This travel guide includes a list of countries that allow sex offenders to visit and information about travel notification requirements for registered sex offenders.
Can Sex Offenders Leave The Country?
As a registered sex offender, you’re allowed to travel outside the U.S., although you will need to comply with some notification requirements before you travel.
While you’re free to leave the United States, you won’t be allowed to enter some countries. Many countries have strict policies about admitting people with criminal records, especially felonies and sex offenses.
Whether you’re allowed entry usually depends on the nature of your offense and the specific laws of the country you want to visit. Some countries are more lenient, while others may deny entry altogether.
You should also be prepared to face extra scrutiny when you return to the United States. Customs officials will likely pull you aside for questioning and a luggage search.
Read Also: Can A Sex Offender Pass A Background Check?
Advance Travel Notification For Registered Sex Offenders
Before you travel you must comply with the notification requirements mandated by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) and the International Megan’s Law.
Sex offenders are required to submit their plans to travel outside the United States to their local registry at least 21 days before the planned date of travel.
Failure to comply with these requirements is a federal offense, punishable by severe penalties, including imprisonment.
The information you need to submit includes:
- Anticipated date and place of departure and arrival
- Anticipated date and place of arrival upon return to the U.S.
- Carrier and flight numbers for air travel
- Destination country
- Address or other contact information while abroad
- Means and purpose of your journey
This information will be shared with the countries you intend to visit or transit through.
If you’re a sex offender convicted of offenses against children, an identifier will be placed in your passport with the following notice:
“The bearer was convicted of a sex offense against a minor, and is a covered sex offender pursuant to 22 USC 212b.”
List Of Countries That Allow Sex Offenders To Visit in 2025?
What countries allow sex offenders to visit? The countries listed below allow sex offenders to visit, although there’s no guarantee you will be allowed entry.
Immigration officials can deny entry for any reason, including previous criminal history. To avoid potential rejection when you arrive at your destination, it’s a good idea to get advice from the appropriate embassy or consulate before you travel.
What Countries Can A Sex Offender Travel To In Europe?
Sex offenders can visit the following European countries within the Schengen Zone. Once inside the Schengen Zone, you can travel to other countries on the list without further border checks.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece*
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain*
- Sweden
- Switzerland
*Greece – Some sex offenders have been denied entry in the past.
*Spain – May be questioned and denied entry. Entry via another Schengen country is safer.
New rules for foreign visitors entering countries within the Schengen travel area are scheduled to begin in 2025. Under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), all visitors need to obtain entry authorization before traveling to the EU.
Visitors applying for ETIAS who have been convicted of serious crimes within the last 15 years will be subject to additional review and entry decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
According to the Annex of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240, serious crimes involving sex offenses include:
- Trafficking in human beings
- Sexual exploitation of children and child pornography
- Computer-related crime/cybercrime
- Kidnapping, illegal restraint, and hostage-taking
- Rape
These European countries outside the Schengen Zone also allow sex offenders to visit.
- Albania
- Andorra
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Georgia
- Kosovo
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia
Sex offenders will not be admitted to the United Kingdom or Ireland.
Caribbean Destinations That Allow Sex Offenders To Visit
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas*
- Barbados*
- Bonaire
- Curaçao
- Martinique
- Navassa Island
- Puerto Rico
- Saba
- Saint Barthelemy
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin*
- Saint Eustatius
- Vincent & Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- US Virgin Islands **
- Guadeloupe
- Jamaica*
*Bahamas *Barbados *Jamaica *Saint Martin – Prior written permission is required to enter.
**US Virgin Islands – Obtain a Visiting Sexual Offender Notification form after arrival. The form must be presented to U.S. Customs on departure from the territory.
Pacific Islands Sex Offenders Can Visit
- American Samoa
- French Polynesia
- Guam
- New Caledonia
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Wallis and Futuna
Sex Offenders Can Also Visit These Countries
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Botswana
- Ecuador
- Lebanon
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Rwanda
See Related Article: Felon Friendly Countries.
Countries Sex Offenders Cannot Visit
- Australia
- Belize
- Brazil
- Cayman Islands
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Dubai
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Kenya
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Vietnam
Can Sex Offenders On Probation Leave The Country?
Sex offenders on probation face tight restrictions limiting their ability to travel. Travel is prohibited without prior authorization from your supervising probation officer and the court.
Check the terms of your supervision with your probation officer to find out if you’re allowed to apply for permission to leave the country.
Applying for permission to travel is a lengthy process that involves attending a court hearing.
You’ll need to:
- Fill out a travel request form
- Provide your travel itinerary and destination
- Provide a valid reason for your travel
- Provide documentation to support your request
- Attend a court hearing for travel permission
- Follow the restrictions and conditions set by the court
Make your application well before your anticipated travel date and be prepared for a denial.
See Also: Second Chance Rentals for sex offenders
Where Can You Get More Information?
The Alliance for Constitutional Sex Offense Laws is a helpful resource for sex offenders hoping to take a trip outside the United States.
Their international travel page hosts an extensive discussion section where sex offenders can get answers to their questions about destinations likely to admit offenders. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to access the discussion section.
Here’s the link: https://all4consolaws.org/2023/07/international-travel-2023/
Recent Entry: How Long Can A Sex Offender Visit Another State?
Charles Greg is the Co-Founder, Author, & Head Developer behind RentingtoFelons.org
With a lifelong passion for humanity.