Registrant Travel Action Group (RTAG – www.registranttag.org), an RSOL affiliate organized to protect the international travel rights for lawful travel of registrants, is putting together a travel matrix, to serve as a snapshot guide to warn which countries you may have difficulty traveling to.
Since the US is now sending out travel alerts whenever a registered citizen travels, you need to be mindful of issues you may have at certain borders.
The below matrix is a work-in-progress and if you have traveled internationally as a registered citizen, we ask that you share your experience with RTAG (good or bad), so that information can be shared.
You can reach RTAG at the following:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1.972.638.0651
Area | Country | SOs turned away | Law keeping out SOs | Law keeping out felons | SO Registry | ||||||
Mexico | Mexico | YES | YES | Unk | NO | ||||||
Canada | Canada | YES | YES | YES | YES | ||||||
Central Amer | Belize | NO | NO | NO | NO | ||||||
Costa Rica | YES | NO | Unk | NO | |||||||
Guatemala | NO | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
Panama | YES | YES | YES | NO | |||||||
Nicaragua | YES | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
Caribbean | Aruba | NO | NO | NO | NO | ||||||
Bahamas | NO | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
Dom republic | YES | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
Jamaica | YES | NO | NO | YES | |||||||
St Lucia | NO | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
Trinidad | NO | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
South Amer | Argentina | YES | YES | Unk | Unk | ||||||
Brazil | YES | YES | Ukn | Unk | |||||||
Chili | NO | NO | NO | Unk | |||||||
Colombia | YES | NO | NO | Unk | |||||||
Europe | France | NO | NO | NO | NO | ||||||
Germany | NO | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
Ireland | YES | NO | NO | YES | |||||||
Italy | NO | NO | NO | YES | |||||||
Netherlands | NO | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
Spain | NO | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
UK | YES | YES | YES | YES | |||||||
Asia | Australia | Y/N | YES | YES | YES | ||||||
China | Y/N | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
Japan | Y/N | YES | YES | NO | |||||||
Hong Kong | NO | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
Korea | YES | NO | NO | YES | |||||||
Indonesia | YES | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
Loas | Y/N | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
New Zealand | YES | YES | YES | YES | |||||||
Singapore | YES | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
Thailand | Y/N | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
Vietnam | Y/N | NO | NO | NO | |||||||
|
|||||||||||
Middle East | Dubai | YES | NO | NO | NO | ||||||
Lebanon | NO | NO | NO | NO |
If so many registered citizens are financially able to travel internationally, maybe they could contribute more to FAC’s legal funds. I am barely getting by each month. I’m glad to see there are so many who are so well off.
What is FAC legal fund?
I HAVE READ COMMENTS THAT INDICATE TRAVELING TO HONG KONG BY AN RSO SHOULD HAVE NO ISSUES. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INFO ON MACAU?
Been to Macau
Same treatment as HK
Should b fine
Iam Canadian though
Being Canadian is a HUGE difference!
How much different is it ? We have rso Interpol here as well
Canada has Interpol but does not put out a Green Notice on every traveling former offender.
Do you know that as fact ?
Having run into any issues so far with authorities at the airport but maybe your right abiut Canada
Anybody know how Scotland is with causing any issues entering on vacation?
They are part of the U.K. which by law does not permit entry of US felons.
Iceland is good for rsos
Went there last year it was amazing!
What if it’s a misdemeanor tho and traveling to the UK. I’d really like to take my family and visit but not if I’ll be harassed and sent back.
Macau is a SAR (special administrative region) like Hong Kong. The last time I traveled, there were no Customs in Macau that would cause problems. That said, China can change their mind overnight. My experience was Macau was the “darkest” place I have ever traveled and I could not go back there again. If you are into gambling and prostitution, Macau is at the top of the list
Husband had to get a new passport and it automatically had the sex offender stamp aka Scarlet letter. We have vacations planned to Antigua and Europe this year and I have already checked that we can go here. Got a letter from the embassy in Antigua that he’s ok to visit and we’re going to Spain and Portugal this summer. Anyone get harassed with the passport stamp? This is humiliating and I don’t want to be worried.
They’ve started putting stamps on passports?? This is rediculous. There was a man I know that moved back to his hometown with his wife & kids and they put it all over social media that he was moving back and his crime he made as a young man and of course everyone started harassing him and saying the worst things possible. His kids got harassed at school where it disrupted their learning environment they don’t even want to attend school now from the public bullying them. One person even made a fake profile to just harass him and when he reported it the police did nothing. They can say what they want this registry is an embrassemnt system it does nothing to help the public. The registry hurts lives of everyone and creates fear where fear does not need to exist. They need to either do this for all crimes or abolish the registry. There is only false hope that it benefits people there is zero benefit only false belief in a broken system. This is on the wrong side of history. It may take 30 years but I believe if people will try to stand up this can be abolished in the future and should be. I’m sorry to hear that they are putting stamps on these passports that’s crazy and when probably the crime wouldn’t even of been a crime in some countries because of age of consent that people are trying to visit. The horror stores need to be shared the ones locally I know are the biggest crap talkers about rso are the ones that I personally remember that they should had fell into the same situation at one time but got lucky. To everyone that is hurt from this registry just know this is on the wrong side of history. The question I have is do you know if this stamp on the passports are for everyone or only certain rso? Thanks for any positive feedback.
Anyone know about traveling to the US Virgin Islands? I know I don’t need a passport, but do I need to register with USVI when I get there? Their website was a little unclear about visitors.
