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- Interesting ASCOL discussion IML as compelled speech
- ACSOL International Travel Discussion
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- Carey on In July 2021, Greece has turned away 2 registrants, Violation of European Convention on Human Rights
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I am looking for answers to being able to apply for a residency permit in Spain or Portugal if you have a a RSO criminal record.Will the application be denied automatically or is each case different depending on charges, year of offense, and sentence served ? I will retire in 2022 and I’d love to live in Spain or Portugal and be able to travel throughout Europe. I have been to both countries in 2019 and I speak Spanish.There is also the ETIAS visa program to deal with at the end of 2022.Will ETIAS make it harder for RSO’s to travel to Europe ? Any insight is appreciated.Thanks.
From what I know (granted, dealing with Ireland before they changed their laws and with Germany) you will probably be most successful in getting the VISA if you are already there under a tourist VISA. When I spoke to the Consulate General of Ireland, he told me it would be highly unlikely I could get a VISA beforehand (I was being offered a job there at the time.) It seems that continental Europe is less likely to have issues with us as long as the crime was some time ago. Check out Common Sense Laws channel on Youtube.
Let me know what you find out about Spain.
Hi Mario, did you retire in Portugal or spain now?
Can Sex Offenders can travel to Maldives? My husband already off probation since 2008. I hope someone can reply my comment. Thank you
We have no current data on the Maldives.
I need to renew my passport which expires in Dec 2020. I was removed from the North Carolina registry in 2015.
How do I deal with the passport application instructions about “sex tourism” ?
You should have no more problems. Just apply for the passport like any
other citizen
Thanks very much Paul!! Appreciate your hard work for us all
EK
Ps. HIGHLY recommend older travelers to ROAD SCHOLAR Travel group-for over age 50 folks-we had a trip booked to Spain in May that was cancelled. We got ALL our money back-/including the $290 “cancel for any reason” travel insurance. These folks are THE BEST!
Any issues with traveling to the Virgin Islands?
The Virgin islands is a US territory and is not subject to Angle Watch notifications. That said, according to the VI criminal
code a registrant must notify local police if their stay is greater then 3 days.
Can Y’all Please Update the Matrix to reflect more accurate information. Make a section just for Schengen Territories, worldwide!
If there is an inaccuracy in the matrix, please inform me and I will take immediate steps to fix it.
I understand the separate nature of the Schengen countries IAW the Schengen agreement. It would be helpful to list the separate Schengen countries. However, that does not preclude an individual Schengen country from denying an individual entrance based on an Angel Watch alert. Therefore, it is critical to have an understanding of individual country experiences. Once in a Schengen country,
a registrant should be good to travel amongst them. However, how one enters and how that country will respond is very important.
Furthermore, we are still attempting to understand the effect of implementation of the ETIAS on Schengen immigration agreements.
Any issues or experience with traveling to Croatia ?
Wait, there is a special way to fill out passport forms for being a registrant?
Hi Any update about Maldives ?
Paul, as tier 2 I requested removal from California registry. So in a few months if DOJ grants removal from Megan list, and I apply for a passport, will there be a marker alert page 27? Would I need to file a 21 notice to visit European Schengen countries? Does Angel watch still contact those countries?
Have you been able to travel outside of the U.S. since posting this…? If so, where all have you been, and what was your experience like?
Carey
[email protected]
Did you happen to find out about the Maldives?
What did you find out Chegirl?
We didn’t go there yet cz we don’t know if they let RSO in. How about you?
how possible is it to travel to jamaica with 1 count CP. Off probation for 3 years
Croatia accepts us with a warm WELCOMING SmiLe!
Can you share your cost is experience. Did you fly into Croatia? No issues at all?
*Croatia experience
Thanks for the post Carey. Croatia was one of the countries I was considering permanently moving to. I’m doing a lot of research on several countries but it’s like pulling teeth at times.
Jamaica is a no go!
Does anyone have any experiences with traveling to St. Maarten? I am an RSO and have been off probation for over 4 years. My brother has invited my wife and I to go with them later in the year and wasn’t sure what the procedure is for visiting either the French or the Dutch side.
Any help or experiences would be very much appreciated.
JJ
I traveled there in 2019 via MSM Cruise with no problems
BOTH of the Saints on that Island are a GO, as are ALL of Schengen’s EUROPE, along with all of their FAR FLUNG TERRITORIES, WORLDWIDE!!!!!!!
Hi JJ,
Reach out to the consulate of St Maarten. Write them a letter explaining your situation. They will ask for recommendation letters and a pic of your passport. After they review they will decide if you are allowed entry. It was a quick process for me. Took about a week to get confirmation
That is not true. Both St Maarten and St Martin welcome us with big wide smiles, as do the ABC’S, Trinidad, Tobago, and all other EU Schengen Caribbean Territories!
We are also welcomed by all other EU Schengen Territories, Worldwide!
Is there any new news on rso traveling to Mexico or Jamaica in 2021. I hope someone has good news?
Every Country that keeps us out receives a substantial amount of money from the United States! That is precisely why the Philippines and Thailand blocked us, as well as Mexico!
The Schengen European Territories throughout our world allow us to visit, as well!
Has ANYONE heard about Russia and Africa?
My strong advice to everyone is to learn how to sail! Every country must allow you in if you have emergency repairs required! ^_^
@Carey… I submitted my story of travel to Tanzania last year for 2 months but they have not added it to the Matrix. It took about 10 minutes of discussion by about 4 people before the finally let me enter the country. Once I was in the country I had no issues whatsoever.
Sorry we will add it
Thank You for that info about Tanzania!
Did you fly there directly from the States!
