Can Felons Travel To Europe?

Europe is the living relic of old cities and how civilization flourished through the ages. A trip into and around this region is a pilgrimage, a passage that each individual must embark on at least once in his lifetime.

Travelers with criminal history may find their plans stalled when traveling within Europe. The rules in each border may vary, though in Schengen countries, one’s criminal records are scrutinized but generally overlooked. The Royal Border Agency in the UK is rather more stringent.

Travel Restrictions

Financial reasons may exist to cancel out your plan of traveling abroad. Before consuming dollars on your travels, make sure that you are not in default with your child support payments.

An applicant is usually given 90 days to fulfill his money obligations. Otherwise, you may have to renew your passport application if you fail to pay within the allowable period.

Debts that need settlement before traveling are seriously delinquent taxes of over $5000 and unpaid government loans for assistance received such as repatriation or evacuation from a foreign country and other emergency circumstances.

The State Department may disallow your passport if you are the subject of a warrant of arrest, a subpoena related to a prosecution or jury investigation of a felony, or a request for provisional arrest requested by a foreign government.

Other disqualifications include a court-mandated travel ban or an order of apprehension issued by a US Armed Forces officer. Conviction for a sex offense, drug trafficking and other drug-related charges may also make you ineligible for passport application.

Reasons To Travel To Europe

Europe is where you find most of the finer things that define magnificence and intensity: the Tuscany’s leaning tower, Paris’ city lights, London bridges, Berlin’s wall, Rome’s cathedrals, Italy’s art masterpieces, Croatia’s castles, Prague’s architectural sites, museums, and others.

The tourism industry in the region employs the largest number of its nationals, not surprisingly, because millions of visitors travel to its beautiful places every day. If you wish, you may opt for towns and cities less traveled instead.

The Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, is full of history – war, blood and invasions. It may not be the most appealing city you’ve ever heard, but you will be spine-tingled when you learn about the things this old, old city had seen.

Despite its non-popularity, Iceland has been on the rise lately. The most-watched Game of Thrones series have portrayed it all dramatically: the Akureyri in the north, the ice-blue mountains of Skaftafell, the glaciers, the Golden Circle and the Reykjavik.

Requirements To Enter Europe

The travel documents required when visiting Europe may depend on the specifics of each European country you visit. As for borderless countries within the Schengen area, you need to present documents only twice as you enter and depart.

For non-EU nationals, the following documents are generally required by border officials whether you are traveling to a Schengen or non-Schengen country:

• Passport validity of at least three months beyond the intended date of departure from the EU country you are visiting and which was issued within the previous ten years
• An EU national visa is not required for US citizens who travel to non-Schengen countries in Europe for at least three months
• Tourist Visa is also not required for US citizens who travel within the Schengen area for at least three months
• Invitation letter, proof of lodging, return or round trip ticket
• Financial documents showing that you have sufficient funds available (e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, etc.)
• Travel, health, and/or car insurance documents
• Note the requirements when you are traveling as a minor or traveling with a minor, especially in Europe countries such as the UK

Are you in any other situation which may affect your freedom to go from one place to the other? Why do you want to travel to Europe?