5 years ago I went and stayed at a resort for a week and did register. Painless and the officer was very professional.
I looked it up and it was a conutry without registration because I was going to work there this year
If you visit St John or St Thomas, you have to register on St Thomas. On St Croix, you register there. The office on St Croix was a little hard to find. St Thomas much easier. Good folks that treated me with respect and told me to enjoy my stay. Warning: CBP checked my registration papers leaving St Croix. Had I decided not to register because it’s easy to get in, I would have been busted leaving. St Thomas looked at me strange when I offered papers. Didn’t seem to know what to do and I passed through with hardly a glance. Play right and by the rules and you will enjoy your stay with a clear mind.
If you stay under 5 days do you have to register? Many states are 48, 72, hours and some are 5 days 7 days or 9 days so wanting to see as we book travel – he is also still on probation but they have approved so just want to see what visitors have to do if just a short trip? Thanks I could not find on their website about visiting.
Booked a flight to the Bahamas for the end of February. PO said it should be fine he just needs to ask his supervisors. I’m sure it will be fine since they approved my Euro trip last year.
However I did not report my trip to the authorizes last year and nothing came about it except for secondary screening coming back.
Would I be okay with doing this again. My PO mentioned a few months ago a sheriff said it was required that each SO does this when traveling abroad. I just don’t want to jeopardize my trip.
Any thoughts? Would the Bahamas be okay even if I do report it.
The US would not be OK if you don’t report it. It violates Florida law and the IML
I didn’t report my month long Europe trip from 2017 or my recent trip to the Bahamas. The sheriffs office said i didn’t need to. So I was fine. Also I am a level 3.
From both my experiences I don’t believe at the time they keep up or check. I’m not from Florida I’m from Oregon. But this is MY experience and I believe everyone should have the right to know that I have not been punished for it.
It’s your decision at the end of the day. This was mine and this was the outcome.
Goodluck to you all and safe travels
My registration form from vcso states if youre traveling out of the us for five or more days then the info etc for the 21 days prior. Have a pic of it as they person had no clue as to how to treat me. I even have issues with the three day thing as each person has a different thought on it
If you a rso can you cruise with a birth certificate and driver license to the carribbean
As much bullshit as it is yes you must report international travel at least 21 days before the travel.
This is federal law and not doing it could result in additional charges. Look up international megans law.
RSO from Oregon level 3 classified after I went to petition my level two to a one. It’s been a very hard year. I traveled to Europe for a month while on probation and i didn’t have any problems. Only was questioned and searched when I landed back in the US.
My PO said he was told a officer that RSO need to report their abroad itinerary to the police. I was seeing if Oregon required to do that. I didn’t last year and nothing was mentioned.
Also in regards to the government shutdown would this mean travel restrictions and notifications might be temporarily loose? Planning on going to the Bahamas in end of February although it’s a ok county to go to I don’t want to unnecessarily report and flag myself.
Any thoughts? Would love to conversate about this situation
I have work opportunities abroad through my company that I work for. I left a comment earlier asking if anyone had any issues with flights to Romania & Ukraine. I’d also like to ask now also if anyone has had any problems going to Poland? I appreciate all helpful answers. Some things that may help me could be potentially the age of consent. I was 21 in college and got tangled up with a 15 year old that snuck into it and had been apparently sneaking into them all year with older friends of hers. Point being Its been 8 years since then it was a while ago and it’s ruined my entire 20’s. I had one year probation and it was just a misdemeanor but still several years later I have to register. I’m fed up with the registry and how I’m bullied by local police and my community I’m ready to move abroad and work abroad. I have a clean record besides this. I’m ready to work and find a better place to spend the rest of my life for my sake and my families sake. If anyone has any info I appreciate it I really do. My target counties are Romania, Ukraine, & Poland as of now. I just want to work and be a good citizen without the forever lasting American RSO stigma.
From what I know Ukraine is ok not sure about other Eastern Europe countries. Heard good things about Greece, Czech and Ukraine know of a few rsos that have went there.
Does anyone know about Romania or Ukraine? Did anyone have trouble dying to those places? I have potential work opportunities if all checks out. Also the law I was convicted of in the United States is not illegal in Romania. Would that help?
Spell correct -Flying* not dying lol
Any luck traveling to Bimini or the like in the Bahamas?
Also any luck traveling to Scotland?
Bimini is the Bahamas and that’s been OK.
Scotland is part of the UK, which has been turning away registrants.
Might want to update Belize as turning away SO’s. I was denied even getting onto my domestic flight to Miami on my way to Belize City. They wouldn’t even say why other than “There’s a problem with Customs and Border Control” and said there was no one I could talk to; I was just flat out refused to even try to fly. I lost all the money that was pre-paid for the vacation and was insanely embarrassed in front of everyone at the airport.
I’m a Level 1 from a charge of indecent liberties against an adult, with 2 years left of a 15-year requirement to register because it was a military conviction. I’d be off the registry already if it was a civilian charge (10-year requirement). I’m so low on the totem-pole of offenders that I usually barely blip on radars. This travel ban is complete and utter BS.
Anyone know about Croatia?
Croatia is fine to visit
I’ve heard good things.
Anyone know if Philippines will know I have a record once they swipe my passport? Hong Kong was great to visit
But I was interested in going to the Philippines and visiting my gf. Will they let me in if my country doesn’t inform them ?
