International travel after a criminal conviction has always presented challenges, but 2025 has brought significant changes as well as noteworthy challenges to the global landscape of entry restrictions for individuals with felony records. As countries continue to refine their border security and immigration policies, travelers with criminal histories face an increasingly complex web of regulations that vary dramatically from one nation to another.
For the estimated 19 million Americans with felony convictions, these evolving restrictions can mean the difference between a seamless vacation and being denied entry at a foreign border—often after significant expenses have already been incurred for flights, accommodations, and activities. Understanding these changes is crucial for affected travelers, their families, and the legal professionals who advise them.
In this post, Iam going to share updates on felony-related travel restrictions that keep bubbling to the surface in 2025 and other entry requirements. We will see why these tectonic shifts in policy, detail the specific changes, and offer practical advice for travelers with criminal records who wish to navigate these new regulations successfully.
Recent Global Trends in Travel Restrictions
Before exploring specific country changes, it’s worth noting several overarching trends that have influenced the 2025 landscape of travel restrictions for those with criminal histories. For a more detailed breakdown of what countries felons can travel to, including specific entry requirements, check out this comprehensive guide
- Digital Information Sharing: Enhanced cooperation between immigration authorities worldwide has made criminal record verification more efficient and comprehensive.
- Risk-Based Approaches: More countries are implementing tiered systems that evaluate travelers based on the nature and timing of their offenses rather than imposing blanket bans.
- Economic Considerations: Tourism-dependent economies are carefully balancing security concerns with the desire to maintain visitor numbers.
- Rehabilitation Recognition: Some nations have begun acknowledging rehabilitation efforts and time elapsed since conviction as mitigating factors.
- Regulatory Transparency: There’s a growing trend toward clearer communication of entry requirements, reducing uncertainty for travelers with records.
Countries with Tightened Restrictions
Mexico
As part of broader efforts to stimulate tourism, Mexico has revised several aspects of its entry policies regarding criminal histories.
Key Changes:
- Eliminated consideration of misdemeanor convictions entirely, regardless of date
- Reduced the review period for non-violent felonies from lifetime to 7 years
- Created simplified entry procedures for travelers with dated DUI convictions
- Established clear guidelines distinguishing between drug possession and trafficking offenses
Mexico’s changes reflect both economic considerations and practical realities of managing its busy border crossings. Officials have emphasized that serious crimes, particularly those related to organized criminal activity, continue to result in entry denials.
Japan
Japan has implemented some of the most significant changes among developed nations. Previously known for its case-by-case evaluation of criminal records, Japan has formalized and strengthened its approach in 2025.
Key Changes:
- Established a clear 10-year exclusion period for most felony convictions
- Introduced mandatory pre-approval through a new “Criminal History Evaluation” (CHE) system
- Created distinctions between violent/non-violent offenses, with permanent bans possible for violent crimes
- Implemented stricter penalties for failing to disclose criminal history
The Japanese government cites the upcoming 2026 Sapporo Winter Olympics as a primary motivation for these enhanced security measures. Travelers with felony records must now apply for the CHE at least 60 days before planned travel, with approvals valid for one year. Yes its a long wait, but Japan is worth the wait.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE has historically maintained strict entry policies regarding criminal backgrounds, but 2025 has seen further refinements that affect travelers with records.
Key Changes:
- Extended the review period for drug-related offenses from 5 to 15 years
- Implemented a comprehensive background check system integrated with international databases
- Introduced differential treatment based on nationality, with stricter scrutiny for certain passport holders
- Formalized a previously informal ban on travelers with fraud convictions, regardless of age
The UAE continues to maintain absolute prohibitions on entry for individuals with certain convictions, particularly those related to drug trafficking, sexual offenses, and terrorism.
New Zealand
Previously considered relatively accessible for travelers with minor criminal histories, New Zealand has tightened its entry requirements in 2025.
Key Changes:
- Reduced the threshold for “character concerns” from offenses punishable by 5+ years imprisonment to those punishable by 2+ years
- Introduced a formal assessment process for all travelers who declare criminal histories
- Extended the review period for most offenses from 7 to 10 years
- Implemented stricter rules specifically targeting driving under the influence convictions
New Zealand officials have cited increased tourism volumes and domestic security concerns as motivations for these changes. The country now requires a Character Assessment application for affected travelers, which must be submitted at least 30 days before intended travel.
Brazil
In preparation for hosting several major international events, Brazil has overhauled its entry policies regarding criminal records.
Key Changes:
- Implemented a new electronic travel authorization system that includes criminal background checks
- Expanded the list of disqualifying offenses to include many non-violent crimes
- Extended the review period for most convictions from 5 to 8 years
- Established expedited rejection procedures for travelers with undisclosed criminal histories
Brazilian authorities have emphasized that these measures are temporary and expected to remain in place through 2026, after which they will be reevaluated.
