Is International Travel with a DUI Possible? Here’s All You Need to Know

You must have heard, ‘Do not drink and drive,’ and ‘Do not mix drinking and driving.’ And if you’re like me, you might have thought, “Who said it first?”!

I don’t know that yet, but I will tell you this – not only is it dangerous, but if you are convicted of a DUI, which stands for driving under the influence, it will harm your international travel because of various restrictions across the world. But if you are still getting into trouble, I will help you.

I’ll Tell You the Places Where You Can Travel with a DUI

1. European Union

 A DUI is generally not a dealbreaker for traveling or entering the European Union. Although if the factors are provocative then the result might be otherwise. Considering the UK and Ireland are also in the EU, it is not a problem entering with a DUI as they consider this as a misdemeanor and not an offense. 

2. Cuba

Cuba is among the top places where you can enter with a DUI, although it is not a cakewalk.

It is advised that you contact a Cuban diplomat in case of any felony or criminal case under your name and only plan to travel and enter Cuba once you get a green flag from their end.

3. Dominican Republic

It is easy to enter the Dominican Republic, and by easy, it is implied that the check is not that severe and that you do not require a visa to enter if you’re a tourist from Canada or the United States. However, on the safe side or considering the scenario where you have a record in your file, it is suggested to get a verification before flying into this country.

4. United States

Although a single DUI is not much trouble for entering into the United States, once it is clubbed with more records of different crimes or even multiple DUIs, it will become a dealbreaker, as the rules for DUI are pretty stringent in the United States.

5. China

The Chinese visa application asks you to state if you have any past criminal records, and if your answer is yes, you need to provide them with details regarding it. So, if you desire to visit China, be honest and answer it correctly, but try not to hold any criminal record.

6. India

As of now, the visa application to India does not require you to claim your criminal records, so it is easy to enter on those grounds. Even if you have any criminal record in the past, you can be honest and know them beforehand.

There can always be a background check on you, and in case of any discrepancy, you might be denied entry into the country. It is therefore advised to check for your traveling eligibility before planning a trip. 

Considering India and China, we can pretty much extend this to all of Asia, including countries like Thailand, Borneo, Pakistan, South Korea, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and some parts of Africa.

The Icy Whiz team talked to Ben Michael, Attorney at Michael & Associates, about navigating through the varying international regulations on travel with a DUI conviction. Here is what he said:

“Because there are varying international regulations on travel for those with DUI convictions, one could assume that these convictions could also have an impact on possible interstellar travel in the future.

But, this type of travel is so unlike international travel, so we can’t say for certain what the impact of DUI convictions will be yet. Certain states allow DUI expungement from your record under specific circumstances, so that may play a factor here.”

Now It’s Time to Tell About Places Where You Cannot Travel with a DUI

1. Mexico

Mexico is very strict when it comes to DUI convictions. It is so prominent that if you are a foreigner planning to enter Mexico and have a drunk driving conviction even once in the last 10 years, you will be refused entry to Mexico.

The severity will be taken into consideration. If the crime is a basic misdemeanor DUI, travelers will not face the prevention in the country. However, in any case, if you are someone with a felony indictable offense, you won’t be able to enter the country.

There have been cases of easy entry by the Mexican guards, but it is 50-50 chance, so you might get in, and very much likely you can be asked to leave. 

2. Iran

If you are a US citizen, your entry to Iran already is pretty troublesome, and if you add a DUI on top of it, then it just works as a cherry on the cake. Due to the absence of Iranian embassies in the United States, they do not have access to records of the US citizens which makes the screening process difficult.

Now, when you are really into the immigration process, it also depends upon the officer assigned to you. They have a whole screening process dedicated to travelers where they ask about your history in alcohol, drugs, and other felony charges. Although a DUI is something they look down on if your officer is lenient you might get lucky. 

3. United Arab Emirates

Due to the staunch belief in Muslim scripture and the adherence to religious regulations, drinking is not considered a highly sought-after activity in the UAE. Which in turn makes a DUI conviction more problematic.

Now, there are no rules governing entry inside the country in consideration of a DUI, so your fate also depends upon your immigration officer.

4. Australia

If you hold a DUI and you want to travel to Australia, your primary measure would be to apply for a travel waiver.

Given you are a US citizen traveling to Australia, it is comparatively easy for you. However, you still have to get an electronic visa, the application of which requires you to declare and pass a character test including criminal offenses, convictions, and any similar criminal conduct association.

A long and impending history of criminal behavior gives you a red flag for Australia.

5. South Africa

Misdemeanors and offenses are weighted differently in South Africa. So, if you have a DUI for a misdemeanor, it is not a big problem, but it becomes one when your DUI is classified as a felony.

The immigration methodologies applicant have a clause called ‘ depiction by silence ‘ under the clause; it is assumed that you will declare any of your criminal conducts or behavior whether you are asked or not, failure to which is termed as deception by silence and results in a straight no to your entry in South Africa.

However, you can return when your conviction has left your records if your immigrant officer decides the same. 

6. Canada

It is amongst the most strict countries where DUI is considered a felony. So, anybody planning to travel to Canada with a DUI conviction is restricted entry for 5 years minimum, and you can apply for criminal rehabilitation. 

Hope Reynolds, a Travel Advisor at Cupcake Castles Travel, talked to the Icy WHiz team about navigating international travel with a DUI conviction. Here is an excerpt from the interview:

“Unfortunately, a DUI conviction here in the United States can restrict the countries to which you may travel.

Not only do countries have varying degrees of leniency, but the laws may change depending on whether you’re taking a vacation or applying for a temporary resident permit.

Some countries may even outright deny entry to individuals with a DUI conviction, as it is considered a felony offense in various destinations.

Regardless of where you’re vacationing, it’s always best to contact a lawyer who specializes in DUI convictions. You’ll read many things online and hear varying opinions, but note that these may not always be from reputable sources.”

I must say that in almost every country, foreigners are allowed to enter only if they are a part of basic DUIs. But if they have committed serious DUIs, they will be prevented from entering, and if they try to, they will be accountable for it.

Guest Author: Saket Kumar

Last Updated on June 5, 2024 by Pragya