I wanted to comment that my husband (who is a RSO) and I just got back from Greece, Italy and Amsterdam with no problems. We flew direct from SEA to CDG and had no issues in customs. We flew from Greece to Italy and from Italy to Amsterdam and never had any issues. We even lost my husbands passport and had to get an emergency one in Athens (not the kind of attention you want!) and we had no issues at all. Thankful and looking forward to our next European trip in Schengen countries
Yes it is amazing how most of the EEC is so unaffected by this international law and yet England and Ireland being such stout countries deem it to be an horrendous burden to allow tourist into their countries. But 98% of Europe including what was once known as the eastern block of Europe are totally welcoming and there has been absolutely no evidence or documented proof that tourist who are registered citizens have re offended while in their countries on visit. It is such an atrocity that the world as even gotten involved with this entire subject. So we battle in our homeland and now risk ridicule and possible danger when traveling to certain countries that deem our population as a menace to the world and their children.
If I go to Hong Kong first and buy a ticket to South Korea while I’m in hong kong, will I still be denied entry by South Korea? I’m wondering how south korea will know of my charges.
The new approved passports have a comment on the last page stating that You were convicted of a crime against children in the USA. Also technically speaking when you plan a trip internationally you by Florida law must report your itinerary to the place where you register, which in turn gets reported to the Feds actually to the dept. of transportation and security which will send an alert to those countries on your itinerary with your photo and flight number and airline as well as time of arrival. They will be waiting to greet you as you exit the plane and enter into the immigration center for passport control. They will stop you ask you to come with them and process you through their system possibly take a photo of you and enter it into their data base then escort you back to the next flight leaving the country and make sure you are on that flight. The only positive thing I can say is they say if this gets cleared up for you we will welcome you back into our country but you must provide documents that the matter has been cleared up (who knows what that means) and you do not have to pay for your return flight they make the arrangements give you a return ticket and seat assignment. you are actually expedited through security clearance and placed on the flight home by the same airlines that brought you to the country that is denying your entrance. Also I would like to add to the list of countries that will not turn you away and that is Malaysia. The island of Penang is absolutely wonderful to visit and a short flight from Kuala Lumpur. While in the capital of Kuala Lumpur make sure you go to the colosseum restaurant for the best prime rib and onion rings in the world ( personal opinion) and very inexpensive. In Penang the best hotel for me is the Cathay Hotel an old mansion turned into a hotel for approximately 8 dollars a night with A/C cheaper if you choose a room without A/C. The island is 99% chinese immigrants and has an entirely different atmosphere then mainland Malaysia. There is an extremely strict NO DRUG rule in malaysia the penalty is Death by hanging and it is with in 72 hours that your sentence will be carried out. The embassy can not help you out of this dilemma but the announcement is made 30 minutes before your approach into Kuala Lumpur. It is amazing how many people decide to use the restroom at the last minute. LOL
When did you last travel to Malaysia? I just read someone was turned away in October.
Also did you have the new marked passport when you traveled there? Did they look at the page it’s on if you did have it?
Really appreciate any more info.
When did you travel to Malaysia ?? Planning a trip and want to make sure as a RSO I will get in
What did you find out about South Korea? I have been in HK since the 1st of April.
Has anyone been to South Africa as a registered Sex offender ?
We are considering a trip there next year.
SA as far as I know sends rsos back try other African countries
No SA doesn’t Permit Rsos try another country
In General there are no problems in Africa at all and South Africa is among them that will welcome tourist into their country its a long flight and the national parks are very expensive for the entrance fee but so well worth it also while in South Africa try to make your way to Botswana to view Victoria Falls its absolutely breath taking and unforgettable. Johannesburg is a much better option to fly into then Cape Town ( personal opinion). Again be careful for many of the flights go through London although SAA (South African Airlines) does fly from the states to Johannesburg non stop from a few US cities. They have stopped their direct service altogether from Miami international some years ago. Enjoy and please be careful the crime in the major cities are actually on a rise.
Frank. I would like to know if you are a registered sex offender and if so, did you gain entrance into South Africa. If so, I would love to discuss some things with you!
Chris – I just returned from South Africa with out any issues… however my passport was revoked upon re-entering the USA for not having the new identifier. I will return again this year once i have my new passport and provide an update if i can.
The process was very simple, they just scanned my passport and told me to enjoy my stay. No questions beyond the minimum required and no baggage search or anything funky… took about 90 seconds to pass customs.
I was charged with a communication and molestation with a minor (15yo).
Hey Mark, I’m planning a trip to South Africa in a few months, and I’m glad I saw your comment. Did you end up going back in 2019 with the new identifier on your passport?
Are you able to explain to me the process of notifying the US of your intent to leave the country? Also wondering if you were on parole/probation at the time of your trip. I spoke with my PO and he informed me that I would need the judge to okay my trip, and I’m putting that paperwork in now. My haven’t had a passport in 20 years, so I’m expecting that when I get this one, it will have the new identifier already present on it.
Thanks in advance for any information you can provide!
What about a trip to Egypt ???
Good question I plan on a trip to Egypt next year.
So far with the little research I gathered it was okay to go as a so
Anyone know if Hong Kong accepts sos?
