travel restrictions following drugs conviction

[bigted88]

I was recently convicted for the posession of a miniscule amount of a class A drugs. while I know this means I am restricted from travelling to some countries, I am finding it impossible to find out which ones. Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

who told you,you are restricted to which countries you visit,thats a load of crap,the UK criminal records are not available to any other countries in the world,unless you got caught with 100 kilos of cocaine,are a terroist or murdered 10 people.you got done for a small amount,you will not be on any countries barred list.

[Reverandfunk]

Spot on Norm

[Buenchico]

(2-part post):

As Norman states, in his usual forthright way, the immigration authorities of foreign countries do not have direct access to criminal records. The UK authorities do pass on certain specific information, relating to certain offences, but simple possession of illegal drugs is unlikely to be included.

You'll definitely have no problems entering any EU member state because you have the automatic right to travel to (as well as to work in and live in) any EU country. (That, of course assumes that you hold a British, or other EU, passport).

Many other countries don't require UK passport holders to hold visas when visiting as tourists so, once again, you won't have any problems entering those countries.

Most countries which require you to obtain a tourist visa don't ask any questions about criminal convictions so, yet again, you'll have no problems.

The USA requires anyone who's ever been arrested (even if totally innocent of any crime) to obtain a visa prior to travel. It's a lengthy process, taking up to 5 or 6 months. If you apply for a visa, it's likely that you'd be refused. However, as is frequently pointed out here on AB, countless people enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program by simply 'forgetting' about their convictions and answering 'No' to the relevant question on the form which travellers complete on the plane.

[Buenchico]

Only a few other countries ask about criminal convictions when you apply for a tourist visa. (I seem to recall being asked about any convictions when I obtained my visa for Australia). Once again, there are no checks made in most cases, so many people simply lie.

The only time you're likely to encounter problems is if you travel to a country, which requires a visa, other than as a tourist. Some countries require applicants for business or (particularly) residence visas to produce a 'statement of good conduct' (which, for UK residents, means a copy of their blank police record).

To sum up: You won't have any problems visiting any EU country or entering any country which doesn't require a visa.

Even if a tourist visa is required (e.g. to India), you'll probably find that you're not asked about convictions.

For the few countries which ask about convictions, you can lie with virtually no chance of being found out unless you're travelling other than as a tourist.

So, find out if the country you're considering travelling to requires a visa. (If not, no problems). If it does, read the application form to see if it refers to criminal convictions. (No questions, no problem). If it does (which, for tourist visas is extremely rare) ask yourself if you're prepared to lie. (If yes, probably no problems but I offer no guarantees!)

Chris

[dzug]

Technically, you can't visit Canada.

But as they never ask the question, in reality you can without problems.