One Important Point is to try to fly back into the U.S. to Honolulu! They didn’t make a fuss about my Status when it popped up. They took me to a side area and checked my carry on suitcase, since I always only fly with it. After two minutes of going through it, they let me go, and did not ask to look at my phone nor my tablet!
I know that flying into most CONUS cities from overseas, they are not nearly as cordial!
If you want to stay in Hawaii, Honolulu’s “Monitoring Unit”, across from Iolani Palace, is run by a really cool and accommodating Seargent who works indirectly for the Hawaiian Congress. I called and left a message for him on my third day there. He said I could stay for up to one week. I called him at 9 am on the seventh day (on a Friday) to ask if I could push my departure to that next Monday. He thanked me for calling, and told me to enjoy my few extra few days there. I really appreciate the seemingly nonjudgemental care that I receive there in Hawaii!
Was Thailand blocking because of certain crimes or are they blocking all SORTS?
I was sentenced to 6 years probation for Attempted Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of Minor which is what caused the lifetime on registry for me. The 2 other charges were the same except no “Aggravated”… just Attempt sex Expl. Of a minor which would’ve been 10 years instead of life.
What were your charges? I called Neplali consulate and said I should have no issue but I want to see Thailand too?
I really hope that both Jamaica and Mexico will OPEN their doors to us ASAP!
If you mean your US passport, you do it through the US embassy.
I am still stuck in Nepal!
What did you find out about SO’s renewing Passports Overseas?
Carey
347.903.2939
I renewed my passport in the americas where I lived. The new passport was issued to me with the stamp on the last page. A month later I received my newest work visa from the country I was living in. They didnt care about the warning stamp on the last page. HOWEVER, the next time I came to visit my family in the states, I received the letter from the state department revoking my passport. I got a new one a couple days later. When I tried to get back to my home, i was denied entry. All my stuff is still there and im stuck in the states.
What country are you referring to…?
@Carey in NEPAL. How were things in Nepal for you?
I am still here in Lakeside Pokhara… I don’t know when I might leave,though.
What hotel are you staying at in Pokhara?
I have been here for a year and a half, since January 1st, 2020.
What does it cost to live Nepal?
Where all have you traveled…?
I just got my passport and the stamp is on the front page not the back.. I want to fly to Nepal.. Did you get your Visa For entry here in the United States Carey?
If so, did you just apply for Visa like Normal? Did they give you any problems when you arrived by plane? Or did you travel by land through another country? 740-500-0643 Call or text because I don’t check voicemail
Thanks Carey. If we could speak on the phone that would be better
I will apply for Visa shortly. If they issue me a Visa does that mean I can fly there? I’m retired and trying to get the hell out of America And go to places where my American dollar will stretch
I renewed my Passport in 2017 and it has no stamp. My offense was in 1998.
Any suggestions as to why My passport has no identifier?
CA A RSO Travel to Caicos/Turks
Hi Jeff my name is Sylvano and I am a RSO and in 2019 I went on a carnival cruise with my family stopping by Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos & Dominican Republic. When we arrived to Turks & Caicos port I was called into a security room with a T&C officer. The officer took down my information and wanted to know alittle bit more about my conviction after about 20 minutes took some notes and let me on the island and a blast with my family. Unfortunately I was denied to enter Dominican Republic and was banned for life.
How do you know that you were banned for life from the DR? I was denied entry there in July 2017. But I hope to try again when I’m off the registry.
Did you find out anything about Turks & Caicos?
Do RSO’s have to get their passport renewed every year or is it every 10 years like everyone else?
I get mine renewed every year, since my Passport got canceled one day after I left the U.S. in early 2019 because the State Department did not put the identifier in my new Passport. Anyone in the U.S. can get a 10 year Passport, though… Just make sure it has the identifier! Hong Kong let me fly to Sweden on the last day of my 90th day, there, and Sweden just laughed when I arrived. The Supervisor at the Customs and Immigration Check In at ARN just laughed and apologized for how we are treated! He asked me if I wanted to apply for Asylum, but I declined. I will probably use his help when I apply for Residency in Europe at some point in the near future!
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. Please provide data on your contacts in Sweden.
Paul Rigney
214-624-2552
Contact Info isn’t Necessary! I can tell you with absolute certainty that the Staff at ARN’s Airport in Stockhölm is exceptionally WELCOMING, and the Supervisor is a breath of fresh air!
I’m trying to plan a permanent move to Europe Sweden and Germany are at the top of my list and while I know at some point I’ll be applying for asylum I don’t want to start that process just yet. I’d like to travel a bit in the Eu before I commit to finding a permanent residence. I read that Albania grants Americans up to 1 year visa stay automatically but I’m also doing research on eastern Europe namely Ukraine possibly. I’m studying German but I’m concerned about the asylum process there with the migrant crisis if that will cause issues. If I can sustain myself financially and get permission to stay I’d be willing to hold the asylum process as a last resort. It was relieving to see the comment about the experience at Swedish customs on how they view us. It’s nice to know that all is not lost and we have options.
We can chat
Paul Rigney
What must you do once you arrive in France? Do you need to register with the French government?
Let me know if Albania takes offenders. I’ve always wanted to go there since my grandparents were Albanian.
Carey. My passport said “see page 51” but they didn’t put the stamp on it even when I gave them all the information about me, per their requirement. Wonder if they will ever find out when I do travel overseas for the first time.
I am a RSO and a Green Card holder. I do not have a US passport so I am not required to get the warning stamp or give up my passport (I’m from a European country)
My question is, will traveling on that passport flag anything? I’m planning on leaving the US when my probation is complete
Anyone have any information on Egypt? Can we travel there? I want to go there possibly for study.
