Can Felons Travel To Italy?

 Italy is a country rich in culture, history and sumptuous food. It is one of Europe’s primary tourist hubs. According to recent statistics, almost 50 million people visit Italy annually.

Felons who wish to travel to Italy have to pay attention to the requirements imposed by the country on all followers. Foreign governments keep tabs on tourists previously convicted of a crime.

Travel Restrictions 

The United States federal government impose a number of travel restrictions on felons. Felons must comply with these restrictions for a smooth and hassle-free travel.

According to the Collateral Consequences Resource Center websites, individuals previously convicted of felony may qualify for “trusted traveler” programs (i.e. the Global Entry program) only after a “rigorous background check and interview.” These programs are operated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Under the law, U.S. citizens with a felony drug conviction related to international travel may have their passports revoked. Passports will be returned at the end of the full sentence. 

Felons can travel to Italy as long as they complete their sentence and the subsequent probation period. Those on probation will not be given access to Italy and other countries.

Federal law allows felons to travel only after their probation. After this stage, they can travel to any country including Italy under specific conditions.

Reasons To Travel To Italy

Backpackers, adrenaline junkies and overall adventurous individuals flock to Italy to experience its natural wonders, local hospitality and sumptuous cuisine. Many Americans also have relatives and friends who live in Italy and they often go there to visit loved ones they have not seen for quite some time.

Italy has several universities and colleges with study exchange programs. The country also hosts international trade shows and academic and business conferences each year. In 2016, the country hosted the International Tourism Trade Fair for Holidays, Travel and Leisure.

There are many sights and wonders to marvel at in Italy. Rome is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and artistic works. Many people also go to Italy to visit the Vatican, the seat of Roman Catholicism.

Italy is home to famous cities such as the historic city of Florence, Venice – the city of water, and Milan, one of Europe’s primary fashion districts. These cities accommodate tourists all year round.

Requirements For Entry Into Italy

Italy allows felons to enter its borders. There are conditions to be met, however. In order to enter the country successfully, the following must be taken into consideration:

• Felons must hold a passport with a validity of at least six months before entering Italy
• Residents of the United States can stay in Italy for not more than 90 days without a visa
• Staying in the country beyond 90 days requires a visa, which travellers must secure before they depart from their home country
• According to the website https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/italy.html, non-residents must fill up a dichiarazione di presenza (declaration of presence) form.
• As a Schengen country (which requires a Schengen visa), Italy requires residents from non-EU countries to obtain a stamp on their passport from an official entry point during their first entry into a Schengen country.
• Felons must diligently follow the laws of the land
• Felons should leave the country as scheduled and avoid staying more than 90 days if they prefer not to disclose their criminal records to Italian immigration officers
• Displaying proper behavior and staying out of legal squabbles paves the way for a hassle-free stay

To ensure more international travels in the future, it is advisable for felons to be on their best behavior and keep away from legal run-ins throughout the duration of their Italian trip.

Are you currently in a similar situation? Why do you want to visit Italy?