SOLAR Resource Guide
International Travel for U.S.-Based People on the Registry
Plain-language guidance, with official sources linked throughout, to help U.S.-based registrants and their travel companions plan lawful, lower-stress trips abroad.
Last updated:
Important notice (read first)
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Entry decisions are made by foreign border officers case-by-case and can change without notice. Always verify requirements directly with the destination's embassy/consulate and the U.S. Department of State's country pages before you book or travel.
- U.S. obligations (passport rules and 21‑day international travel notice) still apply even if a destination would otherwise admit you.
- Links below point to official pages (law, government, or intergovernmental bodies) wherever available.
Know your rights: For comprehensive information about your legal protections during travel, see our Your Rights at Every Stage guide.
What U.S. law requires before you leave
A. Passport rules (International Megan's Law)
If you are a "covered sex offender" (generally those with offenses involving a minor), your U.S. passport will carry a unique visual identifier. The State Department will not issue a passport without that identifier to a covered person, and may revoke a previous passport without it. See 22 U.S.C. § 212b and the State Department's guidance on "Passports and International Megan's Law."
What to do if you're covered: Follow the State Department instructions to apply for or replace your passport with the identifier. The page explains what to send and how to submit.
B. 21‑day advance notice of international travel (SORNA)
Most registrants must provide at least 21 days' advance notice of international travel to their registering agency. The notice is forwarded to the U.S. Marshals Service, and DHS's Angel Watch Center may notify destination countries. See: DOJ SORNA rule (2021); SMART Office notice guidance; ICE Angel Watch Center.
- Provide all trip details (countries, dates, flights, lodging contact, purpose) to avoid processing hiccups.
- If your plans change after you file, update your registering agency promptly.
State-specific requirements: Some states have additional travel notification rules beyond federal SORNA requirements. Check our State Process Guide for your jurisdiction's specific rules.
How foreign entry works (and why experiences differ)
- Every country has its own entry rules. Many apply general "good character" or criminality tests (not registry‑specific) that allow border agents to refuse entry.
- Examples of official refusal powers: United Kingdom (Part 9); Canada (criminal inadmissibility); Australia (Migration Act s 501); New Zealand (good character); Japan (Immigration Control Act).
- Some countries publicize exclusions for foreign sex offenders, e.g., Philippines Bureau of Immigration notices.
Key point: A valid U.S. passport (even with identifier) does not guarantee entry. Decisions are discretionary at the border. Confirm with the destination consulate before you buy non‑refundable tickets.
Planning timeline (time‑savers & stress‑reducers)
⏰ Start Planning Early
International travel requires more advance planning when you're on the registry. The 21-day notice requirement, passport processing, and embassy consultations mean you can't book last-minute trips. Plan 60-90 days ahead for stress-free travel.
60–90 days before travel
- Confirm if you are a covered sex offender and, if so, ensure you have the identifier passport (State Dept).
- Choose destinations realistically (see lists below), and verify entry details on the State Dept's country pages.
- Email the destination embassy/consulate to confirm whether your criminal record affects tourist entry; keep replies.
30–45 days before travel
- Submit the 21‑day SORNA notice with complete itinerary (SMART Office).
- Enroll in STEP. Save confirmations and copies of all documents.
Two weeks before travel
- Print lodging confirmations, return/onward tickets, and funds proof.
- Have embassy/consulate phone numbers and addresses handy.
Day of travel
- Arrive early; secondary inspection can add time.
- Travel with companions prepared to answer simple questions about purpose and length of stay.
Moving between states? If you're planning to relocate before or after your trip, our Interstate Moving Guide covers the coordination needed between state registries.
"Friendly," "Case‑by‑Case," and "Often Denies"
Below are conservative groupings to help you plan. Entry is never guaranteed. Always verify with the embassy/consulate before you book.
Country Categories for RSOs
Generally Workable (short tourist stays)
Schengen Area (Europe)
Visa-free ≤90/180; ETIAS required starting late 2026.
Türkiye (Turkey)
Visa-exempt for 90/180.
Morocco
Visa-free ≤90 days.
Case-by-Case / Discretion-Heavy
Mexico
Frequent denials reported; consulates warn of refusals for criminal records.
South Korea
Immigration Control Act allows refusals.
Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia
Broad discretionary refusal powers.
Colombia
No published exclusion; anecdotal variance.
Panamá
Visa-free ≤180 days; confirm locally.
Often Denies
United Kingdom
Immigration Rules Part 9 - grounds for refusal include criminal convictions.
Canada
Criminal inadmissibility laws; TRP or rehabilitation may be required.
