DUI Travel Restrictions: Where You Can and Can’t Go After a DUI Conviction

Planning a trip but concerned about your DUI history? Discover how a DUI can (and cannot) impact your pending international travel.

You've dealt with court hearings, license suspension, and possibly even had an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. But now, as you're planning a trip abroad, you're wondering if a DUI conviction may cause you to be flagged at the airport, denied a visa, or stopped at customs.

You're in the right place for information. There are some countries where you can and cannot go after a DUI conviction, and you need to know what information may show up on your passport. 

This post is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice or expert guidance. Always consult a DUI attorney or immigration professional about your specific situation. We provide support, guidance, and information to help you navigate your DUI journey. 

If you have questions about your DUI journey, please call a DUI.org specialist now at 877- 246-7808.

Can You Travel Internationally With a DUI?

A DUI conviction can turn your life upside down, and the fallout doesn’t stop at the courthouse. For travelers with a DUI on their record, a trip abroad may be complicated.

Even one DUI conviction can lead to denied entry, visa delays, or deportation. Some countries treat DUIs as serious offenses, with rules that can block you from crossing their border, whether you are vacationing, relocating, or flying for work.

How Countries Handle Criminal Records for Entry

Every country sets rules for who can enter its borders, and a DUI conviction can trigger restrictions, depending on where you are headed. Some countries treat DUI as a criminal offense that affects your admissibility. 

In contrast, others view it as a minor issue unless it is tied to more serious charges, such as injury or multiple offenses. Other countries leave it to the discretion of the immigration agents. Agents could deny you entry on the spot, even if no rule explicitly bans someone with a DUI. 

Can You Travel While on DUI Probation or Parole?

If you're on probation as part of your sentence, you typically cannot leave the country without court permission or approval from your supervising officer. The same goes for parole. If your DUI involved jail time, and you're serving supervised release, the terms will almost always restrict international movement.

Violating those terms could result in serious legal consequences. International travel is usually off the table unless you have finished all court requirements or obtained formal approval. Even then, the country you are traveling to may still conduct a background check that reveals your probation or parole status and deny you entry.

Speak to your DUI lawyer about the laws specific to your state.

Can You Travel Abroad with a Misdemeanor DUI?

Some countries treat misdemeanor DUI offenses as serious red flags, especially if the offense occurred recently. Others only restrict travelers with more serious convictions, like a felony or multiple offenses. 

Consider how long ago the conviction occurred. Some countries have rehabilitation periods that you must complete before entry can be allowed without additional paperwork. 

To understand how the offense classification affects your travel plans, check out our guide on the difference between felony and misdemeanor DUI.

Countries with DUI Travel Restrictions

Some countries treat DUI convictions more seriously than others, especially when it comes to allowing entry. If you plan to travel with a DUI on your record, knowing which countries are strict and what to expect can help you avoid being turned away at the airport or denied a visa altogether.

Canada

Canada has some of the toughest DUI travel restrictions in the world. Canadian immigration law considers a DUI a serious offense, even if it is a misdemeanor in the United States.

You may be deemed “criminally inadmissible” and denied entry at the border unless you qualify for one of the following:

• Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) - A short-term solution that allows entry for a specific reason (e.g., business or family), even if the DUI sentence is recent.
• Criminal Rehabilitation - A one-time application that permanently removes inadmissibility after five years have passed since completing all sentencing requirements.

Learn more in our guide to traveling to Canada with a DUI.

Mexico

Mexico’s immigration policy does not spell out DUI-specific rules, but Article 37 of its General Population Law gives immigration officers discretion to deny entry to anyone with a criminal record. That includes DUIs. Because decisions are made at the discretion of border agents, even travelers with older convictions should prepare for the possibility of extra scrutiny or denial.

China and Japan

Both China and Japan require visa applications that ask about your criminal history, including impaired driving. A DUI could be grounds for denial, especially if it is recent or involves aggravating factors.

Japan’s law denies entry to people convicted of offenses punishable by more than one year in prison, even if they served no time for the offense. Travelers to Japan have reported inconsistent experiences. Checking their official immigration rules and consulting with your local Japanese consulate may help you find more information.

Australia and New Zealand

Both countries require travelers to meet a “character test” for visa approval. A prison sentence of 12 months or more could make you ineligible unless you obtain a waiver.

Visit Australia’s immigration site to review entry criteria.

United Kingdom and Europe

The UK generally allows travelers with a DUI to enter unless the offense involved serious harm or resulted in jail time. Most European countries follow similar policies. Still, it is smart to check with the embassy of your destination before traveling.

Will a DUI Show Up on Your Passport or Visa Application?

A DUI does not appear as a visible stamp or note in your physical passport. However, when applying for a visa, many countries ask whether you have been arrested or convicted of a crime. If border authorities find you did not answer honestly, they may deny you entry or issue you a permanent travel ban. If your destination requires a visa, you may face extra steps when applying for a travel visa with a DUI, since many countries use this process to review your criminal record.

How Border Authorities Find Out About Your DUI

Even though a DUI does not appear in your passport, there are ways for border authorities to find out about it.

Information Sharing Between Countries

Many countries participate in agreements that share criminal databases. These systems allow law enforcement and immigration officials to access arrest records, convictions, and even pending charges from other nations.

Background Checks for Visas

Some countries require formal background checks as part of the visa application process. This might include fingerprinting, interviews, or requests for court records. Some systems may even flag sealed or expunged records.

Tips for Traveling with a DUI on Your Record

If you have a DUI on your record, a little preparation can go a long way in avoiding surprises at the border.

1. Check Country-Specific Entry Policies

Before booking, research how your destination handles criminal convictions. Check the consulate websites, contact the embassy, or visit resources like travel.state.gov.

2. Be Honest on Travel Applications

Never lie on a visa application. The risk of being banned from a country far outweighs the discomfort of admitting a past DUI.

DUI Travel Restrictions: Answers to Common Questions

What countries can you not travel to with a DUI?
Canada, Mexico, Japan, China, and Australia are known to restrict entry. Check with the embassy of your destination before traveling.

Can you fly with a DUI on your record?
Flying with a DUI doesn’t seem to be a problem. The issue is with border entry, not airline security.

Does a DUI show up on your passport?
No, but it can appear in information systems used during visa applications or border checks.

How do other countries know if you have a DUI?
Many countries learn of a DUI through international criminal databases and information sharing.

Can you travel internationally with a misdemeanor DUI?
Yes, but some countries may still deny entry based on their specific immigration laws.

Talk to a DUI Specialist Today

A DUI conviction can limit your travel options. But with proper planning and knowledge, it is possible to travel abroad safely and legally, even with a criminal record. Do not let a past mistake hold you back from international travel. Learn more about DUI requirements, such as ignition interlock devices and SR-22 insurance, by talking to one of our DUI specialists today.