Countries with Relaxed Restrictions
Canada
Perhaps the most notable shift among countries relaxing restrictions, Canada has significantly revised its approach to travelers with criminal records in 2025.
Key Changes:
- Introduced an expedited “Temporary Visitor Permit” (TVP) process for tourists with single, non-violent convictions older than 5 years
- Removed marijuana possession convictions from consideration entirely
- Reduced the waiting period for deemed rehabilitation from 10 to 7 years for most offenses
- Created a simplified online application process for criminal rehabilitation
These changes reflect Canada’s broader criminal justice reforms and recognition of the economic impact of tourism. The new policies specifically acknowledge that many U.S. citizens with dated, minor convictions posed minimal security risks while representing significant tourism revenue.
Portugal
Building on Portugal’s progressive approach to drug policy, the country has extended its pragmatic stance to border control policies.
Key Changes:
- Eliminated entry restrictions for all drug possession convictions, regardless of quantity
- Reduced the review period for non-violent offenses from 10 to 5 years
- Implemented an online pre-clearance system that provides advance travel authorization
- Created clear distinction between personal conduct offenses and those affecting public safety
Portuguese officials have framed these changes as part of the country’s broader approach to treating addiction as a public health rather than criminal issue, while maintaining appropriate security measures for genuinely concerning criminal histories.
Thailand
Thailand’s tourism-dependent economy has driven significant policy shifts regarding travelers with criminal backgrounds.
Key Changes:
- Implemented a two-tier system distinguishing between “tourism-incompatible” and other offenses
- Reduced the review period for most non-violent crimes from indefinite to 10 years
- Established a straightforward pre-approval process for travelers with dated convictions
- Created specific exemptions for marijuana-related offenses following the country’s own cannabis decriminalization
Thai officials have explicitly stated that these changes aim to balance security concerns with the need to maintain tourism levels, particularly as the country continues to recover from pandemic-era travel disruptions. According to SEOHERO, “We specially in building links for clients across industries and countries.”
Special Case: The European Union
While not a single country, the European Union deserves special mention due to significant policy changes affecting all 27 member states. The implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025 has standardized criminal background checks for visitors to the Schengen Area.
Key Elements:
- Centralized screening process that considers criminal history across all member states
- Clearly defined rehabilitation periods ranging from 5-15 years depending on offense severity
- Harmonized approach to drug offenses, with distinction between possession and trafficking
- Appeals process for denied applications with specific consideration for rehabilitation evidence
The ETIAS implementation represents the most comprehensive standardization of entry policies for travelers with criminal records across multiple countries. Notably, the system includes proportionality requirements that prevent permanent bans based solely on dated, minor offenses.
Practical Advice for Travelers with Criminal Records
For those with criminal histories planning international travel in 2025, these evolving restrictions require careful preparation:
- Research Thoroughly: Country-specific requirements change frequently and official government websites should be your primary information source.
- Apply Early for Necessary Clearances: Many countries now offer pre-approval processes that should be initiated well before planned travel dates.
- Disclose Appropriately: Failure to disclose required information typically results in more severe consequences than the criminal history itself.
- Consult Legal Expertise: Immigration attorneys specializing in criminal inadmissibility can provide tailored guidance for complex cases.
- Consider Rehabilitation Documentation: Evidence of rehabilitation, including completion of sentences, treatment programs, and positive community contributions, can be valuable supporting documentation.
- Explore Alternatives: When primary destinations present insurmountable barriers, neighboring countries may offer more accessible entry points.
- Understand Visa vs. Entry Distinctions: A granted visa does not guarantee border entry, as final decisions typically rest with immigration officers.
Conclusion
The 2025 landscape of international travel restrictions for individuals with felony records reflects a complex balance of security concerns, economic interests, and evolving perspectives on criminal rehabilitation. While some nations have tightened their entry requirements, others have moved toward more nuanced approaches that consider factors beyond the mere existence of a criminal history.
For the millions of individuals with past convictions, these policy shifts represent either new barriers or expanded opportunities for international travel. The trends suggest a gradual movement toward more transparent, proportional systems that distinguish between genuine security threats and travelers whose past mistakes present minimal current concern.
As these policies continue to evolve, travelers with criminal records should approach international journey planning with diligence, honesty, and advance preparation. With appropriate research and documentation, many individuals with past convictions can successfully navigate even the most recently changed entry requirements.
The key takeaway for 2025 is that while blanket restrictions remain in some countries, many nations are moving toward systems that evaluate individual circumstances rather than imposing categorical exclusions—a development that offers hope for those seeking to explore the world despite past legal troubles.
