In an effort to keep this site organized and the comments on the topic of each post, comments, questions and suggestions regarding International Travel will be moved to this post. Please use this for all further immigration / emigration / customs related contributions.
NEW: International Megan’s Law – International Travel Action Group
Also see:
International Travel – Mexico
Living with 290: Traveling to Cabo San Lucas
Resources for International Travel
DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP)
The Department of Homeland Security Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) is a single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs—like airports and train stations—or crossing U.S. borders,
http://www.dhs.gov/dhs-trip
Tip from comments:
Go onto the Homeland Security web site and file whats called a Redress (your addressing your being held up or perhaps miss flights/etc due to constantly being stopped when you re-enter the country). Then, when you travel and re-enter the country, hand both the paper (they will email you a very official paper) and your passport to Customs. The first time I did this, the Customs Officer seemed to not know what it was and the Supervisor read it and I was on my way.
Canada
Inadmissibility – Reasons for inadmissibility – Overcome criminal convictions – Deemed rehabilitation
Rehabilitation For Persons Who Are Inadmissible to Canada Because of Past Criminal Activity
Related
International Travel for Residents of AWA States – AWA compliant States
This is a forum to talk about problems and solutions, but I’m going off topic for a moment. The month I traveled to Europe with some anxiety about crossing borders (particularly coming back into the US). I am happy to report that I had zero problems. I was stopped for a secondary check at the US border because of my status as a RSO. The agent asked a few basic question and when he asked about my conviction and I told him it was decades ago, he sent me on my way without checking luggage, phone, computer or camera. The agent was neither kind nor rude. He was just a guy who understood his job and wanted to do it without additional drama. That’s about all we really want from any government employee.
The moral of the story: don’t let the fear of borders keep you from travel.
@ Noname, I did get a redress number from DHS so my next trip to Mexico, when crossing the border, I’ll see if it makes a difference or if I’ll have to go to secondary. I’m guessing that when they scan my passport that the redress number will pop up and then its up to the Border Nazi to make the decision. We’ll see…
I did have contact with an immigration official in Panama that was very odd and the first time it happened even though I have been to Panama several times prior. Here is what happened. I was simply stopping in Panama for a layover traveling from South America to the USA. I was met GETTING OFF THE PLANE by an official who asked singled me out (so he did it by sight as no one had even seen my passport at that point).
It was clear that he was waiting for the flight to land and knew exactly what I looked like. I gave him my passport as requested…my traveling companion asked if there was a problem (in Spanish) and the official said, “No” and gave me back the passport. We walked away shook up and they continued to look at us. Needless to say we did not enjoy the 2 hour layover in the airport and expected more trouble in the USA. The joy of travel has been destroyed for me…and that was my biggest passion in life!
So that was 1 year ago. As I said, first time ever even though I had 3 other trips to Panama (with the same RSO status – nothing changed). So…more info to add to the puzzle.
Does anyone know what the situation would be if you say drove or took a bus to Mexico City, then flew to another country from there and returned to Mexico City before driving back to the US? I have gone to Mexico several times, driving or walking, with no issue whatsoever.
Sex offenders will need to notify authorities before leaving Canada
“Convicted sex offenders planning to travel outside the country will have to alert Canadian authorities before they leave and Canadian officials may, in turn, warn destination countries under proposed changes announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Monday.”
http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/09/16/sex-offenders-will-need-to-notify-authorities-before-leaving-canada/
have anyone gone to a small airport like Fresno?
Apparently there are new automated kiosks at Customs / Immigration at Chicago O’Hare for US Citizens to use. Sounds like there are no more agents for US Citizens.
http://tinyurl.com/k9kdmgw
Anyone use these yet? What happens when you input your info?
Hi
I am just wondering if this Federal International Megan’s law ever passed both houses ?….pl
Please help..thx !!!
In 1992 i was convicted of 288. I was incarcerated for 7 years. i completed parole in 2001. I have been traveling abroad since 2005. Mostly to Mexico, but also 2008/2013 Europe, 2012 Costa Rica, and a number of other countries while on cruises between 2008 and 2012.
I never had any trouble entering those foreign countries on any of those trips. Almost without exclusion, I have been stopped and detained at USA points of entry for questioning and bag search.
In July 2013, I was entering Mexico and was detained at Mexican immigration for questioning about ‘my past trouble.’ After an hour of questioning, I was allowed to enter Mexico. In September I traveled to Europe via the Netherlands, and entered without any problem – they do not scan electronic passports apparently. Upon a return flight to Mexico in October 2013, I was again detained at Mexican immigration. This time for 2 hours, while the Federal Police inspected my electronic devices. Again I was allowed entry, but the immigration officer told me that the reason they detained me was because of a USA flag on my passport, and that the Federal Police inspection of my devices was NOT related to the immigration investigation but was a separate investigation.