Egypt like 99.9% of Africa will allow SO’s to enter their country and enjoy all they have to offer to tourist. Egypt is absolutely mind boggling beautiful especially if you adventure out of Cairo and travel down the Nile to the Aswan dam you can go by boat or the less expensive and more cultural experience by train. Of course you can also fly to southern destinations especially if you are interested in visiting King Tuts tomb. Again Egypt is a country where each day can pose different threats to Americans be careful and mindful of all your surroundings for those women that are traveling be respectful to their culture and views on how women should dress while in their country. Be conservative another words long dresses yet light and cooling as the heat and humidity is unbearable at times. The port of Alexandria is really a passable city unless you have a passion to see the city for what ever your reason might be but again take great caution. Cairo at night is again on the dangerous side but as the saying goes be on the right side of the tracks. Cairo has a division of old city and new city it is the largest African capital and with it comes a lot of people looking for opportunities to take advantage of tourist dollars be careful do your research and look into different agencies that offer tours to GIZA to see the pyramids and sphinx. The night light show at the sphinx is good and worth the visit if you want Egyptian History also the Museum of Egyptian Archeology is enormous and plenty to view and learn about a lost ancient civilization that was very advance for their time . I learned so much that I just wish I could have had today’s technology to record all the lectures on Ancient Egyptian culture. But sadly I am not very well adapted to all of the abilities that even my phone is capable of. Just enjoy. A camel ride in the dessert is definitely an adventure and their perfumes are 98% oil and little to no alcohol so it lasts much longer while dabbing your bodies with their fragrances. Again the game is bartering and well respected.
Planning a trip to Athens Greece and Santorini Greece later this year. Has anyone visited Greece lately ??
We went to Italy September 2017 with no issues. Hoping Greece will be the same.
its the same. No issues.
How about Hong Kong travel ?
Had no problems in Hong Kong and interestingly enough in Hong Kong and I stayed on the Kowloon side they offered tours very inexpensive to mainland china where they take care of the necessary VISA and you travel with a group but who is to say that yoiu must return with the group. From Hong Kong you can reach main land china by train through the New Territory and by Boat I would not try plane as it is extremely risky.
So Hong king is safe to travel to as rso ?
I’ve heard good things about it but wasn’t sure.
Asia is tough on rsos
But Hong Kong will accept me ?
Hong Kong has not been problematic
Hi,I’m new to this site, I am an RSO from Florida and hold a US passport that I received five years ago with no identifier and I have not received any letter from Angel watch. I’m planning a trip to Hong Kong in May,Has anybody visited there in 2019?
I visited Hong Kong with my wife end of Dec 2018 through mid Jan 2019. Have identifier on passport was interrogate more then from my 2 precious trips combined. There shouldn’t be any real problems woth Hong Kong.
were you interrogated in Hong Kong or just the usual interrogation upon return to the US?
In Hong Kong this time. This was my third visit the first with the identifier.
Just got back from Greece, Italy and Netherlands. Changed planes in France. Had no issues at all
Returned from Greece last week Sept 9- Sept 16. No issues at all.
Alerted local sheriff off that I was leaving. They asked for travel details. They gave me the go ahead and has no issues. Still using same passport from 2015
Greece is a country of so many different flavors and cultures. When in Athens you will have an adventure visiting and walking through the Palaka. Besides all the historical sights and wonders to see an interesting side trip is to take a one day cruise from the port Petros? I am not very good in remembering my foreign spelling and pronunciation but it is the main port in Athens and they have a well worth tour to visit 3 nearby islands Hydra and two others (that is embarrassing I have done this tour twice recently) but on one of the islands you visit it is known for their pistachio nuts and you can purchase actual homemade pistachio ice cream for maybe 2 US dollars a very small amount in Euros. Currently the Euro is stronger than the American dollar. The economy in Greece is very beneficial for US tourist today as they have had enormous economy problems which have devalued a lot of their merchandise and food. Hotels are reasonable and yes adults can stay at a Hostel which are common in Athens and very safe. Also they do accommodate private rooms for your family or group traveling. I went with a friend and we had a two bed private room. Make sure you know if there is a curfew at night only a few actually still observe this rule most are now very liberal with their rules and very economical. There are however still go deals on hotels near the center square in Athens that will place you in the center of all the attractions. The bus system is cheap and very easy to figure out their are numerous people and Information areas that offer free advise to tourists. I found Greece to be entertaining, educational and actually safe. The light show at night of the Acropolis on the hill of the Pnyx across from the Acropolis is extremely educational and beautiful as the Gods tell the story of Athena and the history of the Acropolis. I have been to the island of santorini of course it is picturesque and well known as the island of Blue and White washed Buildings/homes. Enjoy.
What about passing through London Heathrow or Gatwick to change planes to another European destination like Italy, Poland or Germany? Will RSOs be denied entry at these airports and not allowed to change flights? Please respond asap if anyone knows as I cannot get an answer from any authorities.
If you have to pass through British customs, count on getting rejected. If you don’t and solely arrive in one of those three countries, you should be OK.
As far as England. I had a flight to Morocco to save money it took me to Gatwick to transfer to Air France to Paris then after a lay over to Casablanca since I was transient and was not leaving the airport I did not have trouble. But they did comment to me that I could not leave the airport and enter into London or England in general that I must stay in the transient lounge and wait to board my Air France flight to Paris.
Does anyone know if SOs can go to Aruba. I have a conviction from 08, and want to vacation there in 2 months. I was denied entry to Peru last year and don’t want a similar experience.
Reach out to Paul R. At http://registranttag.org/
No one knows about Aruba?
I went in 2014 with no problems. It is a Dutch country so I doubt it has changed. As FAC has suggested contact Paul R. At http://registranttag.org/.
I just returned from Aruba a couple weeks ago. No problems at all. Good place for vacation.