Does anyone have experience with flying to Croatia ? Any feedback is appreciated . Thanks.
Croatia Welcomes Us with Open Arms!
Can a rso do a layover in manila or will they throw u back on plane
If you fly directly from the US, your status will be reported by Angel Watch since they will have access to
the flight manifest. You will likely be deported. I would avoid the Philippines.
P rigney u think if I fly to Hong Kong could I take boat to Philippines n get in
I do not believe there is affordable travel by boat between Hong Kong and PI. Best way is by air.
Does this mean that Angel Watch doesn’t see the flight manifests if you are flying from a country outside the US to another country outside the US? (Example: Canada (just as an example) to Dominican Republic?
No… The whole country of the Philippines, as well as all of Southeast Asia bans us, BUT HONG KONG WELCOMES US!
Hello. I have been doing some research on other Countries to move to. I don’t know how I happened across this but I think it’s of importance to everyone on the registry. More so yo you Paul Rigney because you can get it to many of the top people that are in this fright for all of us.
https://tinyurl.com/pnycmemc
Hi Ron. I wish you great luck in your search because I am attempting to do the same. Move the hell out of the states. I became a patron to Steven 3 months ago. He truly is an inspiration. I’m struggling to find definitive answers from some areas. Maybe we should compare notes. Let me know what you think. Jack.
Hello Do you have any Idea if Maldives accept RSO? My husband and I are planning to visit in there this year. I hope you can give me a good information. Thank you
Hi, didn’t see a International Travel 2021 post, so commenting here.
I am planning on traveling to Brussels, Belgium and Zurich, Switzerland soon. I do not see them on the Matrix. Any info on those countries?. Any reports about train travel issues within Schengen area?
Also, I would like to add that I last travelled to Germany/Spain/Morocco in 2018. While both Germany and Spain are on the Matrix — Morocco isn’t. I entered Marrakesh, Morocco with no problems. (Note: Madrid, Spain was rough, but they let me in.)
Thank you for the information. Most of our problems come when we travel direct; did you travel
direct to Morocco?
Paul Rigney
214-624-2552
Was wondering if anyone had any information on Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine. I saw where the matrix looked god on Ukraine. But was wondering if there was anything a SO has to do there like check in or ect? I didn’t see anything on Russia or Serbia on the matrix tho. I’m not a felon. But I’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor that makes me register from years ago.
I have seen reports of registrants traveling to Serbia, but just to be safe, I would suggest you settle for Croatia, and then travel over land to Serbia!
Received my passport today. Front page says see page 51 but 51 has nothing on it. Now, I’m guessing I’m going to have to return the passport so they can correct this error. Thank God I haven’t made any travel plans.
I just got back from a trip to Sint Maarten/ St. Martin with my husband who is registered. He gave his 21 day notice and there were no issues at the airport or at any time during the trip.
Upon return to the states, in Dulles, he was pulled aside into secondary inspection and he said the officers were among the most professional and nicest he’s encountered so far in secondary. I’m extremely grateful we were able to take this vacation and it was relatively stress free!
Non-stamped passport. 20 yr old conviction. I traveled to Paris France in June of 2019 for a week. They didn’t even look up at me when I came through passport control. Then I traveled to Madrid Spain in September 2019 for 4 days. When I arrived, 2 polite plain clothes officers met me at the front of the plane, asked a few simple questions and then said have a good time. Had I not had the travel matrix I would have been way more stressed, but saw that questioning in Spain was possible. I’m now heading to Rome in 2 weeks through Amsterdam. I’ll let you know how it goes.
I went to paris in March 2019 and September 2019. Visited Spain, Portugal, and Belgium while there.No problems in France passport control.I plan to go another week in December 2021 to see if things are still good for RSO’s. I plan to retire early next year and take a 1 way ticket to France and travel from there.
Received my passport today. Front page says see page 51 but 51 has nothing on it. Now, I’m guessing I’m going to have to return the passport so they can correct this error. Thank God I haven’t made any travel plans
Noooo…. Keep that Mistaken Passport!
🙂
I traveled to Armenia in Christmas of 2018 and again in September of 2019. The only problem was after I had to get the passport with the identifier. For some reason it made the Armenian customs think I had a fake passport or two passports. After about 30 minutes they stamped my passport and welcomed me. I’ve been married to a woman from the Philippines for 14 years and never allowed to bring her to the U.S. because of the Adam Walsh law so a couple months ago I told my officer I was moving to Armenia so I could spend a little time with my wife before we got too old. I arrived in Yerevan Armenia after midnight on September 7 and the customs officer had my passport stamped and welcomed me probably in less than a minute. Americans automatically receive a 6 month visa so I’m good for at least that long. I do hope to find a way to qualify for a resident visa (job, school, online business, housing investment, or anything else that might qualify me). I’ve never seen anyone talk about Armenia on registranttag and I think they’re really missing a good opportunity. It’s relatively safe and cheap. My wife and I walk the streets at night and feel safe. Hotels are fairly cheap and people are friendly although a lot of them don’t speak English. Anyone needing a country to visit or move to should research Armenia and see if they think they would like it. I just wanted to pass this along and hope if anyone comes here they will follow all the laws and not take a chance of messing it up for everybody else.
Thank you for this information.
Paul Rigney 214-624-2552
You mean there is no way you can bring your wife in the US if you a registered sex offender? Now I’m feeling hopeless.. my american bf is is rso too 🙁
I’m in the same situation and we have spent over $10k on lawyers trying to get my wife here from the Philippines. It’s an uphill battle but not completely impossible. In the meantime we are looking at other countries to live.
