Do not assume U.S. record clearing controls foreign borders
A U.S. sealing, expungement, set-aside, or vacation order may help explain your record, but another country decides entry under its own immigration and border rules.
Travel and criminal records
Traveling internationally with a criminal record: Canada, EU and Mexico basics
Practical travel-risk basics for people with criminal records, including Canada criminal inadmissibility and documentation.
Direct answer
International travel with a criminal record depends on destination rules, offense type, sentence, time passed, and disclosure requirements. Canada can treat some offenses as criminal inadmissibility issues even when the U.S. case is old or cleared.
Highest-risk destinationCanada for some criminal inadmissibility issues
Key documentsCertified disposition and sentence completion proof
Record clearingMay help documentation but may not erase travel rules
Canada deserves special attention
- DUI, drug, theft, assault, and other offenses can create inadmissibility concerns.
- The Canadian analysis can differ from how the case is treated in your state.
- Criminal rehabilitation, temporary resident permits, or legal review may be needed.
- Bring certified records if you have any concern about border questioning.
EU and Mexico basics
Rules depend on destination, length of stay, visa status, and border policy. For high-stakes travel, immigration or consular advice is safer than relying on general internet summaries.
What to prepare
- Certified disposition for each relevant case.
- Proof sentence, probation, fines, or restitution are complete.
- Any sealing, expungement, set-aside, restriction, or vacation order.
- A travel-specific legal opinion if the offense or destination is high risk.
FAQ
Fast answers
Can I enter Canada with a DUI?
A DUI can create Canada inadmissibility issues. Get current Canadian immigration guidance before travel.
Does expungement fix international travel problems?
Not necessarily. Foreign countries can apply their own rules and may still ask about the conduct or record.
Can Clean My Past tell me whether I can travel?
No. Clean My Past can organize record-clearing materials, but travel eligibility requires official destination guidance or legal advice.
Last reviewed 2026-06-03. Clean My Past is software, not a law firm. This guide is informational and is not legal advice. State laws, agency policies, platform rules, and consumer-reporting practices change, so confirm details on the official source before relying on them. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.