Australia
Migration Act s 501 - character requirements strictly enforced.
New Zealand
Character requirements for visas - criminal history scrutinized.
Japan
Immigration Control Act - broad discretionary refusal powers.
Philippines
Bureau of Immigration excludes registered sex offenders.
Costa Rica
Enhanced screening for sex offense convictions.
Belize
Immigration policies restrict entry for certain criminal histories.
Greece
RTAG reports multiple denials of entry for RSOs.
Note: These categorizations reflect a cross-reference of RTAG Travel Matrix, NARSOL resources, and official consular sources as of August 2025. Always reconfirm with the relevant embassy/consulate before booking.
The Schengen Area (what it is, and why it matters)
🇪🇺 Europe's Travel Zone
The Schengen Area covers 29 European countries with no internal border checks. Once you enter one Schengen country, you can travel freely between all others. This makes Europe particularly attractive for multi-country trips.
The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that abolished routine internal border checks and apply a common set of entry rules at external borders. It is not an Asian region—many first hear the term when researching Europe. U.S. citizens can visit visa‑free for up to 90 days within any 180‑day period. Use the EU's short‑stay calculator to track days.
The EU will launch the Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025 (phased). The separate ETIAS travel authorization is scheduled for the last quarter of 2026. See the EU's official pages for EES and ETIAS.
All 29 Schengen countries (2025)
Booking & border strategies (what actually helps)
💡 Smart Booking Strategy
Preparation and documentation are your best tools. Border officers want to see that you're a genuine tourist with clear plans and means to support yourself. Having the right documents ready can make the difference between smooth entry and lengthy questioning.
Before you book
- Prefer nonstops to avoid extra border checks during connections.
- Book refundable or "pay later" rates until a consulate confirms admissibility in writing.
- Email the consulate: "I am a U.S. citizen with a past conviction; do you require any documents or police certificates for tourist admission?"
At check‑in / boarding
- Airlines may ask for proof of return/onward travel and your first‑night lodging. Have both printed.
On arrival
- Carry: passport, return ticket, lodging proof, day‑by‑day tourist plan, and funds. Answer only what's asked; be brief, polite, and consistent.
- If referred to secondary inspection, stay calm; it's common and may add time.
If denied
- You'll likely be returned on the same carrier. Ask the airline about re‑routing/refunds and contact travel insurance.
- Request the written basis of refusal and keep documents for counsel at home.
Notes for travel companions
Companions are not subject to the passport identifier or 21‑day notice. However, if the registrant is denied entry, companions on the same ticket may be forced to return. To minimize risk, book fares that allow changes/refunds and carry independent funds and lodging confirmations.
Family support: If you're traveling with family members who need guidance on supporting you through this process, our Family Support Guide includes travel-specific advice and communication strategies.
Quick reference: what to double‑check before you go
- U.S. side: Do you need the identifier passport? If yes, is it issued? (State Dept IML). Have you filed the 21‑day notice with complete details? (SMART Office).
- Destination side: Visa/authorization needed? (e.g., ETIAS in late 2026 for Schengen). Any criminal‑record or "character" bars likely to apply? (UK Part 9, Canada inadmissibility, Australia s 501, NZ character, Japan Act). For "often denies" countries (incl. Costa Rica, Belize, Philippines), treat entry as unlikely unless a consulate confirms otherwise in writing.
Encouraging, realistic trip ideas
✈️ Travel is Still Possible
Don't let registry status stop you from seeing the world. With proper planning and realistic destination choices, meaningful international travel remains achievable. Focus on countries with clear, workable entry policies.
Europe (Schengen)
- City breaks or multi‑country rail trips (e.g., Paris → Amsterdam → Berlin) within the 90/180 cap. Track days and note EES launch in Oct 2025.
Beyond Europe
- Türkiye (Istanbul + Cappadocia): classic 7–10 days; confirm 90/180 rule and passport validity.
- Morocco (Marrakesh + coast or desert): 7–12 days; do not overstay 90 days.
- Colombia (Cartagena or Medellín): 4–8 days; print lodging and return ticket.
Appendix: Source links (by topic)
U.S. obligations:
Schengen/ETIAS:
Workable destinations:
Often denies (official powers or practice):
Case‑by‑case examples:
General travel resources:
Final reminders:
- Always get the current rule from the destination's embassy/consulate and the State Dept country page.
- Keep copies of your 21‑day notice, itinerary, and consulate confirmations.
- Have a backup plan if a border officer refuses entry.
For additional travel resources and support, explore our complete resource library.