Rose,
You have to fly with him to the Caribbean and live somewhere there to be close to the States. THEN learn how to Sail, and you can go anywhere and claim emergency repairs!
&;-)
You might be able to get a company to sponsor you for a work visa and then marry him when you get here.
Bruce thanks for the info thinking for going there for same reason any trouble since ur last post
James, no problems at all. I’m still trying to find a cheap business to start so I can try to register for a resident visa. After 6 months I will have to cross the border if I don’t have a resident visa. I think that’s not a big problem but I would rather have the visa so I can stay here.
So you let them know you had a 1 way ticket of of the US and not coming back ? That’s what I need to do next year. I’m afraid someone would give me a hard time for not returning.
Mario, I actually had a return ticket because I didn’t know what Armenia would do if I didn’t show a return. I’ve since met an American who came with a one way ticket and no problems. I just informed my local sheriff’s office 21 days ahead of time that I was moving to Armenia and they gave me no troubles. The officer even asked my brother how I was doing here.
Were you blacklisted from the Philippines?
Is Guatemala confirmed a go? Need dental work done and since Costa Rica and Mexico look like no go’s Guatemala is the next best option. (Hungary is too far)I see the matrix green lights it but is that one traveler or many?
Call me
Paul Rigney
214-624-2552
Hi, I’m just discovering this site, and trying to figure how how to get involved in the discussion to gain useful insight/share useful experiences. I’ve never been out of the US before, and just applied for my first passport. My girlfriend booked us a cruise, and her family is coming along, and I’d hate to stir up any unwanted attention and cause embarrassment to them. This would be our itinerary: October of 2022, fly into Barcelona to board cruise ship. Cruise will consist of stopping at Toulon, Monte Carlo, Ajaccio, Rome/Civitavecchia, Portofino, Palma de Mallorca, and then end back in Barcelona. I’ve looked at so many sites that give conflicting info about the current standards, as well as changing laws. I would be greatly appreciative if you can give me and knowledge about this, or lead me in the right direction. My next guess would be to call the European embassy, but I don’t want to unnecessarily “flag” myself. Thanks in advance
Call me
Paul 214-624-2552
Also just discovered this site. I’ve been looking for something like this for a long time and would love it if there was something similar for moving/traveling within the US that lists lengths of registry time. I’m originally from Wisconsin, committed my crime as a 14 or 15 year old back in 2011 and was tried as an adult, given 6 years of probation followed by 15 years on the registry back in 2016. Probation ends this year but then I have 15 years of registry. I’ve been trying to find out if I got royally screwed from Wisconsin. My PO in Minnesota where I live now said had my offense happened here I would have stayed in juvenile court and it would have been sealed at 18 or at the very least, I would have gotten 10 years on the registry to be run concurrent so when i finish probation I’d only have 4 years left, not 15. Im looking to move with my wife to a state that won’t impose life. Better yet, I’d love to be removed from the registry. We’re also looking to go on a European honeymoon and are trying to find the countries that will let us in. Unfortunately it looks like our dream of the UK or New Zealand are off the table. Any feedback or info is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for this website!
I got sent home from Guatemala in June. Spent 5 months there last year with no issue at all. This year a new agreement is in effect where ICE has cooperatives in place around the world. The Guatemalan police that came to the airport to notify immigration had patches on their shirts that said DHS and US and Guatemalan flags side by side.
I asked the immigration inspector if I could return and she said no. I was immediately put on the same plane back to the US.
I don’t know where to go anymore. I was in love with Colombia and they banned us. So I went back to Ecuador and now they ban us. Now Guatemala is out. Spain cops harassed me twice at my hotels and I was asked to leave the hotels.
They don’t want us here, but if we try to go anywhere else then they ruin that too. They ultimately just want us to give up and eat a bullet. I have nothing in the US now and the only thing that kept me alive with any hope was to travel.
Go to the other hemisphere. If you are too close to countries that are dependent upon the United States. They will do whatever America tells them.
About to do that, Billy. Gonna fly myself and GF to a new spot in Europe and see what happens. For the love of god I just want to find a nice place I love and can look forward to retiring to one day, but every time I get comfortable in a new paradise, the US government convinces them to start banning us. If I have any luck in Europe, good or bad, I will let Paul know. And please – all of you – if you have problems getting in somewhere, tell Paul so he can update the Travel Matrix. I can’t tell you how horrible it is to have your plans ruined and sent back on a plane sitting for hours depressed. And also all the money that’s wasted is a huge bummer. At least Delta was amazing. The attendants kept bringing me little bottles of vodka. Bless ’em.
I update the matrix every week
Paul
Brandon. Let me ask you. How many S.O. know about this site? You can get others to report this blog and that way maybe others will pass it along with other S.O’s that they know. There are over 1 million on the registry. It’s true that everyone of them are in the same boat as we are but that’s a lot of people and I’m sure that they are having the same problems as everyone of us. We need to spread the word so as many as possible can know about this information. I want to go to Hong Kong to meet my G/F but I haven’t seen any new people that have gone there recently. Once I can get married to her then I’ll try to get us to Europe and near a military base and see if the wife of a veteran can get a job on the base and pray that if she can they don’t do a background check on me and then ban her because she’s married to an S.O.
Who said Costa Rica is a no go? I contacted immigration and they said I am clear to enter
Just returned from a trip to Croatia, Turkey and Germany. Had no issues in any of them. Croatia they took a little longer, staring at their screen but then stamped us through. (My husband has the identifier on his passport)
No issues or second glances at all in Turkey and Germany. We entered Europe through Frankfurt.
I am about to travel to Italy, to close on a house I am buying. BUT- I ordered my passport and it doesn’t have the RSO (Registered Sex Offender) Stamp on it.
