Where in the world can I travel without worrying about a prior criminal record?

[Walrus13]

I have a prior criminal conviction (1 court appearance for 6 instances of theft) 15 years ago. I was convicted as an adult and the sentence was a 12 month wholly suspended jail sentence and I have since paid back the money in full.

I have an Australian passport, I know what I have to do to go to the USA and am in the process of applying for a visa.

I have searched and read everything I could find on AFF but cannot seem to find out if there are any other places in the world that I could go to without having to disclose this or go through the visa process. I am not prepared to lie in order to travel though.

Any advice or hearing about others with similar situations would be gratefully received.

 

[harvyk]

I hereby declare the can of worms open....

Look up spent convictions scheme... Basically it states that once a conviction is more than 10 years old and provided that you haven't reoffended and didn't spend more than 30 months in jail with very limited exception (eg you want to work for Customs or ASIO) it's like it never happened.

I'd suggest you look at the spent convictions scheme prior to doing anything else, as whilst you may be legally entitled to withhold information about your past, and our gov't will do the same, if you volunteer that information during visa interviews it can be used against you... (Keep in mind if you withhold information when your not legally entitled to that can also come back and bite you)

Of course I'd like to point out that this is my own view, and you'll find there are people on this forum who disagree with that, my advice is thus speak to a lawyer and let them know your situation. They can give much better advice than anyone here.

 

[Walrus13]

Thanks Harvy. Do you know if that applies to all states in Australia or is it different in each one?

 

[harvyk]

The spent convictions scheme is a commonwealth scheme, thus it's uniform across all states. The idea is that a mistake doesn't follow someone around for life, but as I mentioned, talk with a lawyer to get their opinion as to if it can be used for travel (and make sure you report back here as to what they say, I'm sure a few members may find it interesting)

 

[nickykim]

It depends which state the offence was committed in. I have come across this as a recruitment issue in Victoria - Victorian convictions will be disclosed regardless of elapsed time.

From the Law Handbook...."Spent conviction laws cover federal offences and offences committed in every state and territory except South Australia and Victoria. You should contact the police force of any state or territory where you may have committed an offence directly to obtain further information about their release policies and legislation."

SPENT CONVICTIONS

The sooner Vic has spent conviction laws the better (not that I have any I just have to talk the CEO through whether a 20 year old shoplifting conviction is relevant to being a grader driver)!

Nickykim

 

[nickykim]

Part 2 - I also think you can go to NZ as my (naughty) step brother manages to move between Australia and New Zealand to visit family with a drug conviction from his teens.

Nickykim

 

[richie9x]

North Cyprus.

That's where a lot of criminals go to avoid extradition. So i figure it must be pretty easy to get in with a criminal conviction.

 

[Alanslegal]

Try contacting the Consulate of the country which you would like to travel to and get some general information on their entry requirements. Just let them know you have had a conviction some 15 years ago and see what advice they have to offer.

Even entering Thailand for example, I do not recall any questions on their Arrivals Card asking if you have had a criminal conviction in the past. I would think with an AU passport entering some Asian countries eg. Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, I don't think you would have any issues entering. Do double check though.

 

[Vinny]

There's a place in Melbourne called Collingwood.

 

[turtlemichael]

There's a place in Melbourne called Collingwood.

There's a team in Melbourne called Collingwood that might help.

 

[Walrus13]

LOL Vinny & Turtle - sorry but I do have some pride left....

 

[leemin]

Even entering Thailand for example, I do not recall any questions on their Arrivals Card asking if you have had a criminal conviction in the past. I would think with an AU passport entering some Asian countries eg. Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, I don't think you would have any issues entering. Do double check though.

I'd possibly go with Commonwealth countries where we have a High Commission before trying out places that still have the death penalty.. Just a thought

 

[samiam]

There's a place in Melbourne called Collingwood.

LOL - you beat me to it...

... although I was going to suggest that convicts have traditionally gone to Tassie.