theForum » Travel » Travelling to the rest of the world » Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

Harry53 — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 11:27:14 GMT

(SOR = Sexual offenders register)
I am writing from the UK and I have a 10 year SOR.
One spin off from this is the restriction of travel. So I thought why don't we all build a listings of countries that are quite rightly protecting children from abusers. I will start the list off but please add to it. Some cojuntries are obvious but others like Japan may still ask the question which pose problems. I want to hear from anyone who has in the last year, known of any problems gaining entry to countries, or that have refused entry.

There seems to be no listing that is up-to-date, so I thought this would be useful.

For example, I was told that Indonesia was ok to visit, but on posting on an expats forum, it seems most likely not. So here goes....countries I am 95% sure will refuse entry to anyone on the SOR:
1 THAILAND
2 INDIA
3 SRI LANKA
4 PHILIPPINES
5 MALAYSIA
6 CAMBODIA
7 INDONESIA
8 VIETNAM
9 SINGAPORE
10 USA
11 AUSTRALIA

Some countries like NEW ZEALAND ask if you have ever been refused entry to a country, which means it is best to apply for a visa and disclose details.

Please add to this list as having experienced being refused entry into the Philippines just 8 weeks after visiting, I feel it is of the utmost importance to do research before booking a flight or holiday. To be turned away is the most stressful and embarrassing experience in my entire life. Do NOT LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU.

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

punter99 — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 11:27:14 GMT

[quote]

[b]Simon1983 - 15 Jun 20 4:39 PM[/b]

This explains what information is and is not shared and by who and when.

https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/major-investigation-and-public-protection/managing-sexual-offenders-and-violent-offenders/travelling-abroad/

[/quote]

"In terms of UK registered sex offenders travelling abroad, SIS II alerts hold no prohibitions or punishments and the presence of such an alert does not require the Schengen countries to arrest or refuse entry. Refusal of entry to a country is an individual decision for the country to make as part of immigration policy. They may refuse entry to persons they believe pose a threat to their country."

Seems to confirm what I said. There is no one rule for every SO. It's entirely subjective.

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

Simon1983 — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 16:39:15 GMT

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

punter99 — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 11:54:43 GMT

There is one thing that has never been clear in all of these discussions about foreign travel. Some people seem to go everywhere and never get stopped. Others get stopped, even in Europe, where we're supposed to have free movement. I've heard people stating that green notices have been issued against them, but if that was the case, why did the PPU let that person travel in the first place? If they were so concerned about that person's risk, then why not tell them, to their face, not to go?

" SO who pose a real threat to children should be stopped but those of us who are not, and never have been a threat to children, who be allowed to enter Vietnam on good merit."

I think the problem is that the police don't tell the other country anything. All the immigration people see is a notification saying 'known to UK authorities'. No details about the offence or the persons' risk. They then have to make a judgement call, about whether to admit them, based on no information. This accounts for why some people get sent back and others don't. In all these discussions, people are looking for a clear answer, when there isn't one. It's entirely dependent on the immigration officer and how they feel, at the time.

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

Simon1983 — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 22:48:56 GMT

Hi JoeR

While you are on the register, you will find it very hard to go any other place other than an EU country.

The issue is that when you inform PPU that you plan to go away they will risk asses this especially if going to the Far East.

If they chose then they could issue a green notice on your passport

Interpol notices

Interpol’s International Notice System was created in 1946. Green Notices are usually issued to provide warnings and criminal intelligence about a persons criminal activities, where the individual is considered to be a possible threat to public safety. It is seen as an effective way to share key police intelligence on a global scale and to prevent people with a criminal record from crossing borders.

Interpol publishes notices either on its own initiative or based on requests from its member states. Notices should only be issued if there is a clear indication that a person intends to commit or is committing a serious offence.

And this is where you will fall down. So if you can wait till your off the register it will be much easier.

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

JoeR — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 20:50:09 GMT

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 28 Jun 19 12:50 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Monkos - 28 Aug 18 1:10 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 19 Feb 18 5:00 PM[/b]

[/quote]

Having been to many of those countries while on SOR I can tell you that they have no way of knowing you're on the SOR unless you tell them yourself. The only way you'd be turned away from Philippines for example is if you declared your conviction.

[/quote]

Well I went to the Philippines in 2017 in February, then wanted to return to see my friend and family for a birthday, and I had the biggest shock of my life when just 8 weeks later, I was refused entry. I did not tell them but someone at Interpol or the CPU made sure a Green card was issued. What bugs me is that if they intend to issue a Green card then, for Human rights only, tell the person travelling. I cannot imagine any immigration officer allowing someone in on a Green Card

[/quote]

Hi great resouce and topic. It is very frustrating not knowning where you can go or not and when asked I'm always faced with its an ever evolving situation which doesnt help. Last year I visited Thailand was let in but when I went from there to my next destination The Phillipines I was refused entry sent back to Thailand to go back to the Uk. It was a horrible experience as I was not informed about anything I thought I would be able to return to Thailand and spend the rest of my time there but I was sent to an airport detention hold till it was time for my flight back to the UK. I would never wish that on anyone hence why I am worried to travel anywhere now as I would never want to experience that again. Its just very frustrating not being told yes you can go here and don't bother for there.

