Does anyone know how I can find out if I would be prohibited from visiting Europe with a felony DUI? Does anyone know if this would be a problem? I don't want to fly there only to be turned back.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23624 posts
Mike, how would they know? The US might not let you back in.
Posted by
Seattle, USA
990 posts
In a world where criminal records are all computerized, it would be easy to access US criminal records. I know that it can be a problem to enter Canada for US residents with even a non-felony DUI. Whether European immigration officials do check or not I don't know, but it is clearly possible and practical for them to do it.
I would contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to fly into. Often even if a country could prohibit entry, they will waive it if you petition in advance. (This is true of Canada, for example.) If you get bad news from one embassy, try another country as a potential port of arrival. Once you are in a Schengen country, you will not have another passport control. Good luck!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Mike a few years ago my friend wanted to go with hubby and kids to Hawaii,, with us. She had a DUI from about 10 yrs before. She went through a process( which involved paying a hefty fee) to get a pardon. That solved her problem in regards to travelling to Hawaii. I have no idea if same applies to Europe, but you could look into it.
As for America not letting you back in,, thats ridiculus,, of course they would,, it would be more about the other country letting you in.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23624 posts
Pat, that was a little "tongue in check" comment. Sorry you didn't recognize it. But I always find returning to the US more demanding than entering any other country when we travel. Haven't tried Canada recently.
Posted by
Bremen, Alabama, USA
52 posts
Some where done the line my criminal records got mixed in with someone else. I have a 3 page long rap sheet, that includes armed robbery and prison time. It's amazing all the things I have done! It's amazing all the money and time I have had to poor into attorney fees trying to get this fix as the state of Alabama contines to say they make no such mistakes.
According to their records in 1992 at the age of 21 I started the 1st year of 3 years in prison. Considering I was born in 1975 and was in 10th grade in high school in 1992, doesnt matter to them at all.
I have visited Europe 3 times and have never been told that I couldn't enter a country, nor have I been told I couldn't come back to the states. Yes, I hold my breath everytime, as I never know.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Amy that must be so frustrating!!