It is clear that this summer marked a change in the handling of sex offender passports on entry to foreign countries. It is only a matter of months before international travel for sex offenders will be no longer possible. Just like groups trying to escape persecution in WW2, registered citizens will be/are prevented from seeking safe harbour in other countries.
Need to clarify my previous post. HR 898 has NOT passed – its current status (as of April) is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, And Investigations.
I am travelling to Capetown , SA, in Jan. 2014 for 3 weeks. Am going out of Dulles Airport and return thru same airport. Anyone have any trouble travelling into SA? Or returning into Dulles? My airport of origin is Raleigh-Durham, NC. I am an RSO since 2005. Thanks.
E.K.
So, they don’t even ask about these things on the passport application? But somehow they have it at customs (I guess in some computer file on you) when you return and harass you then? What are they looking at, the FBI rap sheet or something else? Do they create a record in their computer of your offense when they issue the passport, or is that something they only see when they check an FBI rap sheet when you return? Do they even check whether you are currently registered, either when they issue the passport or when they harass you upon return?
Why do they have any info on anything other than an arrest warrant? Why do they even have any info at all on something that does not interfere with your right to travel?
This might be something to watch
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/state&id=9331730
Rahinah Ibrahim, 48, who is now living in her native Malaysia, says she was preparing to board a Hawaii-bound plane at San Francisco International Airport in 2005 with her 14-year-old daughter when she was arrested and told her name was on the terrorist watch list, the San Jose Mercury News reported.
has anyone travelled to Capetown, SA ? Also, what is the situation at Dulles Airport when re-entering from overseas? I have a flight scheduled next month from Dulles-Jo,burg to Capetown and return. I have not flown internationally since BEFORE my conviction. Thanks, E.K. in Raleigh, NC
Have been traveling to Mexico since 1994 (94, 95, 96) before my arrest and conviction (290pc) in late 1996/and no contest plea in 98.. continued to travel to mexico from 2000 to present… in 96 I was in a good position so I purchased a fraction “ownership” in a condo … 3 weeks ago I was stopped for the first time in Mexico! AND SENT HOME!! They would not allow me in.. “I have a dismissal” granted to me in 2003! Apparently this is a new law in Mexico.. I was not the only one, there were at least 3 others! So beware of travel to Mexico.. you may not get in!! I am trying to find a Mexican/American lawyer with access to the Mexican Consulate.. I’m in Sacramento, if anyone can help.. please do! Thanks!!
I wanted to give my story and let you know what recently happened to me on my trip to Mexico.
A bit about me first…I am currently on the rso list, and have been since 2000. I completed 10 years of probation and 5 years of intensive therapy. Currently classified as low risk in NY.
I was flying out of Atlanta to Mexico City, and then on to my destination of Puerto Vallarta. Upon arrival in Mexico, I was greeted as I walked off the plane by 6 armed guards. They knew me by my face…they approached me as I was walking off of the plane, headed towards customs. They said that the US had flagged my passport, and they would have to ask some questions. Well, not only did they ask questions, they completely emptied and searched my carry on bag right there in the middle of the airport, they had me fill out a form asking me the typical questions (where are you going, for how long, how much money are you taking with you, do you have any criminal history). After all of this, they said they needed to take a picture of me, at which point all of the officers got out their smartphones and started to snap pictures of me. This was terribly embarrassing. Once done, they said that customs/immigration would have more questions for me, and then sent me on my way.
After waiting in line, I approached the immigration official and handed him my passport and papers. As he was looking at them, another immigration officer came up behind him, tapped him on the shoulder and he nodded. He then sent me with her to the immigration office. They asked me all sorts of questions similar to what was just asked of me. After about 30 minutes of back and forth, they informed me that I was to be sent straight back to the US…no entry. They denied that it was for my SO status, but wouldn’t give me any more information.
So, apparently Mexico has had a recent change. I thought, after reading and researching, that Mexico would have been very easy and quick to get in to, but not the case. I was very promptly DENIED entry.
Thanks to those who responded (mch, C) I was trying to enter in Puerto Vallarta (fly in), Mexico! However.. I was told by the airport security that turned me around the only was in to Mexico for me was a land crossing.. curious that they would tell you that! So walking across at the San Diego border/Baja seems to be ok at this time! and .. I also was planning to retire for at least 4/6 months a yr (become a snow bird) to PV, Mexico.. I have not given up on the idea.. so let me ask again.. does anyone know of a good immigration lawyer in Sacramento that may have access to the Mexican Consulate?? Please help! thanks to all!
So its really agreed upon, don’t plan to leave the USof A
Denied Entry … I know your pain!