Will this create an issue, when I go to close on the house in Italy, for 2 weeks?
Will I get stuck in Italy and apply to get another passport at the Embassy?
Angel, for some reason it happened to me too. I sent a letter with my passport originally but my passport came back with NO identfier on it. I am in the process of getting a hold of the state Depr innNew Orleans who issued my passport to see what they want me to do.
I just got mine for the first time as well, and don’t see the identifier anywhere on it. I wonder if they stopped putting them, or it slipped through the system somehow? Do they just stamp the passport or actually scan your name and run it? Has anyone delt with this situation?
Do not EVER give that Passport to any Federal Agency…. Just tell the Embassy that you lost it when you have to apply for an emergency one once they cancel that one that does not have an identifier!!!!!!!
Do not on purpose lose your passport. Then you get a new set of issues. April 2016 I moved out of US and came off the registry. July 2016 I renewed my passport, no mark, it was too soon and I wasn’t required to register. Traveling to the US between July 2016 and 2018 was nice, never a screening. Always an inspection before. In 2018 my passport was revoked for not having the identifier even though I had been off the registry for 1 1/2 years. That cost me 8k USD and 2 months in a different location than my job. Anyway after that now when I enter the US, I get a 2nd screening because my passport was reported to immigration as “Lost or stolen.” Secondly I believe that only the State Department can take your passport, the other government agencies do dot have the authority.
Thank you for this. do you mind if I post as a separate blog discussion?
Paul
214-624-2552
I am going to try Armenia or Croatia perhaps. Covid is also screwing with travel now, as if it weren’t already difficult enough to go somewhere.
Recent stories about Armenia or Croatia or other countries closeby please?
Nothing negative. Please update us when you get back
We went to Croatia in September 2021. They stared at my husbands passport for a little while but then let us through. Same when we left the country and went through passport control. It was a little nerve-racking but overall it was fine and we had a great time in Croatia and then Turkey. (no issues or pauses in Turkey at all)
I have a question, I was hoping to have answered. I attempted to travel to Mexico in 2014 but was turned away at the airport upon arrival because of my RSO status. In 2017 I successfully applied in juvenile court to be removed from the registry. I have not attempted to fly international since 2014. However, now that I am OFF the registry since 2017. Will other countries still be notified of my past or is that only if you are a RSO they are notified? I wanted to start traveling again but afraid to be turned away. I did get a new passport in 2020 and it does not have the marker as I’m no longer a RSO. Any help on this question is much appreciated.
Yet why would you try to travel to Mexico when it’s obvious that it is against the law and they wouldn’t allow you.If I were you I would find out myself the safe way. Fly to Guatemala And then try to enter Mexico and see what happens. If you get turned away If then you’ll still be in Guatemala and you can go where all the expats are. There’s a beautiful place called Antigua,Guatemala and it’s considered one of the most beautiful places on the continent. If also, if you have that Sex Offender statement in your passport book you will need to get a new passport book
Go wherever you want, now that you are off of any registry! Most definitely get out there and LIVE your Life FREELY! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!
The way AWA reads, isn’t an option of Angel Watch Center to report ex-registrants about international travel? This is important to me because I need to be careful about getting stopped an unfriendly country’s boarder when traveling from the US and/or via a US based airline? <–Correct?
Also, does the US share criminal databases with Canada and Mexico? Meaning even if off the registry, a felon will be turned away at the boarder.
Were you required to have the mark in your passport after being removed?
Please help with any experience. My girlfriend booked us a cruise with Royal Caribbean, leaving from Barcelona, and returning to the same spot. Does the cruise line do a background check is my first concern, as well as where we’re traveling to. So the trip goes like this: board in Barcelona, stop in Toulon, Monte Carlo, Ajaccio, Rome, Portofino, Palma de Mollorca, and back to Barcelona. I have never been out of the United States, and just applied for my passport. The trip is set for October of 2022, and I’m also confused about the new travel system they’re putting into place with those countries, where we’ll need to submit a request to travel? Can someone please give me some useful info?
Call me
Paul 214-624-2552
I am planning a trip to Vietnam in about 7 months. I saw on the matrix that Vietnam turns away RSO, but I can’t find a definite answer on that online. Does anyone know for sure that vietnamese policy is to not allow RSO to enter the country?
Vietnam is reacting to the Angel Watch alert system
Paul Rigney
214-624-2552
what is the Angel Watch alert system? I too would like to travel to VN but I’m an RSO. Nothing stamped on my passport as far as i can tell.
Gonna be leaving the US in the next two months if everything works out. I’m looking at either Germany, Croatia or possibly spain for permanent residence. Will keep everyone posted on how things go but I am getting out of the US. Who would ever want to stay under this system?
How are you going to get permanent residency? They do background checks for that. I was thinking the same thing. My best idea for staying longer than the 90 day tourist visa is to get a student Visa. I will have to go to the consulate in Los Angeles though. They do background checks for the student visa but I don’t know if they turn people away based on being on the registry though. If they do then I will fly there anyway and get a tourist visa and while I’m there I will talk to different attorneys.
Go to Sweden…
Want to go see family in the UK in June and take my RSO bf to meet them. We’re planning to travel to Germany and France. After being in France for a few days, I was thinking of buying last minute tickets to take the Chunnel to the UK, but am wondering if IML will kick in? Has anyone tried this? I figured the worst that could happen is the UK would expeditiously send us home once we check in at the airport after our visit in the UK, which is ok since that would be the plan anyway, if the train travel from France to the UK doesn’t activate IML.
UK will most definitely deny all registrants entry!
