Criminal records can have a significant impact on visas and international travel, but it depends on which country you’re travelling to, the nature of the offence, and the type of visa or entry permission required.

Here’s a general overview:

Countries where criminal records may affect entry

• United States – Visa and entry applications ask about criminal convictions. Certain offences, especially those involving violence, drugs, fraud, or “crimes involving moral turpitude,” can lead to refusal unless a waiver is granted.
• Canada – One of the strictest countries. Even some offences that seem minor can make a person “criminally inadmissible.” There are processes such as Criminal Rehabilitation or Temporary Resident Permits for some applicants.
• Australia – Applicants must satisfy the “character test.” Serious criminal convictions, particularly those involving imprisonment of 12 months or more, may result in visa refusal.
• New Zealand – Also has character requirements, and applicants must disclose many criminal convictions.
• United Kingdom – Visitors can be refused entry if they have certain serious convictions, particularly where prison sentences were involved.
• Japan – Can refuse entry to people with certain criminal convictions, particularly those involving imprisonment or drug offences.

Europe and the Schengen Area

For many tourists entering the Schengen Area, routine criminal record checks are not carried out at the border. However:

• Visa applications may ask about criminal history.
• Serious offences, deportations, or security concerns can result in refusal.
• If someone is the subject of an international alert or entry ban, they may be refused entry.

Does everyone have to declare convictions?

No. It depends on:

• Whether a visa is required.
• The questions on the application.
• The laws of the destination country.

If a visa application asks about convictions, it is important to answer truthfully. Providing false information can itself lead to refusal, cancellation of a visa, or future travel bans.

Domestic violence convictions

Many countries take convictions for domestic violence, assault, stalking, coercive control, or breaches of protection orders seriously. They may consider:

• The seriousness of the offence.
• Whether there were multiple convictions.
• The length of any prison sentence.
• How long ago the offences occurred.
• Whether there is evidence of rehabilitation.

Having more than one conviction, particularly for violent offences, is generally viewed more seriously than a single isolated offence.