Frank, were you able to enter Morocco? I haven’t been able to find any reports on whether or not they turn away RSOs. Thanks.
I went through London last year on my way to Amsterdam I didn’t have to go through customs and I had no problem!
I’m no longer on the registry and my passport is not marked. So my question about England (well, 2 questions actually) are:
1) If all you have is the criminal record, do they do background checks right there at the airport customs?
2) You mentioned “passing through” England without having to go through customs. How is that possible?
I went from Lax to Heathrow. I didn’t leave the airport or transit to the other airport to go to Amsterdam so I didn’t need to go through customs.
I believe going through customs is when your passport will be linked to the registry. As long as your lay over stays in Heathrow airport and you don’t leave you’ll be fine. This was summer 2017. Don’t think anything has changed but if you can avoid that layover might as well play if safe.
All RSO’s need to work together and sue the federal government for violation of your civil rights. Only in America does the government try to control where you go and when. This is against your civil and constitutional rights. Hire a lawyer, get as many people as you can on the suit. Sue the pants off them and force them to remove the travel restrictions and passport notifications.
I don’t know why this hasn’t been done yet or even attempted to be done. Or am I missing something?
We have been turned into a permanent underclass by society.
History shows that when this happens to a group of people, they either unify for they die.
I was told by a friend of mine who tried unsuccessfully to fly to Indonesia in Nov 2017 to meet his GF. That he contacted Hong Kong and said that registrants could visit their Country. I want to be able to fly to China to visit my inlaws with my wife. Does anyone know of registrants being turned away from China?
you should be fine just get your visa in HK. If you try in the US for a chinese visa, expect to be denied. HK processes so many Chinese visas, their background check is a lot more lax. Besides, if you’re denied, you can still enjoy Hong Kong, which is way better than any city in China. If you don’t have an offender stamp in your passport, no need to even mention you have committed crimes in the past. Use a good travel agency in HK, pay the fees, and expect your visa in a few days.
I want to go see the northern lights. Anyone know anything about Iceland?
Try alaska if youre not sure…
I believe Iceland is ok for now it’s part of the eu so they have the same acceptability rate as Germany or Italy I would think
Anyone been turned away in Nicaragua?
I am about to apply for a passport so I don’t know what will appear as a stamp. But, with that said…. I met someone and I am very curious about traveling to Nicaragua and permanently reside. I understand that there are no laws restricting travel but is there any problems, perhaps, to moving there. My charge is from FL 25 yrs ago (1994) and I am now in SC where I am listed as lvl 2… if anyone has had problems, is there a way on how I can travel into Nicaragua where I can eventually enter and remain? I understand that airports are more restrictive but if they turn around RSO there, what about ground transportation? I plan on traveling before July 2020. Please update me.
Thank you for this valuable resource. Do you have any information about tours in the Holy Land. Israel/Jordan?
I was refused entry into Thailand on September 12, 2017 I traveled their to meet my fiancé & marry her in Thai tradition. When I arrived at Schwannaphim airport Thai Immigration were waiting for me as I was as departing the plane I asked Thai Immigration what was the problem they simple said “I was blacklisted!”
I have never been to Thailand & never broke any llama in that county why am I being refused to marry my fiancé in Thailand I want to live there with her someday
Adrian – contact http://registranttag.org/
Has anyone been to Denmark/Norway/Sweden lately? Considering a trip that would start in Denmark and then go to Norway.
Does any know about the US Virgin Islands? I see Registrant TAG website it says they abide by registration requirements. Does that mean we have to register there?
The US Virgins Islands are part of the US and subject to the Federal requirements to have a registry just like all US territories. Remember that the Feds and locals recently clamped down in Puerto Rico.
USVI is ok. For St John and St Thomas you register on St Thomas. For St Croix, register on St Croix. My experience was they are all decent folks. St Croix checked to be sure I had my paperwork when I left the island. St Thomas seemed not to care. Be sure to register. If you don’t they nAil you leaving. Not arriving. Good folks so be nice and go the distance to respect them and their laws
I want to go to saint Croix. what did you mean when you said you had your paper work. where do you go to register and is there a number of days that you were staying that you would not have to register
St Croix registers SO’s on St Croix. They were located ina warehouse looking building so they may be hard to find. They were great. Check in with them and check out with them. CBI asked for my paperwork when I was leaving. If you do not register, they will get you when you leave. Had a good time and the people were incredibly friendly.
You can go to any territory of the united states but you will have to register according to their rules as a visitor.
There is no place where we can move within the USA and no longer have to register. The best we can do is move to States that give us the least amount of grief. Having to register once a year is better than twice or four times a year. not having any residency restrictions is even better.
I live in Georgia and have to register once a year and I have 0 problems.
Registration officers have a sense of knowing who they are going to have problems with and who they don’t need to worry about.
Yes, I have inquired personally for my husband and was told over the phone that we would immediately have to report to authorities once arriving in the Virgin Islands.
I am trying to find out about the new passport regulations. Is it in affect now and what is it? My passport is good for another 4 years. Is it true that instead of a 10 yrs passport we only get one year?
Can I say that being an RSO in Florida now for 21 years sucks. Lifetime on the registry, oh wait after 25yrs off probation you can ask to be taken off which is crap. This is the third time I am trying to get my civil right restored. But I digress.
