For Registered Sex Offenders:
Can registered sex offenders travel internationally? Yes, registered sex offenders can travel internationally. However, if you are on parole or probation, then offenders need permission and have to inform your supervisor of travel information.
In order to travel outside of the United States, federal law requires you to inform your residence jurisdiction 21 days prior to travel. On top of this, 692A.105 of the Iowa Code requires offenders to notify the sheriff within 5 days of a change of residence- even temporary lodging- if you are going to be gone for more than 5 days.
Knowingly travelling without informing authorities will lead to a Failure to Register charge.
NOTE: Some countries refuse access to sex offenders or people with felony convictions:
- Australia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Thailand are just a few known examples.
- Canada is one major example of a country denying entry to those with a just a felony conviction.
- Contact the countries’ U.S consulate for more information and questions
When you are preparing to travel, government officials will need to collect the following information from registered travelers.
- Identifying information (name, age, address, etc.), travel information (itinerary), purpose of travel, and your criminal record.
- This information is given on the NSOTC form located on the SMART website. See SMART.gov Resources.
Effective October 31, 2017, registered sex offenders’ passports are stamped with a unique identifier. See 22 U.S. Code Section.
For Non-Registered Sex Offenders:
The Federal Code uses the term “covered sex offenders” when referring to individuals who are required to get their passports stamped. This term is defined as individuals currently required to register in their respective jurisdictions. We understand this to me that if you are not currently required to register, your passport will not be stamped
Once again, some countries refuse access to sex offenders or people with felony convictions. Contact the countries’ U.S. consulate for more information and questions.