Well if I can’t get into Vietnam, fiji was option number 2. Has anyone had any luck visiting fiji? Will I encounter any problems getting in?
Well if I can’t get into Vietnam, fiji was option number 2. Has anyone had any luck visiting fiji? Will I encounter any problems getting in?
Is Spain still good to fly into from the US ? I plan to fly there in late December one way and not come back.I will be 62 11/29 this year . Plan to collect SS early and live my life travelling thru Europe. Does Spain allow entry for RSO’s ? Thanks
I can confirm with 100% certainty that you can obtain legal residency in Spain with Felony Sex Offender Convictions from the United States. The law is, ONLY THE LAST 5 YEARS COUNT. If your conviction is over 5 years old, and are no longer on probation or parole, you can become a legal resident of Spain and live here the rest of your life. I’m a L1 RSO and have legal residency in Spain. During the process I provided both a FBI background check, and a NYS Criminal Background Check. Life in Spain is amazing, and I’m never moving back to the USA, ever.
Would like to move to Spain could please recommend to a Attorney to get legal advice
It is so good to hear that! It provides so much hope for us RSO’s! How long have you lived there under Spain’s Residency? Please keep us posted if anything changes. Thank you for keeping us posted 👍😎
Hi Shon,
I don’t believe you’ll succeed in visiting the UK. Brexit changed quite a bit of the rules regarding entry to and from the UK. My guess is you’ll ride the train to the UK and get turned away there. Whether that means back to the US or just back to France I have no idea.
I could be wrong, I can’t find a whole lot on the subject except that the visa requirements are different now as well as there being additional COVID screenings.
Good luck!
Thank you. BTW, my new user name is a better description of my life and what we are going through. Anyway, I was hoping a same day Chunnel ticket purchase would make it easy to slide in, but completely forgot about Brexit and the changes that came with it. We have shifted our focus to moving to Europe and are researching countries, but in the meantime, I’m looking at short cruises for an extended weekend just to get away, which is not easy since Bahamas, Mexico, and BVI’s won’t let him in and most of the cruise lines have stops in one of these spots on their itineraries. So I’m wondering if he has to notify the government for a 3 or 4 night closed loop cruise (private Bahamian island stop)? It’s cheap enough and on a line that allows RSO’s that I’m thinking of giving it a shot. We are in Tx and the local police department told him he just has to notify them if he’s gone 7 days or longer, but the federal law seems to contradict this. Anyone know for sure? Also, has anyone thought to add cruises to the matrix and if not, can registranttag.org do it?
Looking for some help/feedback on Europe. My fiancee and I are planning our honeymoon for next spring and we would like to do a European trip to a couple different countries. It looks like Europe is pretty green on the matrix which looks good, but I would like to hear any feedback on anyone who’s traveled there and their experiences. Is there a specific country/city we should fly into then once we’re in Europe, how easy was it to travel between countries? Has anyone tried to go to the UK or Ireland? Is it really hard to get into there? What about the Scandinavian countries? Switzerland? We’re looking to do a 2-3 week trip and hit 3-4 countries. Thank you for this resource and thank you for any feedback.
Hi Jace,
I can only speak to Sweden and Iceland being ok to travel to as I haven’t tried the others since becoming a registrant. The UK and Ireland are, by all accounts, a big NO.
Just a little background. Received my first passport late last year. Submitted all the required documents including the statement letter about being a coveted offender. It DID NOT have the identifier on any pages. After debating what to do I decided to call them. Was finally told who to contact and they asked me to send my passport back with the statement letter again.
I received my FIXED passport with the identifier on it but it’s on the first page right above my main page. I thought it would be on the endorsement page towards the back. Now I’m just wondering when I do decide to travel if hotels will automatically see that when I would check in. Worried about getting denied stay anywhere or even trying to rent a car. Anyone have experience with this?
I am in the same boat. When I renewed my passport I saw nothing about having to submit the sex offender oath to them… when I found out I got my passport the next day. No sex offender Tags.
What happens if I don’t call them to fix it?
Should I just leave it alone? I’m planing to travel to Hong Kong in Dec. 2022 to meet my Filipina GF. Any advice?
In 2016 when AWC reported me to HK immigration, I was sent to a 2nd screening. They wanted to know where I was staying (hotel info), how I was leaving (Flight info), did I have sufficient funds (showed my US credit card). After that whenever I visited HK I had a paper ready for immigration (less CC info). It speed up things a little. A friend has told me starting mid October the quarantine in HK will be 0+0. 🙂
Thank you for the info
Paul
214-624-2552
Hi Stuart,
i am planning on going to Hk in the summer. I tried contacting the US HK embassy but they haven’t responded. I am an level 1 RSO, and planning with my family. Is there any ban for us? Would hate to go and get turned away at the airport.
Hi, I wanna ask hows your hongkong trip? Cz were planning to go there to meet my husband and his RSO. Is hongkong okey to visit ?
Hi J, hows your trip to hong kong ? is hong kong ok to visit if your RSO ? Can you give me some tips before we go there?
We got my partners passport in February and had to return it because it didn’t have the RSO stamp, so we sent it back via mail the very next day with a copy of the letter and the form requesting correction, and we’re now waiting on the revised document. Hopefully his comes back with it in the back like others have reported. But, I will post to let you know when it comes.
I am an RSO looking at going on a closed loop cruise on Princess out of Ft Lauderdale, FL this year. Some of the ports I am curious about are the ABC Islands, Grenada, Dominica, and Turks and Caicos. Anyone know of any issues with RSO’s and those ports of call? Any information would be helpful!