I have contacted the FDLE to see what the new requirements for the passport and they couldnt tell me. If they dont know how are we supposed to know. They guy gave me the number to the SMART office in DC which I have called and left at least a half a dozen messages. I finally got an email address I could email my questions to which I did on 17AUG17 and have not gotten a response. Probably wont since I am an RSO. I am trying to go out the the country for Thanksgiving week to what I have to so that I am not harassed to much.
Does anyone know about Colombia? It says they turn someone away?
Hi Dane ,
I am an entrepreneur who used to live abroad in a Colombia and Panama for about 6 months at a time and I am no longer welcomed on either of them . Colombia didn’t allow me on January 2013 based on Articles 72 and 73 of Decree 4000 of 2004 . As of now I am just waiting to save more money and hire a lawyer who can help me get a pardon and take me off the registration requirements . I have been a sex offender since 2003 and still get treated unfairly at all times when my status get known .
This is to Diane and Edward:
Diane, no one knows because the law was passed when signed by that enemy of the constitution Obama. The details are yet to be worked out. I suggest you do what I recently did and simply renew your passport. You will receive one for the full 10 years with no visible mark. I recommend you do this before they get their shit together and start marking them.
Edward, a lawyer cannot assist you in getting a pardon from the governor. It simply will not happen so do not give any money to any lawyer who tells you otherwise as they just want your money and you will get nothing in return.
Now to BOTH OF YOU: The passport situation is not the issue or the reason you are not allowed into Colombia or Panama…it is Interpol and the green notice that the USA sends when someone in the system – in our case someone labelled as a SEX OFFENDER travels internationally.
The green notice alerts them and flags your passport with their immigration. The next part is secret as we have not been able to get any actual documentation of it however, I experience the same thing that others did which is this. You are stopped at immigration…they will look confused and then tell you to wait while they get a superior. They will escort you to a secure area and then tell you that you will NOT be allowed to enter the country and that they USA has requested your return to the USA. You can argue and even ask for a copy of this request but you will be wasting your time and you will NOT be given a copy of any paperwork stating that request.
The mark of the passport is really just overkill as it is not needed. The Interpol notice has effectively blocked our travel to most countries so we can only imagine it will get worse once they finally do decide how the marking of the passports will occur.
Perhaps they will simply revoke them and not allow us to travel ever again as Australia has recently do to their sex offenders! Either way the future of travel looks bleak at best.
Thank you Lee. I knew about the notice and I planned on contacting the consulate of whatever country to see what their reactions would be. I was trying to get my duck in a row first. The idea of getting a new passport is a good one.
Thank you,
Dane
PS Diane was my moms name and she passed 7 years ago.
This is exactly what happened to me as i was trying to enter Peru. Does anyone know if there’s ways around this, to get special permission from that country to enter? Who, or what agency to contact?
Colombia’s law enforcement is very integrated into the law enforcement system of the United States. They share databases with each other and you will NOT get in being a registered sex offender.
You will be denied entry and returned to the USA where they will claim they had nothing to do with it and that was all Colombia’s choice (bullshit) so don’t even bother.
Has anyone been removed from the Florida registry? I would figure that the first people eligible to be removed after 25 years (from end of sanctions) are just starting to become eligible as most people convicted after 97 would have drawn at least a few years of probation. The only people that I can think of who might have already been eligible to apply are those who were convicted of misdemeanor CP possession before it was made a 3rd degree felony and I don’t remember when that happened. Maybe at the same time that they put everyone on the registry in 97?
You can move to Georgia and petition for removal.
Only register once a year if your charge was before 2005 and not have to pay an annual registration fee.
I lived in SC from 2003 after being released and by the time I bought my second home in Ga, I was registering 4 times a year there and paying 150.00 per year. I am sure that in time they will keep on raising that fee.
I was never mistreated by law enforcement in SC I must say, and Georgia is even better. I help other offenders out there who are interested in starting a new career in the trucking industry.
Remember that Canada does not specifically exclude sex offenders. They exclude ALL person with a record and have access to the Us criminal justice records. This exclusion may be in response tithes doing it to Canadians, much like Brazil requires Us cites to get a visa because we require that of Brazilians. You can petition to get into Canada on what they call a “temporary residence permit.” Regular folks can do it at the border, bit not us I would think.
Has anyone had experience with Denmark? I do not see them on the list. I think that many are afraid to attempt travel after the implementation of IML so it makes it hard to get current info.
Yes, but you can Sail to Canada, easily, and most entry points close to Maine, even up to Nova Scotia have wood boxes that you drop your entry form into. GO Canada!
My understanding is that Germany, Spain and perhaps Italy have stated that a reoffender registration violates EU law and their own local human rights law. In some countries in the EU, the disclosure of a defendant’s full name in the press is illegal. When the Angel Watch thing started, i got pulled aside coming off of the plane in Brussels in November of 2013. They clearly were unfamiliar with the process and the younger cops who had never spent a time in the US in a professional capacity like their supervisor had were shocked that such a public registry could even exist. The boss man told me that as long as I was not under sanctions, I was free to enter. At a minimum, the UK, Ireland and France and maybe Austria have SOR’s. They are all non-public. Most people come off of those local lists after like 5 years or end of sanctions whichever is later. The Dutch don’t have a SOR, but they don’t purge the files of sex offenders automatically like the do with other convicts, so that info is available to government employers where their would be contact with children or some other security requirement. Remember that in some countries, your offense may not have even been a crime under their law and it may still not be. What may confuse some countries is that you were convicted of a felony in the US and in a number of the Civil Code countries like France, the term felony is reserved for only the most serious crimes. Many of our offenses would be classified misdemeanors, but would carry more than a one year sentence. So they see felony and they say Mon Dieu! Un mauvais homme!!!!!
