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Just returned home from ABC islands. Great trip with no issues entering. Upon reentry to the USA, the typical secondary screening with one exception. They were very direct and blunt about the reason being my presence on the registry. The female border agent specifically said “you do know you’re on the registrtry and that’s why you’re being detained for secondary?.” I of course smiled and told her she was the very first government agent to remind me of that in the last 20 years. I don’t think she caught the sarcasm based on her expression. I was then taken into a private room where the next officer was fairly annoyed he had to waste his time with me as his first statement was “I can see this happened a very long time ago and this just wastes our time. A few short, standard questions later, I was on my way. While I despise the harassment, it was at least refreshing to hear them finally admit the harassment is due exclusively to the registry.
We spent most of last week in Mexico City. Although I have been off the registry for a while now, I didn’t want to risk flying from the U.S., so we crossed into Tijuana airport at Cross Border Express (CBX). They scanned our passport cards, but I doubt they have access to U.S. criminal records (at least not automatically), so there were no issues. We flew back from Mexico City directly to San Francisco using our regular passports. In the past, we had to go to an office at the airport in Mexico City to have our passports stamped as entering Mexico, since flying in from TIJ is a domestic flight. This time, they didn’t seem to care, as they don’t even stamp passports anymore when coming into or leaving Mexico. Everything is handled with facial recognition.
Getting ready to head out of the country in a couple of weeks. LAX-CDG, CDG-HND, and looking for the best flights to backtrack now from Haneda to Vietnam to Thailand. Screwy routing, I know. But snagged a JAL first class ticket with AA miles from Paris to Tokyo on their new A350 last night and I am pumped lol
Anyway, while looking at flights from Japan to SE Asia, EVA has a decent option I’m considering. However, I think I heard once that Taiwan was a no-go. I can’t remember if that includes entering through a 3rd country or not though. Anyone remember anything of the sort?
I’m not registered anywhere, and have entered Spain and Aruba directly from the US with no questioning. Entered Thailand and Japan from Europe with no issues last year (marking no on the landing card for Japan). Even though I’m not registered, I am sure I’d have issues with the Five Eyes countries due to my felony conviction. I know Taiwan is not a Five Eyes country, but just wondering if they have any enhanced access to US criminal database or something. I think maybe the Phillipines is one such example from what I’ve heard. I have the impression not to visit there, even through a 3rd country.
Thank you all and hope you all have a happy holiday!
Has anyone had any success flying into the Bahamas? Would love to take a vacation there but not able to find much information. Thanks!
I just returned from Bonaire. What a great trip! 21 day notice given, marked passport, tier 2 CP from almost 15 years ago. Passport stamped upon arrival at Bonaire. You have to pay a $75 entry tax to get onto the island. They eliminated all hotel tourist fees. When I returned I flew through Atlanta. I was expecting the worst as I’ve traveled internationally several times over the last few years. Breezed right through, no secondary. Facial scan, allowed to walk in and collect my checked bag, went through TSA for connection flight. Completely painless. Not sure if if we because of the holiday traffic or that the flights were delayed because of the weather but that was unexpected. It might have been because they routed our flight to E terminal rather than the international terminal F? Heck I don’t know. I’m just happy no hassle for the first time
My wife and I are planning a vacation to Italy in April/May 2026. Has anyone had problems flying directly into Rome?
EU is very inconsistent.
we flew into Madrid, and didn’t get fingerprinted
My parents flew into Malaga, and they were.
i wish the EU would figure out their procedures so we could learn if current and former SOs will keep having access to the zone.
passport mark in 2018 they tried and canceled my passport while living overseas. i was able to get the mark removed by emailing and sending documentation.. has the law changed? i went to get a new passport and they said my passport was suspeneded i was just back in usa 4 months ago . i go once a year every year last few years. i was traveling around se asia on this so called suspended passort. they said they couldnt see in the system when it was suspended. i was given 15 years in louisana which is done 2024 but my father is sic and in illinois now im lifetime on illinois. looking for others who dealt with this.
2018 they tried put stamp on my passport got it removed. I went in to get a new passport us embassy Asia they said my passports canceled need stamp. Louisiana 15 years ended sent letter but Illinois now has me on for life visit family. Anyone experience lately getting stamp removed?
Would be great to get a current “entry” listing of places former PFRs have gone and their entry route (direct or via neutral country). You can post where you went and any issues entering. We all know that Schengen is basically an easy entry for even current PFRs, but more interested in places that would have turned us away but now allow. Reason I’m asking is a friend retired in Davao City , P.I. asked if I could visit. Wife is not well and have known them for 30yrs. I am not in U.S., so would like to swing by for a few days to share time. Have been off list from Ca. for misdemeanor and have clean PP. Haven’t had an issue in Phnom Phen or Ubon entering, but the PI has always been a cloud of mystery for us. Any info would obviously be helpful and appreciated.
I’m from the UK and have to register for another 8 years. I’ve not travelled internationally since my sentence which is suspended.
The countries I’m interested in travelling to are Mexico and possibly the Caribbean. I just wondered what the chances are for someone from the UK.
Hi all, Happy new year to everyone on here. Let’s hope for a kinder fairer 2026. Will I have any problem if my wife and I fly into Lisbon from Amsterdam this spring, or would it be better/safer to take a train? I assume Amsterdam is not a problem for our arrival/departure city. Thanks in advance.
Hi all, Happy new year! Does anyone know if its possible to get into these places off the registry? I am wanting to visit Jamaica, DR , Turks and Caicos and no longer on regisrty. Is it possible to go here or will i be turned away?
How do I know if my passport is “marked” or “stamped” as a RSO?
Hi all,
Quick question: Is there any problem with me acquiring the Real ID in my home state of New York. Does it put my personal information or access to it in any further jeopardy? I am a level 2 pfr in NYS, so I am already about as public as I can be, so I am. Does having this ID for domestic fyling purpose present any more problems? Thanks!