Two years ago, I was “turned around” when I tried to enter a foreign country to be with my (foreign national) wife. I learned a great deal from resolving my situation (mostly from records obtained from the foreign country). What happens is that the US government, Dept of Homeland Security, sends a message to the foreign country that a registered citizen intends to enter. This message is called an “alert.” The subject line is “traveling sex offender” and message body has the flight details, passport number, and criminal offense. The foreign country then alerts their immigration officers/ flags their system to not allow entry of this US. citizen. The US citizen is intercepted and refused entry based on the “alert” sent from DHS. Many countries have a “black list” of foreigners specifically denied entry. The DHS alert will likely result in the registered U.S. citizen’s name added to the country’s “black list.”
When registered citizens travel outside the US, they are placed on a US gov’t “watch list” and subjected to extra security procedures such as searches and tracking when outside the U.S. Same procedures used for tracking terrorists. Apparently these “alerts” sent by DHS and the procedures in general for tracking U.S. sex offenders are classified because DHS will not confirm or give any information up. There were confidential congressional hearings held when these procedures were put in place so the procedures are not published. If you try to obtain the information sent to the foreign government or the procedures for sending this information, DHS will not provide it. The redress system will not give you any information or be helpful as they will come back with a final resolution “we cannot confirm or deny this information based on security and legal concerns.”
SORNA/ SMART of DOJ has been pushing an approval form through AWA compliance that registered citizens need to submit to DHS 21 days before travel – no doubt that this process would eliminate the international of most registered citizens by allowing DHS to notify the foreign country well in advance before arrival to allow procedures to be in place to prevent the entry of this US citizen when they arrive. So this is not really an approval form as they say – it is really an “alert” form.
For my situation, the “alert” sent by DHS resulted in an order of exclusion issued against my name and my name was added to the foreign country’s black list. After a legal battle, my wife and I were able to get the order of exclusion lifted and my name removed from the exclusion list by the legal case filed in the foreign country. After several submissions of information concerning my case, an order was issued to lift the blacklist exclusion citing that I “posed no greater risk to public safety than others who have never committed an offense and the duty of State (foreign country) to preserve the solidarity of our family.” Accordingly an order was issued to allow entry.
The U.S. gov’t refused to help or provide any assistance in resolving the situation from my side in the U.S. and my wife’s side via the US Embassy abroad. We elevated our situation to the US ambassador there, DHS officials and embassy officials – all refused to help us. I was recently able to enter the foreign country to be with my wife again. I provided the updated information to DHS before my travel that I am permitted entry to the foreign country to visit my wife. But the DHS still sent an alert 3 days before my flight because I was briefly detained and told this when I entered. Sadly, my government apparently has no regard at all to protect their own citizens even with the fact that I don’t pose a risk to anyone and the consequences this “alert” causes to my family and others.
Hope this helps some of you understand when you travel internationally….
The most profound thing I learned from my own international travel situation is that it’s the US Government who initiates the action to prevent their own registered citizens from entering foreign countries. DHS (ICE unit) has a bunch of cyber-bullies (analysts) who run searches on the plane manifests against the registry. DHS initiates the denied entry action by issuing an alert to the foreign country on the registered citizen. Japan and Canada are different because these two countries have direct access to the US background checks system, so US citizens have instant background checks when entering these two countries. Don’t think DHS sends alerts to every country, only the ones the US has agreements with on sex-trafficking/ security. (The US has implied that the international travel of sex offenders and sex trafficking are related problems – which we know to false by actual data). Doubtful that countries such as China get alerts sent. I have never been harassed going to Hong Kong. I have been singled out and pulled aside in South Korea and asked if I had a return ticket even though my destination was not South Korea. No doubt that the reason they asked because the airline anticipated that I would not be allowed entry at my destination. This is very disturbing because it lends thought to the fact that one may be ID’d as an SO to the connecting airlines even though it is not your destination.
Read the GAO report on International Travel of Sex Offenders very carefully: http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/652194.pdf
You can get somewhat of a picture of what is going on here from the details in the report.
If you make a plane reservation from the US, the likelihood is high that an alert may be sent on you if you are on the registry. On the other hand, if you enter the country by other means such as Mexico on foot by walking in there is little opportunity for the cyber-bullies to send something in advance. If one wanted to visit Mexico, walking rather than flying, might be a better solution – assuming that you have not already been denied entry and your name was added to an immigration exclusion list.