Has anyone had recent experiences? How about with Italy?
Italy is fine
Thanks! Even after IML?
Does anyone know about Greece or Croatia?
Italy is fine. I’m a RSO and lived in Alabama at the time. No issues. Flew into Rome Italy and took train to Venice. Put in my travel notification with the sheriff and had a nice trip.
What about Ukraine? And why is Japan listed 2 times. And with conflicting info? One says yes all the way across. The other says y/n and no all the way across. Which is it with Japan? Also mine is a zero tier to tier 1 depending on state and I have no stipulations or control? No victim so no minor. What would that mean?
I have a misdemeanor offense and it was over 5 years ago but still have to register for another 2 years. Willi have any problems flying to the Bahamas for a few days? Or getting back into the US?
You should not.
Remember, if you are in Florida, you are required to provide 21 days notice prior to international travel.
I am not seeking a place to relocate. I am seeking a place to travel through (90 days maximum stay). Anyone have recent success in exiting usa through free trade zones to board cruse ship departing Mexico?
Anyone try to get into Maysia recently? I was there 14 months ago… No entrance problem then. I was surprise to read that Great Britain (Other countries) allows SOs in if their conviction happened more than 5 years ago. Is this true?
They may have gotten a couple of other things wrong. Last time I checked, France is one of the 4 or so countries in Europe along with the UK,, Ireland, and maybe Austria that has a registry, but it is for police use only. Likewise, the Netherlands does not purge the criminal records of sex offenders after a period to time, but they don’t have a formal registry. I had never heard that Italy had a registry From what I have read, both Spain and Germany have declared that American style registries not only violate national laws, but also the European Convention On Human Rights treaty. I had National Police guys at Brussels Airport tell me that a public registry website would clearly violate Belgian law.
Spain, does or does not allow entrance and travel through their country?
Does
Last time that I checked, the law in the UK does not provide for mandatory refusal of entry into the UK for a felony once enough time has passed since your conviction, typically 5 years, which is also when most registrants in the Uk are removed from their no longer public list. They must be using the “catch all” law that they used to deny that crazy Dutch parliamentarian Pim Fortuyn entry because he hurt people’ s feelings.
The first time I had this experience was Mexico on 4/2016 and recently on 6/2016 when I was flying to Lima, Peru, the same thing happen even when I notified local law enforcement. I guess I can’t go anywhere overseas because of the stigma I have to live for the rest of my life.
Hang in there. Things might change. Also, it was only in Mexico where you had the problem.
Secret — you can go to the Bahamas (Grand Bahama Island) without using a password. Only need a certified birth certificate and drivers license on a ferry from Fort Lauderdale called Bahamas Ferry Express. Once you’re there, you can go to other islands within the Bahamas with no problem. I haven’t done this, but their website is very explicit about it. If anyone does accomplish this, please let the group know that it works. This is one of the only nations I have found where a US citizen can visit without a passport.
http://gobahamasplus.com/fast-ferry-info/
Just be careful not to stay in Florida so long before you leave that you have to register there. Read carefully the details on the CRSOL state-by-state US Sex Offender Registration Laws.
I’d still love to hear about any new cruise updates (denied/allowed boarding). From my experience with cruises in the past, you don’t need a password for a closed-loop cruise (leave/return same US destination on a Caribbean itinerary) and you can leave the ship in any port with your ship ID and not have to go through customs with a passport. This sounds like a great work-around.
I have the same thought. What about crossing usa into free trade zone mexico side and boarding an ocean-going ship, lawfully?
As far as your question regarding denies cruising… My boyfriend was just denied cruising with Royal Caribbean three weeks before our cruise. The cruise was a close ended Caribbean cruise and he had a cruises before with Carnival about two to three years ago. We received a phone call 5 days ago stating that he needed to email them the details of the crime and what happened. It would then be reviewed and a decision would be made. We’ll he was denied.
I am a level 1 RSO. I had a trip to Peru planned and paid for prior to IML passing. The trip was to be in April 2016. I wasn’t informed of the passing of IML until I happened to stumble across it on the internet roughly 10 days before my trip was to begin. I personally handed in my letter of intent to travel and my itinerary to the sheriff’s office.
I was not stopped or delayed at any time upon leaving the country and landed in Lima, Peru just fine. I had an amazing vacation hiking the jungles and mountains and seeing the world from Machu Picchu. However, upon leaving, I was stopped before boarding my flight to the US because Interpol had flagged my passport. I was not told anything and was held for about half an hour before I was allowed to leave. Upon reentry into the US I was again detained and held in a back room for extra processing before being allowed to continue. My luggage mysteriously disappeared and it was not returned to me until a week later.
I fully believe that if I was not late in handing in my letter, I would have been denied entry… they weren’t even sure if they were going to let me leave!
What state do you live in and are you on probation or parole still?
i can apply to get off registration in 2020 and i am also a tier 1 from new jersey
American citizens that are RSO’s need to understand that it is not other countries that are denying them entry, it is our own country telling those countries that an RSO is coming in, and that is the reason why they are now being denied entry into those foreign countries. My question is, does the USA notify American citizen’s when SO’s from other countries are coming into the USA?? What, no? Truth is, most other foreign countries don’t have sex offender registries!
