Slightly illicit: felon traveling on a US passport; will I be refused entry to the UK?
I was convicted of a felony in the US, and my conviction will not be considered "spent" as of the period in which I intend to travel to the UK. I understand if I were to apply for a standard visa I would be summarily denied. However, if I were to simply go there, would I be denied entry on arrival if I were not to volunteer this fact?
Basically, the question is, could I sneak one by them? One being, namely, myself. I have to use up some frequent flyer miles, and I'd decided on going to the UK before this matter of actually being able to go there came to mind. I've no doubt I'll be able to stay out of trouble while in the country, were I given the opportunity.
It would be nice to know if someone in a similar situation had a result, whether it be positive or negative, in that regard. Lacking that, I would gladly hear any wisdom from knowledgeable but less involved parties.
Edit for clarification:
I was imprisoned for 3.5 years for a violent offense. There are no restrictions on my passport. I'm primarily concerned with whether or not there are communications between the relevant agencies in the US and the UK as there are between those in the US and Canada and, recently, the US and Mexico, regarding the movement of convicted criminals between these countries, as the answer would save me certain deportation if that were the case.
Best Answer
The UK has specifics in its immigration rules regarding when people with criminal convictions must be refused entry:
V 3.4 An application (except for an application for an extension of stay as a visitor) will be refused if the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence for which they have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of:
(a) at least 4 years; or
(b) between 12 months and 4 years, unless at least 10 years have passed since the end of the sentence; or
(c) less than 12 months, unless at least 5 years has passed since the endof the sentence.Where this paragraph applies, it will only be in exceptional circumstances that the public interest in maintaining refusal will be outweighed by compelling factors.
V 3.5 An application will normally be refused if:
(a) within the period of 12 months before the application is decided, the applicant has been convicted of or admitted an offence for which they received a non-custodial sentence or out of court disposal that is recorded on their criminal record (except for an application for an extension of stay as a visitor); or
(b) in the view of the Secretary of State the applicant’s offending has caused serious harm; or
(c) in the view of the Secretary of State the applicant is a persistent offender who shows a particular disregard for the law.
In short, for a 3 year prison sentence, you must wait 10 years from the end of your sentence (including any probation/parole) before you can no longer be refused under this section. (This doesn't necessarily mean you won't be refused for other reasons, though.)
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Can a US citizen with a felony travel to the UK?
Applicants for entry clearance and those applying to remain in this country are checked for UK criminal convictions. Those seeking permission to enter the UK will normally be refused if they have previously been convicted of a criminal offence punishable by at least 12 months imprisonment.What countries will not allow a convicted felon to enter?
Some countries do not allow people who have a felony on their criminal records to obtain a visa, so they are unable to visit....Countries That Dont Allow Felons 2022.CountryDetailsUnited StatesDeny up frontIndonesiaDeny if discoveredBrazilDeny if discoveredMexicoDeny if discovered33 more rowsCan a US citizen with a felony travel to Europe?
Those tourists who are U.S. citizens and who have been within the Schengen area for less than three months may enter without a visa. If allowed entry, all U.S. tourists, including felons, may travel freely from one Schengen area country to another without having to show their passport.Can American felons travel internationally?
Convicted felons may face travel restrictions that limit their ability to move freely. However, in most cases, felons that have served their sentence can enter other countries, assuming they have a valid passport. There are exceptions to this, with some countries explicitly prohibiting the ability of felons to enter.These Countries will DENY ENTRY at Immigration. Vacation Disasters
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