ABC islands are open to RSO’s and are on the matrix. Turks & Caicos is British held, so you will probably be denied entry at the port. Grenada isn’t on the matrix. As for Dominica, keep in mind that they were a British territory for a long time until they won their independence (1978) and they could be like the Bahamas; inclined to follow the UK’s path. It appears that the only way to know for sure is to reach out to Grenada and Dominica immigration officials and ask them. Good luck on figuring it out and I hope you get onboard and have a lovely time. Please post back because from what I can tell everyone here is hungry for knowledge and to hear about other’s experience.
I have not been but I did email an official in Dominica regarding their investment passport program. His response was that RSO’s were okay to go to Dominica.
We have planned a family vacation to Barbados. My son is required to register due to a juvenile adjudication. Does Barbados still allow RSO to visit?
Donna…
Barbados, Tobago, Trinidad, Grenada, the Dutch ABC’s, All Schengen Caribbean Islands, and the Bahamas are ALL a GO!
Carey
I’m a low level RSO in Texas looking to travel to Columbia S.A. Has anyone tried to enter this country?
Bill, I had been going to Colombia and staying for 90 days each time without any problems. They started turning away SOs back in 2017. I can’t say for sure that they will bar you, but things don’t look good. My crime was nonviolent/non-contact from 20 years ago. I don’t think they’re accepting anyone in any of the Latin American countries anymore. The USA gives them too many aid dollars and attaches strings to the money. If anyone were to find out a latin American country that will accept us still, I would love to know. We can still go to Puerto Rico, but who wants to go on vacation and have to register your address at the police station every time you want to see a different city?
We traveled to Costa Rica last year and had a wonderful time. I am a low level RSO in Texas. Puerto Rico was no problem but Mexico denied me entry and it was so humiliating and they didn’t cover my partners ticket back. We want to go to the Dominican in February. Anyone know if this will be allowed? I received a deferred adjudication and probation which I completed in 2016..
So I go some semi good news today. I was informed by my state (utah) that I am no longer required to register because I “have met all my requirements”. It was actually ended in 2018 but here it is 4 years later and they are just now letting me know.
I am still trying to get answers on a federal level since that is what my charge was.
Anyone else gone through this or have any advice? Do I still have to do a 21 day notice for international travel with my local LEO even tho I don’t have to report to them anymore?
Anyone know of any pro bond lawyers who could help me?
Thanks for the help!
Cograts
paul
214-624-2552
No
Paul Rigney
Looks like most of Asia is green except for “SOs have been turned away”. Does anyone have clarification on this? Does that mean a for sure no? Would love to go to Tokyo with my wife, and Japan looks good except for that. Anyone able to elaborate on if Japan is a possibility?
RSO Planning Oct 2002 trip – Croatia, Spain, Portugal. From the matrix and other posts it sounds like these three countries will allow me in as RSO. Saw some posts reporting Madrid Spain might ask lots of questions. Maybe barcelona less? Croatia could be the best option for entry?
Which of these three counties is best to arrive into first from USA – Croatia, Spain or Portugal. Does return back to the US mater at all for RSO? Are there US airports/cities in the US to avoid given their strong interrogation?
I plan to take a train between Spain and Portugal border. That should be ok, right? No passport control, right?
Plan to fly from Croatia to Spain/Port. Will that be an issue? Again, I could fly Spain/Port to Croatia depending on the answer above.
My passport expires in Feb 2023 and does not have RSO page stamped. I understand I might get my passport taken when I return to US. This would force me to get a new passport and expect it would include the RSO page.
This website is a great source of info. Are there any other websites or sources I should review as I plan my Oct 2022 trip?
Thanks
We entered Portugal from the US with no issues. Then drove through Spain and had no issues leaving the country. Croatia we had to wait a little but then they let us through and didn’t say anything. So we have had a good experience with all three countries. Did not enter Spain from the US so if you take the train that should be fine
Is the matrix information for both branded and non branded passports? Has anyone that’s an RSO traveled to central or South America with regular passport? And what if entering from a country outside the United States?
The matrix does not differentiate based on passport status. The Matrix is up to date
for countries in South and Central America. Other info is complicated so
need to call me.
Paul Rigney
214-624-2552
I went to Costa Rica and my passport does not have the identifier. I had no problems when I returned stateside
Is your offense against a minor?
Paul rigney
214-624-2552
I would like to travel to Qatar is that a go or no go country?
I’ll be going to Portugal in October for two weeks. Everything should be easy. I was in France, Germany, Austria and Italy in 2019 before COVID shut everything down.
Does anyone know if any RSOs who moved to Portugal? I have a statutory charge and a cp possession. I looked at Portugal law, specifically section 177, and I think I might be able to apply for residency because Age of Consent is 14 & I didn’t posses with intent to sell or distribute. That and my conviction is from 2001 and I can request the information be removed from application due to time passage and my rebuilt (to a degree) life.
But Carey got me thinking. Should I try to go to Sweden and try for asylum?
Has anyone heard anything about Egypt?
I don’t see it on the matrix.
I’m seeing that some of you are receiving passports without the identifier in it. My question is what is the penalty of using such a passport? I can’t find anywhere that states it’s actually a crime to use said passport? I’m guessing that is part of the 21 day advanced notice one is required to give? To give the Angel Watch time to verify? It seems to me that it is a flawed system when the law specifies that only Angel Watch can determine who is a “covered” RSO and yet make it a requirement for RSO’s to send a declaration letter. Even more so when upon fulfilling that requirement they still mess it up.
Interesting information:
I received a passport with no identification marker. As soon as I gave my travel plans to my officer and he put me in the system for travel, after getting back they revoked my passport and had to pay for another one with a marker on it. I think it gets flagged when you hit the travel system
Yes. It is true as it happened to me. I reapplied quickly and was able to travel to Turkey with a RSO stamp.
