Can I travel abroad if I have a criminal record?

The ability to travel abroad depends on the nature of the offense and the country to which the person is travelling, according to USA Today. Countries individually create standards for entry. A person currently on probation who has travel restrictions is unable to go abroad.

USA Today explains that the only way to know for sure if an individual is likely to be granted entry is to check with the country to which the person plans to travel. It is also worthwhile to compare stated restrictions to actual enforcement. For instance, Jamaica bars entry to convicted felons, but the law is rarely enforced. The U.S. Passport office is also a good source of information about potential obstacles to travel.