Most people recognize that having a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction in Scottsdale, Arizona can have repercussions such as expensive fines and temporary driver’s license suspension. What many don’t know, however, is that it could also affect the ability to travel outside of the country. Several countries restrict and prohibit entry for drunk and drugged driving offenders. Contact our Scottsdale DUI attorney to discuss your legal options today.
The Nature of Your DUI Matters
First, know that the details surrounding your DUI conviction matter. Foreign countries with rules barring tourists from entering based on their criminal histories often base their decisions on a rule of “good character.” Immigration officers will use the details of the DUI offense on your record to assess your eligibility for visa approval.
Even if a country generally does not allow tourists with DUI convictions to enter, it may be possible to submit a waiver to be considered anyway. An immigration agent could decide to waive the good character requirement after evaluating the circumstances, such as your prior criminal history, how long the conviction occurred and the seriousness of the offense. DUI convictions with aggravating circumstances can make it harder to travel internationally.
What Countries Have DUI Tourist Restrictions?
Although a first-time DUI offense in Arizona is classified as a misdemeanor, many other countries around the world view these crimes as felony offenses. This designation can mean that you cannot cross the border into certain countries, since to them you are a convicted felon.
The list of countries with laws that restrict or deny visitors with DUIs includes:
- Australia: no entry for substantial criminal records or those without “good character”
- Canada: no entry for people with DUI convictions in the last five years
- China: failing to disclose a DUI conviction could lead to denial of a visa
- Japan: no one with a DUI conviction in the past 10 years is permitted entry
- New Zealand: anyone with a felony-level DUI in the past 10 months is disqualified from the “good character” requirement
- South Africa: no entry for individuals with felony DUIs or DUIs within the last five years
- United Arab Emirates: no entry for individuals with DUIs within the last five years
- United Kingdom: misdemeanor DUIs in the past 5 years or felony DUIs in the past 10 years can be a barrier to entry
These may not be the only countries with DUI-related tourist prohibitions; always check a country’s regulations before you go. As a general rule, countries that require tourist visas tend to have stricter laws against DUIs than those that don’t.
Can You Restore Your Ability to Travel Internationally After a DUI?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Most countries with rules against permitting entry by people with DUIs make case-by-case exceptions, but this is not a guarantee. You can improve your chances of being accepted as an international traveler in certain countries by successfully completing your sentence, avoiding additional DUIs and criminal charges, and waiting until the right number of years has passed to try traveling abroad.
If you are worried about being able to travel internationally as someone who is facing DUI charges in Arizona, the best way to protect yourself is by contacting a Phoenix criminal defense attorney right away. A lawyer may be able to reduce the DUI charges against you or even have them dismissed with an aggressive, custom-tailored defense strategy. This can help you preserve your ability to travel in the future.
Another possibility is having an existing DUI conviction set aside or expunged to restore your travel capabilities. To discuss your unique legal situation with an attorney, contact Corso Law Group for a free consultation.