Thanx for all the good comments and information. I am also a sex offender (female child victim, did 10 years in prison) that travels internationally. I live in Hawaii and usually travel to Asia, have never had any trouble getting into the Philippines on a 21 day travel visa. Coming back into Hawaii through Honolulu, not to many problems. They always pull me out of line, but usually apologized. If the older guy is there, he quickly checks a few things and lets me go. However, my last trip early this year (2014) was to Kenya and I came back through LAX. They acted like they had just caught a terrorist. Kept me in a room for a while. Some guy came and got me, told me to get my luggage. Asked me if I had ever been to prison, told him I had some computer fraud and identity theft stuff (also true). Asked me if I was guilty, told him “yes”. Then he said that he knew I was a sex offender and wanted to see my registration card. I told him Hawaii didn’t require one. He went on about how every state required one. Told him “then I guess you will have to arrest me”. He ignored that and asked me why I was in Kenya, told him I married a lady there. He asked if I got permission from the US and I said no. He then said I was breaking the law by not getting permission from the US before getting married in another country. Told him “guess you have two reasons to arrest me now”. He ignored that and told me to unpack my luggage. Started asking me some more innane questions while constantly threatening me. I wasn’t even half way unpacking when he suddenly told me to leave.
From reading many forums, I suspect this is the same guy that many other prior sex offenders have encountered in LAX. I think he is on a power trip, but lost interest in me since I am not intimidated easily. I have been in prison/jail so many times, that I just take it in stride now. I have learned to be content regardless of my surroundings or situation.
I never carry any electronic media (laptops/cameras/flash drives) when coming in through immigration. I always make sure my connecting flight is at least 3 hours later. If I am traveling with someone, I warn them ahead of time that I might be detained and/or they may have to travel the rest of the trip without me.
Does anyone know if ICE, Interpol Washington or U.S. Marshals Service National Sex Offender Targeting Center (USMS -NSOTC) have a no-flight list for RSOs?
I was a RSO, but the judge recently allowed me to get off the list because the offense happened when I was a minor (17). However, I was detained in Mexico recently only weeks after being officially removed from the RSO list. Apparently, some US government agency sent them a tip that I would be flying in (unsure which agency that was). There was a gentleman waiting for me at the gate, he took pictures of me and of my passport. When I went through customs and my passport was scanned, some flag came up in their system and I was sent to a different room where I was interrogated.
I am NOT a RSO anymore, and I want to be able to travel calmly with my partner. I have been all over Europe, South America and the Caribbean and never had issues until this year.
I appreciate if anyone has any additional information I can use.
april 23,2014
was going to philippines to have a vacation with my wife and stepson. i have been travelling back and forth from 09 to 2013. i got to the immigration check point and was detained. i was told i was on a black list and could not enter. i did get to see my wife and hug her,{it has been a year since i was able to see them last}. i was sent back to korea and was blacklisted there and did finally make it back to usa via michigan. we are know trying to get my name of the black list. it will be 15yrs since my convinction. this dec i hope to not have to register any more. my families immigration papers have been tied up for over 4 years now. they have been on appeall for over 2 yrs now. i need some help with leagal stuff on this. i am finacially strapped after this ordeal.
PRESS RELEASE – posted on BI PH Facebook 6/4/2014
BI BANS ALIEN SEX OFFENDERS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Foreign nationals who are registered sex offenders in other countries are not welcome to visit the Philippines.
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Siegfred B. Mison yesterday said any alien whose name is found in the registry of sex offenders as may be provided by a foreign embassy will be issued an order to leave.
In an operations order to the Bureau personnel, Mison stated that foreign nationals who are registered sex offenders clearly pose a threat to public safety.
Just recently, the Bureau deported American national Robert Snyder, 67, who was arrested in Dumaguete City, last May 17 by a joint team of BI agents and US law enforcers. Snyder had been a fugitive for ten years in connection with a sex assault case.
Back in February, five (5) fugitives who were accused of rape and child molestation in their homeland were deported simultaneously by BI after their passports were revoked by authorities.
The BI chief listed the guidelines to ensure speedy proceedings against foreign sex offender.
Within 24 hours from receipt of the letter or records from authorized personnel of a foreign embassy stating that a certain foreign national is a registered sex offender, the office of the commissioner or other BI offices shall endorse the sex offender file to the BI’s Legal Division.
Within 48 hours from receipt of the sex offender file, the legal division shall draft the order directing the inclusion of the foreign national’s name in the BI blacklist in case the registered sex offender has not arrived in the Philippines.
Mison further added that in case the registered sex offender has already reached the country, the foreign national shall be ordered to leave within 15 days and his name shall be included in the BI blacklist.
If the foreign registered sex offender holds a visa other than a temporary visitor visa (TVV), the legal division shall commence the forfeiture proceedings against the subject foreign national, he said.
The visa forfeiture order shall include the order to leave with blacklisting.
In case the alien registered sex offender failed to comply with the order to leave, the Legal Division shall commence deportation proceedings against him, according to Mison.
The BI shall ensure that the relevant immigration information of the registered sex offender shall be attached to the travel records, alien registration records and derogatory records, and the same will be part of the sex offender file.