Can someone please help me understand. Dominican Republic and Costa Rica are both “No” on the matrix but I was able to travel there last year. We have a trip planned in February for the D.R. but after the humiliation of being denied in Mexico I don’t know if we should cancel the trip to D.R. Has any RSO been allowed to enter that country?
Call Me
Paul Rigney
214-624-2552
Call me
Paul
214-624-2662
Paul,
Have you heard of RSO passports taking longer to receive or process? We already had a trip planned and my husband received a letter that his was revoked for not having the stamp. Now it’s been over 7 weeks since he reapplied for a new passport and we expedited. We leave in month. Getting nervous.
Call me
214-624-2552
Did you get into Costa Rica ?
Can an RSO travel to Tahiti? The Matrix says they are not stopping them. I just wanted to know if there’s any additional information on it. Thanks
So far yes
Paul Rigney
214-624-2552
If your removed from all list can you travel
Anyone here with dual citizenship? I’m wondering what the process is of going to Mexico if you have Mexican citizenship. I know I can go, but do I need to provide info of my Mexican passport to the United States?
Yes, technically, you are supposed to report/register all of your passports to the feds if you are an RSO. I haven’t done so, and I’ve had my other passport for years and travel with it all the time. As you already know, Mexico cannot deny you entry because you are a citizen of Mexico.
I am a RSO living in the US. My wife and I want to travel to Antigua in the Caribbean for vacation. I do have the stamp on the passport and on page 27 of my passport it states that I offended against a minor. My offense was in 1985 and I have had no problems with the law since then.
What do you know about Antigua. The problem is that there is little info if any on entering that country. They are part of the UK Commonwealth but are their own country since 1981. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
My husband is an RSO and we have gone to antigua 4 times. Just recently in October. This last time he was pulled aside to explain why he was an RSO and he just explained it and that he is not on probation, etc and we had no issues
Does anyone have experience once off the registry for international travel? Charge is misdemeanor sexual assault so not even a felon for this person.
I’m curious about this too. I’m in the same boat. I have 4 years left to register and my charge is a misdemeanor. Looking to leave the US as fast as possible once I don’t register and am looking for countries to go to that allow dual citizenship.
Pretty much UK would my first stop and then South Africa and all over Europe.
Any advice n how to get into Thailand? I have less then 3 years to go until deregistration but I’m getting married next year and want to visit my fiancé family in Thailand. Charge was misdemeanor sexual battery. No stamp in passport.
Just an FYI- our NCL cruise was canceled by the cruise line 5 days before leaving. It was a cruise from Tahiti to Hawaii. They are not allowing RSO on their ships anymore. They gave us a full refund. We will really miss cruising. I don’t know if there is any other cruise line that allows RSO?
Thank you for the heads up. I would keep looking for cruise lines that do take RSO’s. Just like certain countries I would think it’s safe to assume that some cruise lines allow SO’s and some don’t. But as discouraging as this is don’t give up. Us RSO’s deserve a vacation as much as the next guy! Please keep us posted when you do find that cruise line! Thank You 👍😎
I see Dubai on the travel matrix but I know someone that is a RSO that received residency through their spouse working. Is it deny with the identifier? Just curious where the yes came from and what to do with someone coming to visit here on the RSO for a statutory rape charge (18 and 16 2001).
My husband is an RSO we went to Jamaica in2018 there were no issues. Only upon returning. We are wanting to go back with our4 kids. We also want to do a trip to Europe. His passport doesn’t have an identifier on it. Do we need to get it fixed? His offense was not towards a minor if that helps.
I am wanting to move out of the US,I got put back on probation because of failure to register after 12 years on the registry with no priors before or after until the FTR happened. So, what country is best to move to easily to become a resident indefinetly if I am still on probation?
Cruises? Is there any cruise lines accepting RSO’s? Are the ones denying RSO’S only from USA ports? What about European Cruises? I do understand that most of the Cruise Lines are owned Between, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCL. Are there other options?
Thanks for your input.
Remember Everyone… YOU CAN write a personal letter to the Office of the King of Thailand, President of the Philippines (as well as other countries’ Heads of State that don’t accept us, and get SPECIAL PERMISSION TO ALLOW YOUR ENTRY TO THEIR COUNTRY! ONE COUNTRY IN PARTICULAR THAT GIVES SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS IS ISRA’EL! Netan’Yahu is back in Charge and has a Softer Way of Looking at RSOs, especially with Turkey and Europe Allowing Us to Come! Korea is another Country to Consider! IT WILL TAKE SIX MONTHS TO GET ANY RESPONSE, BUT IT CAN BE DONE! EXPLAIN YOUR SITUATION AND BE EXTREMELY EXPRESSIVE AS TO THE REASON WHY YOU WANT TO VISIT, OR OUTRIGHT MOVE THERE! AS WELL, YOU CAN APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY IN EUROPE IF YOU HAVE A GUARANTEED INCOME EVERY MONTH WITHOUT HAVING TO WORK THERE! THE SAME GOES FOR ANY COUNTRY THAT DOESN’T ACCEPT US! MONEY TALKS!
AND IF THAT DOESN’T WORK, JUST LEARN TO SAIL, AND SAIL AROUND THE WORLD! YOU CAN ALWAYS CLAIM HARDSHIP DUE TO NECESSARY REPAIRS TO YOUR SAILBOAT OF WHICH THEY CANNOT DENY! THEY CAN MAKE YOU LEAVE AFTER TAKING MONTHS TO REPAIR YOUR SAILBOAT!