Can You Travel Overseas with a Criminal Record in Australia?

For many Australians, international travel is a rite of passage. However, the journey can be uncertain for those with a criminal record.

Countries have varied entry regulations, and a criminal past can complicate matters. In this article, let’s discuss how a criminal record might impact an Australian’s travel rights overseas.

Does A Criminal Record Impact Travel Rights From Australia?

Yes, a criminal record can affect an Australian’s travel abroad. Entry policies of the destination country determine the impact.

Some nations require criminal background statements, while others restrict visas or entrance to those with specified crimes.

Australians with criminal backgrounds should investigate their destination’s entrance criteria and consult an immigration specialist before travelling.

Which Countries Restrict Entry For Australians With A Criminal Record?

Many countries have entry restrictions or additional requirements for travelers with a criminal record, and Australians are no exception.

Here are some countries that have been known to restrict entry or require additional documentation for individuals with a criminal background:

1. United States: The U.S. can deny entry to those with various convictions, from moral turpitude crimes to drug offences. If they have a record, Australians might need to apply for a visa rather than using the Visa Waiver Program.

2. Canada: Canada is known for its strict entry requirements regarding criminal records. Even minor offences like DUIs can result in a traveller being denied entry.

3. United Kingdom: While more relaxed than the U.S. or Canada, the UK can only allow entry based on unspent convictions, especially if they deem the traveller a threat.

4. China: China may deny visas or entry to individuals with certain criminal convictions.

5. Japan: Japan has restrictions on entry for those with drug-related convictions.

6. New Zealand: While generally lenient with Australians, New Zealand can refuse entry to those with certain serious offences.

7. United Arab Emirates: Past convictions, especially drug-related, can lead to denial of entry or transit.

It’s crucial to understand that entry is often at the discretion of the border control officials, and regulations can change.

Additionally, many countries will base their decision on the nature and recency of the conviction, its relation to the country’s laws, and any perceived threat to public safety.

What Is The Australian Character Requirement For Visas?

Visa applicants in Australia must meet the Character Requirement to ensure community safety. Key points include:

• Legal Basis: Defined in Section 501 of the Migration Act 1958 and enforced by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Police Checks: Visa applicants often need police clearances from countries they’ve resided in for the past 10 years.
• Criteria: Refusal can stem from a substantial criminal record, association with criminal activities, risk assessments, past behaviour, and other specific grounds.
• Exceptions: Some may still receive a visa despite failing the test based on discretion, while others face mandatory cancellation.

Our criminal lawyers are ready to advise you regarding these concerns.

How To Check Your Criminal Record Before Traveling?

Checking your criminal record in Australia before travelling can give you insight into potential travel barriers. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check your criminal record:

1. Determine the Type of Check:

• National Police Check (NPC): This is the most common check for Australians. It provides a summary of an individual’s police history in Australia.
• Working With Children Check: While not for travel purposes, this is another form of background check in Australia that focuses on convictions endangering children.

2. Contact Your State’s Police Service: Each state and territory in Australia has its police service that can process a National Police Check.

3. Complete an Application:

• Most police services offer online and paper application forms for the National Police Check.
• You’ll need to provide personal details, a list of all your addresses over the past five years, and the purpose of the check (e.g., “overseas travel”).

4. Provide Identification: You must present original identification documents (and sometimes certified copies) to prove your identity. These may include a birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, etc.
5. Pay the Fee: A fee is typically associated with obtaining a police check. The exact amount may vary between states and territories.

6. Receive Your Results: Once you’ve submitted your application and it’s been processed, you will receive a report detailing any criminal history. This usually arrives within a few days to several weeks, depending on the processing time of the specific police service.
7. Consider the ‘Spent Convictions’ Scheme: Australia has a spent convictions scheme where some criminal convictions can become ‘spent’ after a set period, meaning they won’t appear on your police check. The rules for this scheme vary between states and territories.

It’s a good practice to keep a copy of your police check when travelling, especially if you know the destination country has strict entry requirements related to criminal records.

Also read: Can You Go On Holiday On Bail in Australia?

How To Apply For A Visa With A Criminal Record?