I heard about this before. How is the U.S. telling the other countries about sex offenders and what are they telling them to make them deny RSO’s entry?
They send what is called a “green notice” warning the receiving country that sex offender is arriving in their country and may pose a danger.
The local SPOT unit notifies FDLE, FDLE notifies the US Marshall’s service, the US Marshall’s service has an “Angel Watch” program that notifies INTERPOL or the receiving country’s immigration. The notification is ominous and has a picture of the registrant, among other information to identify them.
Even though the notice does not say “deny entry to this person”, you can imagine how any country receiving one of these notices will react!
I have read that Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruises ban registered sex offenders. What about Holland America cruises? The line is registered in the Netherlands, but the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corp. Would the restriction extend to all Carnival owned ships? Does anyone have any recent experience. Needless to say there’s nothing about this on the Holland America website. It would be helpful if RTAG posted cruise ship info.
I’ve been registered for 9 years and have gone on both Royal and Carnival with zero issue 3 x. It’s been 12 months since my last cruise so possible this is a new thing but I doubt it.
Mike, it’s a new thing. This policy came out very recently.
Hello, am very interested, please reply.
Just got marched off a RCI cruise from Australia because our version of the department of homeland security informed them. Was a most unpleasant experience
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my wife and I would love to travel to South America but mi seeing a bunch negative here . Does anyone know if Venezuela is turning us away?
so Nicaragua has no laws keeping so’s out, are they turning all away now, since when. I go every year, I live in texas
thanks
why do some countries have a Y/N in the column SO turned away? what does this mean??
Some have gotten in, some have been turned away. It’s random if they bother checking and if they do, whether people have been turned away.
this is a great guide, i was in the philippines in jan 2016 and had no issue with anything till i returned to the usa where i was taken to a room in JFK ny and then released without even questioning. that part happened both times i went in 2016 also in 2014 but only here in the USA never in the philippines
facebook_Robert Moser.1260646160626450
Just to update you, if your an SO Philippines just prohibited you going there.
do you know this for certain?
I am a registered SO in Hawaii, and I was just denied entry to the Philippines (Manila airport) with a curt statement that my passport contained/connected to an “alert” from the U.S. government that I was not to be permitted entry into the Philippines. While the specific ban is obviously false, I believe it was their simplistic excuse for their own Immigration policy announce in 2014 from their “Bureau of Immigration”. Two others passengers on my same flight were also denied entry. We were sent back on the next flight an hour later.
Colin – you were likely flagged. Visit registranttag.org to share information
Mike,
The only way you can go back to the Philippines is if you either A) Contact DFA- Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila and ask to review your case, or B) Hire an attorney to file for removal from the blacklist, which is what you are probably on right now. Unfortunately, I am going through the sam thing right now, and in fact under review to be removed form the blacklist, even though I have not attempted to enter the country. It sucks even if you have a married spouse or family that you can’ visit in the Philippines. Note- If DFA does approve you, which takes 10-14 months according to my attorney, you will have to pay a “fine” and “clearance” fees before you can even fly into the Philippines again and be taken off.
hey is there a way to stay in touch with you…i want to travel there..
Mike, forget it. the Philippines is closed to us. Period. Forever, most likely. It’s over. cry about it like I did. Move on when you can. It still hurts.
Have u been back to the Philippines recently? If so, were u able to get in the country with no problems? Me and my wife are planning to go in 2 months and im afraid they wont let me enter the country as I read an article online that was published in 2014 stating Philippines banned sex offenders from entering the country.
E, I personally have not been back in the Philippines as of yet. However, I contacted an attorney in California and they are in the middle of removing off the blacklist. I suggest you or your wife finds an attorney specialized in Philippines immigration laws or blacklist removal. But yes you will be turned back if you enter the Philippines
He goerge is it easy to get removed from register list
Oh I see know also! Yes this is a great job and much needed!
I see, Japan is listed under Europe and Asia above, clearly a typo, that’s all. Great work none-the-less
Agamemnon – You are correct Japan is not in Europe?
I didn’t know Japan was in Europe.
User Error
Thank you – I am curious also because I remember a couple of years ago reading about an RSO that was held in a hotel and then sent home in Japan
This is very helpful. Are all of these reports for travel post-IML? I would really like to see how many reports were included in each country, like how many people got into Spain or didn’t get into Nicaragua and when.
You can contact Paul at RegistrantTAG for more details. His team consolidated this information.
How can a person travel to the Philippines as a rso there has to be away
I was turned away from the philippines in 2012 before IML and the passport identifier. I was going to marry my now wife. I don’t think you will be able to get into Philippines any longer. Before the identifier you probably could have gone to hong kong and bought a ticket to Philippines. I’m married and haven’t been able to get back into Philippines. Have heard there is a way to petition for family exemption but we tried without a lawyer and were denied.
are you still together with your filipina wife? If yes where you live right now?
We live apart and have for almost 10 years. It’s the hardest thing to be forced to live away from the person you love so much. The registry has ruined my life and I would argue to the end with anyone who says it isn’t punishment.
We have traveled to Barbados and Hong Kong in the past to see each other. Covid really screwed up traveling.
They say it’s not punishment but the awa removes your right to petition immigration to bring someone to the USA. You have to request a waiver that from my understanding pretty much no one gets to bring someone to the US.
Hi, sorry to hear about that but now covid restriction is gone did you able to see each other again? Where and when are you planning to be together for good?
HI TS,do you have to retire somewhere so you and your wife can settle down for good after how many years not being together?