorism and other concerns have made this our reality.\u00a0 In addition, countries generally want to welcome in visitors, but not those who might cause trouble or commit crimes while visiting.\u00a0 As such, it\u2019s fairly understandable that most countries perform customs and immigration screenings for incoming foreign travelers.\u00a0 For Canadians, a criminal record can be a red flag during this process when entering another country.<\/p>\n

The Answer to \u201cCan I Travel with a Criminal Record\u201d Depends on Your Destination<\/h2>\n

The simple question, \u201cCan I travel with a criminal record?\u201d doesn\u2019t have a simple answer.\u00a0 It greatly depends on your destination.\u00a0 In several countries, a criminal record of any kind may prevent you from visiting.\u00a0 In other countries, it may mean additional scrutiny or paperwork.\u00a0 Still, other countries may not care or even ask about the topic.\u00a0 Some countries may only care about criminal activity in the last few years, whereas others consider any criminal history.\u00a0 Many countries are only concerned if you intend to stay longer-term \u2013 not necessarily as a resident, but for a lengthy visit of months in duration.\u00a0 It all depends on the destination country<\/a> (and, in some cases, on what your criminal record says).<\/p>\n

In many cases, there are different rules for travelers visiting a foreign country as opposed to attempting to immigrate and become a citizen or obtain a permit to work or stay longer-term.\u00a0 For the purposes of this guide, we\u2019re really only focusing on travel, as in visiting another country.\u00a0 There are many more issues surrounding visa or work permit applications, permanent resident or immigration applications, and so on.\u00a0 Those are outside the scope of concern for the vast majority of Canadians who are looking to travel with a criminal record.<\/p>\n

Where Can You Travel with a Criminal Record?<\/h2>\n

First, it\u2019s important to point out that every country has their own rules for customs, travel, and visas.\u00a0 Before you travel to any foreign country, you should do your research to see what is involved \u2013 whether you have a criminal record or not.\u00a0 Visa paperwork and other permissions and documents can often be completed in advance.\u00a0 Even if they cannot, it is best to know exactly what is expected of you so you\u2019re knowledgeable and prepared when you get on the ground in your destination.\u00a0 After all, the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises is to not be surprised at all, and know in advance what\u2019s involved.\u00a0 You\u2019ll also be able to ensure you bring the correct documents and information you need to get through customs and immigration swiftly and without issue.<\/p>\n

With that said, there are some general guidelines and rules as to destinations to which you can travel with a criminal record.\u00a0 It\u2019s still ideal to check with your destination country first for their policies, of course.\u00a0 These can usually be found via the local consulate website.<\/p>\n

In general terms, you can travel to most<\/em> countries around the world, even with a criminal record, provided that you aren\u2019t applying to work, become a permanent resident, or staying for 6 months or longer.\u00a0 This is not because they don\u2019t care, but they don\u2019t generally ask about criminal record status, or seek to verify it, for shorter-term traveler visits.<\/p>\n

This also assumes you have a valid passport, identification, and other documentation to travel.\u00a0 A criminal record may or may not prevent you from obtaining a valid Canadian passport.\u00a0 In most cases, it\u2019s doesn\u2019t, unless there is an order in place that you not travel as part of a pending litigation or serving a sentence, or for a few other specific reasons.<\/p>\n

Countries You Can\u2019t Travel to with a Criminal Record<\/h2>\n

There are some countries you can\u2019t travel to with a criminal record, at least not without special permission or circumstances.\u00a0 We\u2019ve highlighted them with a few details for each below, ordered roughly by how common the destination is for Canadian citizens to visit.<\/p>\n