Can other countries see your criminal record?

Most foreign officials do not check for criminal records, but they have every right to do so if they choose. Each country can handle criminal records however they want, depending on their laws. INTERPOL tracks international criminal records in their database for all participating countries.


What countries will not let you in with a criminal record?

Here is a list of countries that don't allow convicted felons to enter:
  • Argentina.
  • Australia.
  • Canada.
  • China.
  • Cuba.
  • India.
  • Iran.
  • Israel.


Does criminal record follow you to another country?

Yes, an existing criminal record in one country will mostly affect the moving to another country.


Can other countries see your expunged record?

What occurs at the border will vary on a case-by-case basis, however, it is rare for other countries to be able to access criminal records that US law enforcement cannot. Taking the legal steps to expunge, vacate, seal, or set aside a conviction will typically prevent foreign immigration from seeing your record.

Do other countries do background checks?

International Background Checks

Not every country, and not even every jurisdiction within certain countries, allow background checks. Those that do most often require the consent of the candidate, just like in the U.S. How you get the signature, though, matters.


Can Felons Travel Out The Country?



Do criminal records show up on passports?

Details of your criminal record are not shown when your passport is scanned. The only time your passport is likely to be 'flagged' is when: there is a warrant out for your arrest either nationally or internationally through Interpol.

Does immigration check your background?

USCIS conducts an investigation of the applicant upon his or her filing for naturalization. The investigation consists of certain criminal background and security checks. The background and security checks include collecting fingerprints and requesting a “name check” from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

Do Mexico and US share criminal records?

Mexico and the US also share criminal records through the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). So even if a person is only prosecuted in Mexico, their records will be available in the US and may lead to problems during background checks for jobs or loans.


Can Canada see my expunged record?

The Government of Canada has full unlimited access to the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, and consequently the Canadian border can see the criminal history of every visitor from the USA even if their record was deleted, hidden, sealed, or "dropped off" after a period of time.

Can Border Patrol see expunged records?

Expungement and sealing

Sealing a record means that it is hidden from the public. Federal authorities and law enforcement can still view sealed records. This includes the FBI and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

How does immigration check criminal records?

The US will in addition uncover criminal records via self disclosure, namely via an ACRO police certificate. A police certificate will typically be requested by the US authorities for any application for a long term visa/citizenship.


What happens if you commit a crime then go to another country?

If you commit a serious crime overseas, there is a high probability that you will be extradited. Extradition is the process in which one nation or state surrenders a suspected criminal to another nation or state. Extradition is regulated by treaties. The United States has extradition treaties with over 100 nations.

Can Canada see my criminal record?

Canadian border agents have full access to U.S. criminal records, including FBI background checks, so they are likely to flag anyone with an arrest or a felony charge.

How long does a criminal record last?

If the person was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense (i.e. legally considered to be an adult), then the conviction will be expunged from their record 11 years after the conviction date (not the offense date).


Can I go to Europe with a criminal record?

If you are travelling to Europe with a criminal record it will probably not cause you any problems. It is possible for a past conviction to prevent you from entering any country, but generally speaking, Europe is a tolerant, accessible region to travel to.

What crimes can you not go to America for?

Crimes against the person such as murder, manslaughter, rape, gross indecency, serious assaults, kidnapping. Crimes against property such as arson, burglary, theft, robbery, fraud, receiving stolen property. Crimes against government authority such as benefit fraud, tax evasion, bribery, perjury.

Do Canada and US share criminal records?

Does Canada know about US criminal records? When Americans travel across the border into Canada, the border officers will be able to see their criminal records. To guarantee the safety of its citizens, Canada and the United States exchange criminal background information via travel documents.


How long after a felony can you go to Canada?

You can be “deemed rehabilitated” if enough time has passed since your conviction, or since all conditions of your sentence have been met. The standard amount of time is 10 years. So if it has been 10 years or more since you committed a crime or completed a sentence for a crime, you may be able to enter Canada.

How far back does Global Entry background check go?

It goes back “all the way.” Unlike employers, the federal government isn't stopped from reviewing your record past 5, 7, or 10 years. They can find anything that is still in various government records, including not only convictions, but arrests and other incidents.

Does U.S. embassy check criminal records?

Applicants applying for visas at the US Embassy are required to provide a police certificate from the National Police Chief Council (NPCC) Criminal Records Office (ACRO) issued within 6 months of the visa interview.


Can I go to Mexico with a misdemeanor?

1. Will a DUI stop you from entering Mexico? A basic misdemeanor DUI will probably not bar you from entering Mexico. As stated above, Mexican authorities can deny you entry into Mexico if you have a criminal conviction on your criminal record for a serious crime.

Can felons go to Cancun?

Can I travel to Cancun with a felony? Yes, you can travel to Cancun with a felony. However, you may be denied access to Mexico at the border control due to your past felonies. Each case is evaluated individually, and the NMI officer makes the final decision.

Can a felon file for immigrant?

If you have a criminal record, that doesn't necessarily mean you won't be able to sponsor someone for a green card. But it's important to know that having a criminal record may make it more difficult to sponsor someone, and it could also delay the process.


Does Embassy do background check?

The U.S. embassy/consulate will conduct visa interviews, a background check, and require a medical examination performed in the country where the individual is applying for the visa.

Can I become a U.S. citizen with a misdemeanor?

In most cases, they will need to wait for five years after the date of the crime before applying for citizenship, or possibly three years in some situations. USCIS retains the discretion to deny your application if it feels that your criminal record shows that you do not have good moral character.
Previous question
Can weevils survive in the fridge?
Next question
Whats the luckiest name?