A DUI conviction can affect nearly every aspect of your life, including international travel. To the surprise of many hopeful travelers, a history of driving under the influence can prevent you from entering some countries — and having a valid passport often isn’t enough to guarantee entry.
If you have a DUI conviction on your record, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various countries’ travel restrictions before you book a trip. Continue reading to learn more about countries with DUI travel restrictions, and be sure to contact one of our skilled Lake Charles DUI & DWI attorneys for personalized guidance on the potential consequences of your particular DUI.
Strictest countries
Each country has the right to control who enters its borders, and many nations have adopted policies that explicitly restrict travel for those with a DUI conviction. The following are countries with some of the strictest DUI travel restrictions.
Canada
Canada is one of the only nations that explicitly restricts entry for individuals with DUI convictions. If you attempt to enter Canada with a DUI, you’ll likely be deemed inadmissible for “serious criminality,” meaning you won’t be allowed into the country. Canada does offer a way to become admissible again, but you’ll need to wait until at least five years have passed since the completion of your sentence.
Mexico
While Mexico’s travel restrictions don’t specifically mention DUIs, the country may deny foreigners entry into its borders if they’ve been charged with or convicted of a “serious crime.” Mexican law may include more severe DUIs in this category, and a conviction within the last 10 years could prevent you from entering.
Australia
Australia has strict character requirements for travel visas. Under Australian law, you may not meet these requirements if you have a “substantial criminal record.” This includes any criminal offense with a prison sentence of 12 months or more, which applies to many felony DUI convictions in the US.
New Zealand
Like Australia, New Zealand requires foreigners wishing to enter the country to be of “good character.” Visitor visa applicants may not have a “serious criminal conviction” on their record, which includes any offense with a prison term of five or more years. It also includes any criminal offense within the last 10 months with a prison term of one year or more. DUIs in the US don’t usually result in five-year sentences, but you could still be denied entry to New Zealand if you have a recent felony DUI conviction. However, if your sentence was in the last five years, you will likely need to apply or procure a good character waiver to enter the Country.
Japan
Japanese law doesn’t specifically bar entry to foreigners with DUIs, but it does restrict access to people it considers dangerous. If you’ve received a criminal conviction with a prison sentence of one year or more, no matter how long ago it was, you’ll be denied permission to enter Japan. This may apply to certain DUI convictions in the US, such as vehicular homicide or a conviction on DWI 3rd or DWI 4th Offense.
Most lenient countries
Not all countries are as harsh regarding DUI travel restrictions. The following nations are just a few that typically allow travelers with a DUI conviction to enter.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic does check criminal records for tourist visa applicants, but visas aren’t required for visits of 30 days or less. As a result, those with a DUI conviction can typically enter the country without issue.
European Union
Although the EU isn’t a country, it’s worth lumping its members together when discussing DUI travel restrictions as they all have adopted a uniform travel policy. DUI is not prohibited for travel into the EU’s 27 member countries, including popular travel destinations such as Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is no longer part of the EU, but fortunately, its travel restrictions are much the same. Like the Dominican Republic, the UK may check an applicant’s criminal background for long-term stays, but the country doesn’t require tourist visas for visits of less than six months. Consequently, a DUI usually won’t prevent you from entering any part of the UK, including England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
India
Unlike many other nations, India’s tourist visa application doesn’t require travelers to disclose any criminal history. This means those with a DUI conviction can obtain the same tourist visa as anyone else — and entry into India should be relatively straightforward.
Thailand
Thailand doesn’t require tourist visas for under 30 days; its arrival paperwork doesn’t ask about criminal background. As a result, entering the country with a DUI conviction is often quite easy.
Key considerations before traveling with a DUI
Remember that depending on the country, you might still be denied entry even if your DUI doesn’t explicitly prohibit admission. None of the above information guarantees that you’ll be allowed to enter the country of your choice, and you should always seek legal advice before making any international travel plans with a DUI conviction.
If you plan to visit a country that asks about criminal convictions on its visa application or arrival paperwork, it’s best to be honest about your background rather than try to hide it. Immigration and customs officials often treat lying or omitting information more seriously than the honest disclosure of a DUI conviction, and any dishonesty on the application may result in a much harsher penalty.
The Johnson Firm is always available to answer any of your questions about the consequences of a DUI conviction, including countries with DUI travel restrictions. Whether you’re facing a recent charge or a decades-old conviction, our experienced attorneys are here to help. Contact us today at (337) 433-1414 and our Lake Charles DUI/DWI lawyer will help you understand your rights and take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth journey.