Applying for a visa with a criminal record can be a more complex process than a standard visa application, as the presence of a criminal record might influence the decision of the host country’s immigration authority. Here’s a general guideline on how to approach it:

Research the Destination Country’s Policies: Every country has different regulations and standards for admitting individuals with a criminal record. Familiarize yourself with these standards and understand the potential barriers.

Obtain Your Criminal Record: Obtain a copy of your criminal record before applying. This might be required during the application process, and knowing exactly what’s on it is good.

In Australia, you can get a National Police Check, which summarizes your police history.

Consult an Immigration Lawyer or Expert: Given the complexities, it’s wise to seek counsel from an immigration lawyer or consultant who can guide you through the application process, especially if you’re aiming for a country known for its stringent entry requirements.

Complete the Visa Application: Fill out the visa application form diligently.

Be honest: Provide accurate information if the application asks about your criminal history. False declarations can lead to immediate denials and future travel bans.

Detailed Explanation: Some countries might offer a space to explain any convictions. Use this to explain the circumstances, any rehabilitation, and why you’re not a risk.

Attach Relevant Documentation: Along with your criminal record, you might need to include character references, records of rehabilitation, or any other documents that demonstrate you’re of good character now despite your past.

Be Prepared for Additional Interviews or Scrutiny: Some countries may require a personal interview or additional background checks if you’ve declared a criminal record.

Wait for a Decision: The visa application will be reviewed once submitted. Given the complexities of a criminal record, this might take longer than usual.

Consider ‘Waivers of Ineligibility’ if Denied: Some countries, like the U.S., offer waivers for individuals deemed ineligible due to criminal convictions. While securing a waiver can be a long process, it’s a potential pathway to getting the visa approved.

Remember, the key is transparency and honesty. While a criminal record can pose challenges, many individuals with past convictions successfully obtain visas annually by adhering to the proper channels and showcasing their rehabilitation and current character.

Understanding The ‘Spent Convictions’ Scheme In Australia

The ‘Spent Convictions’ scheme in Australia allows certain criminal convictions to be effectively “forgotten” after a set period of good behaviour. Here’s what you need to know:

• Qualifying Period: Typically, after 10 years for adults and 5 years for juveniles, a conviction can become spent, provided there are no further convictions.
• Not Listed: Once a conviction is spent, it’s no longer listed on a police check, which means it’s not disclosed for most purposes.
• Exclusions: Not all convictions, especially very serious crimes or sentences over a certain length, can be spent.

The scheme aims to help people overcome mistakes, ensuring minor past convictions don’t affect their future indefinitely. Speak to our criminal lawyers about this today.

Can You Get a Passport With a Criminal Record Australia?

Having a criminal record doesn’t directly prevent you from getting a passport, but it can significantly complicate the process. The ability to travel overseas with a criminal record depends on several factors, including:

Type of offense: Serious offenses like violence, drug trafficking, or terrorism are more likely to cause problems than minor traffic violations.
Length of time since the offense: Older convictions are generally less concerning than recent ones.
Sentence served: Completion of any sentence and evidence of rehabilitation can improve your chances.
Destination country: Different countries have different rules about entry for people with criminal records.

Here’s how your criminal record can affect your passport application in Australia:

1. Reportable Offenders: If you’re considered a “reportable offender” under the Australian National Child Offender Register (ANCOR), you need permission to leave the country from a relevant authority before applying for a passport. Without this permission, your application will be withdrawn.
2. Character Assessment: Even if not a reportable offender, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) can still assess your character based on your criminal record. If they deem you a risk to national security or the international community, they can refuse your passport application.
3. Visa Applications: Obtaining visas for travel can be further complicated with a criminal record. Each country has its own policies, and some may automatically deny entry to anyone with certain convictions.

Can You Travel Overseas With A Criminal Record Australia?

Navigating overseas travel with a criminal record can be tricky. At Walker Pender, we offer expert guidance tailored to your unique circumstances. Unlock the world without the uncertainty – contact us today and ensure a smoother journey ahead.

Reach out to Walker Pender now and let your adventure begin!