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Can You Travel Internationally with a Utah Criminal Record?

Criminal convictions can continue to affect your life, even long after you are released from prison. Especially if you have a felony conviction on your record, traveling internationally can be much more challenging and involved.

You might have to surrender your passport during a criminal case, so you’ll need to request its return or get a new one to travel internationally, and you’ll need your probation or parole officer’s approval. Many countries deny entry to people with criminal records, so getting your record expunged may be the only way you can travel to your desired destination.

For a free case review from our Salt Lake City, UT criminal defense lawyers, call Overson & Bugden today at (801) 758-2287.

Can I Travel Internationally if I Have a Criminal Record in Utah?

Having a criminal record shouldn’t necessarily stop you from leaving the United States, provided you have a valid passport. Getting a passport can be trickier for felons, and even if the U.S. lets you leave, a foreign country may refuse you entry because of your criminal history.

Passport Eligibility

Sometimes, the court requires a defendant to surrender their passport, driver’s license, firearms, and other items when facing charges or upon conviction. After your release from prison, you may request a return of your U.S. passport by writing a letter and having your parole officer do the same.

You may also apply for a new passport as a released felon. Along with your passport application, you must submit at least one of the following documents:

  • Discharge notice from probation or parole officer
  • Letter of termination from probation or parole officer
  • Court order ending supervised probation or parole

Laws of Foreign Countries

Always check the laws of the foreign country you are traveling to, as it may deny entry for any criminal conviction, specifically felonies. You may have trouble traveling to the following countries with a criminal record, even if you have a valid U.S. passport:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom

Can I Travel Internationally if I Have Outstanding Warrants in Utah?

If you have any outstanding warrants, traveling internationally is very risky. There’s a large chance you will be detained at the airport or before entering the foreign country you are traveling to.

If you have an active warrant, especially for a serious or violent offense, law enforcement might notify airports in the area so that you are detained if you attempt to board a plane. When your passport is scanned at a domestic or foreign airport for international travel, active warrants may appear to airport workers.

Can I Travel Internationally if I Am on Probation or Parole in Utah?

If you are on probation as an alternative to prison time after a conviction or on parole because you have recently been released with conditions in Utah, traveling outside of the state is complicated enough, let alone outside of the country.

Traveling Internationally on Probation

Your passport may remain revoked while you are on parole in Utah, preventing you from traveling internationally even if you try. Travel is highly restricted for individuals on probation facing charges, and they may not be allowed to travel beyond a specific distance from their home while on trial.

Traveling Internationally on Parole

You may get your passport back at some point while on parole, but that doesn’t mean you can use it as you wish. You must still ask your parole officer for written permission to travel, and may not leave the area at all if your request is denied.

Also, even if you get your passport back and receive permission to travel internationally, the foreign country you want to visit may not permit you entry, especially if you have a serious felony on your criminal record.

FAQs About Traveling Internationally with a Utah Criminal Record

Can You Face Additional Penalties for Traveling Internationally with a Warrant?

If you travel internationally with an active warrant or break any travel restrictions while out on probation or parole, you could be arrested and face additional charges. Furthermore, you may have to spend the rest of your sentence in prison.

Should I Travel Internationally with a Criminal Record?

If you are no longer on probation or parole and have a conviction from long in the past, you shouldn’t let that stop you from traveling internationally. Always check the other country’s laws, however, for your own well-being.

Can I Travel Domestically with a Criminal Record in Utah?

If you are still on probation or parole, you likely also need written permission to leave the state. Once your period of probation or parole is over, you may travel without anyone’s approval.

How Do I Get Permission to Travel Internationally with a Criminal Record?

You must get permission from your probation or parole officer before traveling virtually anywhere, including other states or countries. Tell your probation or parole officer all your travel plans, including the reason for the trip, who you are traveling with, and where you plan on staying abroad. If you don’t get permission, you cannot travel internationally, even if you have a valid passport.

How Do I Check for Warrants Before Traveling Internationally?

If you’re concerned about possible active warrants before an international trip, our Park City criminal defense lawyers can check whether there are any warrants for your arrest and help you resolve them as quickly as possible.

How Do I Resolve a Warrant in Utah So I Can Travel Internationally?

Resolving a warrant often involves turning yourself in and appearing before the court, which we can help you navigate and mitigate possible consequences.

What Else is Affected by a Criminal Conviction?

In addition to your ability to travel abroad, a felony conviction means losing your right to own a firearm, temporarily losing your right to vote, and potentially facing housing and employment issues.

Call Our Defense Attorneys in Utah for Help Today

For a free case assessment from our Ogden, UT criminal defense lawyers, call Overson & Bugden at (801) 758-2287.