International Megan’s Law – Travel issues becoming more prevalent for registrants.
In recent months we’ve seen an increase in members reporting difficulty traveling internationally. We’re also seeing countries that formerly admitted persons required to register, now turning them away. Just last month a member was denied entry into Greece, a country that was previously not off limits and a member of the European Union. It’s raising some concern over what will become over travel to the other 26 member countries of the EU.
We are also receiving information that the United States is taking a more active roll in blocking international travel by persons required to register. For example; US Department of Homeland Security Agents have pulled people off of airplanes in Florida before even departing, stating they were not able to enter the international destination. Also, the United States has opened 80 Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Offices in 53 countries internationally. HSI agents have been waiting for persons required to register when they land in the destination country and turning them right around before they even have a chance to speak with the receiving country’s immigration officer.
While the government denies they play any role in determining whether someone can enter a foreign country or restricting international travel. Their actions contradict that assertion. They also claim that the notices are merely information and are not intended to block someone’s entry, but in this training video, they acknowledge that the SMART Office has compiled a list of countries that persons required to register cannot go to (“However, what we know is that many countries have elected to not allow offenders to come into the country. And so with this notification that’s done in advance, then the country at the time that the offender were to come to the country can make that decision. But we also know that there are, again, as I said, some countries that are not accepting offenders. And we have a list of those.”).
FAC is calling on the national advocacy groups and their state affiliates to join forces with us in fighting back against IML.
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I am ROS in NJ and planning to go to Greece or Spain and Portugal for 10days. I don’t have mark on my passport, does this country allow RSO to visit? Do this country has any restrictions or I should be aware of something. Please advise.
Thank you.
Tony I went to Greece before my passport was flagged and got in fine
Tony…i applied and recieved a NEW PASSPORT in 2018 after conviction & probation ended NO MARK. then i went to Greece in 18 & 19 no problem..BUT when i flew there in 2021, i was REFUSED entry, held in a Greek detention center & told i was required to leave the same way i came, same airline etc. after almost 12 hours in detention i was allowed to book a flight on ANOTHER flight, (spending $2500) to get back to USA. IF I did not have the money to book flight, i would’ve been Held In that PRISON for almost a week ! not great conditions sir….i would NOT risk it, i would CALL the GREEK POLICE AT AIRPORT & FIND OUT IF your passport is flagged or if your name is on a list. Avoid embarrassment, humiliation, detention, poor conditions & potential rude & harrasing treatment from Greek police..yes, i was screamed at by a few of the officers.
most were nice, but when 2 of them found out I was leaving in another flight, they were pissed. Best wishes.
You appear to have newer info then I have but NEVER fly direct. No country likes to get the USA notice. My experience is book a trip to a entry point in Europe that never has issues. I prefer Italy. When god whispers in your ear to see other places book a flight to Greece or other places you are worried about. Many places like Spain will look how old the charge was and if on a minor. The bottom line is I have learned that you cannot get consistent accepting or denying and try to count on it so the best thing is to take yourself out of the equation and not play the game. You are legally allowed to travel and change your mind later do not make plans before you go to any place that you think you might get rejected simply go someplace that you know for sure you can get into and make your travel plans at that time. Yes, it may or may not cost you a little bit more money but you will save the headache. You will save being banned in another countries computer, and based on my experience, you will be a much happier person. The chances of Greece denying you without any kind of US notice is minimal if any.
I would add it’s better to be returned to a local country you have a entry stamp for make sure it’s not transit. This is better then getting sent back to the USA. I will say anytime. This has happened to me and I was sent back. I never paid for an airline ticket. I was always put on the next available flight and I was told by an international convention the airlines are responsible to transport you, I can vouch for this with personal experience, try land and Sea crossings also Sorry, I cannot provide more specific information but there are a lot of of us that are logically dealing with us and surviving. I know of at least two groups I’m affiliated with.
Has anyone with a marked passport been let into the Dominican Republic or turkey?
It’s time to fight the registry with force and power. If you are willing to give up everything and move and participate in the fight in a location where there is real chance at succeeding with our numbers alone, reply to my post.
Are we all going to move into Congressman Chris Smith*’s district in New Jersey and let him know why we are there?? That would actually be pretty awesome!! 🤗👏🏻😂
(FYI, *he is the POS who authored IML.)