Travel Restrictions

[Mr.Fella1812]

I am Canadian. I have a criminal record of impaired driving and a stolen licence plate. Will this affect travel to the U.K. or Europe?

[Postdog]

I honestly don't know, but living in the UK, I can tell you that being a foreign criminal (not that I really think you are compared to some) is almost obligatory - they'll let anyone in!!.

[R1Geezer]

You'll probably get made a lord and given a ministerial position!

I wouldn't worry mate we let in anyone! Eastern bloc gangtsers, Islamic nutters, Belgian Paedo's all the worlds trash are welcome here!

[Buenchico]

Very few countries, anywhere in the world, prohibit tourism (or place hurdles in the way of tourism) through criminal convictions. The only one where a criminal record can be a major issue is the USA. (Your own country also places a theoretical ban upon anyone with criminal convictions, unless they've been 'rehabilitated', but doesn't actually ask tourists any questions about them).

Canadian passport holders don't require a visa to enter the UK. You'll just need to fill in a very simple 'landing card' (which only asks a few basic questions, such as the address where you'll be staying, and makes no mention of criminal convictions) and show your passport.

Similarly, Canadian passport holders don't need a visa to enter the Schengen area, and there are no other formalities. Anyone who is in a Schengen country, irrespective of their nationality, is free to travel to any other Schengen country without any border formalities whatsoever. (They've been abolished throughout the whole of the Schengen area). A full list of countries within the Schengen area can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Area

Chris