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

Harry53 — Sun, 10 May 2020 22:09:46 GMT

[quote]

[b]Simon1983 - 10 May 20 7:00 PM[/b]

Your hurdle is PPU, what you have to remember about a PPU officer is that they have a DS or DI above them that make the final decision, so you named officer might say one thing but once discussed with there senior team could say another.

While your on the SOR there is nothing stopping PPU issuing a green notice on your passport via Interpol

https://hub.unlock.org.uk/knowledgebase/information-contained-on-uk-passports/

Once your off the register life will be a lot easier, and yes Vietnam is seen as one of those countries on the list of sex traffic countries

[/quote]

Thank you. I suspected as much. If I were to travel to another country and then decide to visit my BF then I think I can. I have asked this before and it seems possible. It may be seen as devious but as it has been said in an earlier posting, if we decide to travel to different countries but without an itinerary at the start, then it is allowed. They only ask me when I go and flight details. I do not need to even give a return date. As a genuine visit to see the one I love I think it is wrong that I could be stopped for no good reason. SO who pose a real threat to children should be stopped but those of us who are not, and never have been a threat to children, who be allowed to enter Vietnam on good merit.

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

Simon1983 — Sun, 10 May 2020 19:00:58 GMT

https://hub.unlock.org.uk/knowledgebase/information-contained-on-uk-passports/

Once your off the register life will be a lot easier, and yes Vietnam is seen as one of those countries on the list of sex traffic countries

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

Harry53 — Sun, 10 May 2020 18:49:42 GMT

I am now in a new and real relationship with my guy in HCM City in Vietnam. We plan to get married in the UK and live together in the future. Now I wish to visit him once the Covid 19 allows, but being on the SOR for another 6 years I still am unsure if I can enter. I am EXTREMELY low risk and wonder if Vietnam is on the High Risk list of countries ? I have a genuine reason to travel and visit as I wish to be with him and his family, and my PPU officer will know that and support me, but there is always an unknown risk going to Asia. I would not expect a Green Card to be issued against me and I know that a visa to enter does not ask about convictions so what the chances are I have no idea.

Any thoughts?

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

JASB — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 16:31:53 GMT

[quote]

[b]BenS - 6 Dec 19 2:13 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]JASB - 6 Dec 19 12:51 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Mr W - 27 Nov 19 2:16 PM[/b]

I'm on the SOR and have just enjoyed a holiday in Qatar. I have no travel restrictions but I went to the station and filled in the holiday form seven days before departure, as the rules state, and I did feel anxious about being questioned at passport control.
I'm happy to report I felt I was treated as a civilian, they take your photo, do fingerprints for your visitor's visa (you can stay up to 30 days with the option to extend) and they give you your passport back and that's that. When I was given my passport back it was like it was in slow motion because I was so relieved - I had no idea what to expect.
I'm hoping that might be useful for those wanting to attend the World Cup in 2022.

[/quote]

Hi Mr W
many thanks for your encouraging words. I am hoping to travel around Europe next year using a camper van so it will be interesting how that is managed. I am classed as low risk, in fact it's been circa 1 year since PPU's last visit.

[/quote]

Once you are in France you are in the Schengen Area, and can drive almost anywhere from Portugal to the Russian border with no border controls (with the exception of most of the former Yugoslavian countries and the Black Sea countries). Technically you just need to tell them you're going to France and tell them the address of the first night of your trip and your return date. While you have to tell them any countries you're planning to visit, if your trip is reasonably spontaneous day to day then you can say, or not say, what you want.

[/quote]

Hi
Thanks for the reply but it is the first three nights out of the country. Sorry for being pedantic.
I agree on that plans can be / and is accepted can change in the same manner of the return date may also change. It is the contacting the PPU and interview on return (if held) that you have to be careful of.

Whilst awaiting sentencing, the Met Police accused me of trying to skip the country and trying to cover my actions by trying to discuss how I inform them of a change to an overseas holiday. Even though whilst 6 months prior and on bail I spent 3 months in SE Asia on holiday.

In the end I think we can agree that it is the PPU's opinion of you as a risk that decides the approach and risks you take, and is the path chosen worth the risks.

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

JGUK68 — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 11:55:55 GMT

[quote]

[b]BenS - 6 Dec 19 2:13 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]JASB - 6 Dec 19 12:51 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Mr W - 27 Nov 19 2:16 PM[/b]

[/quote]

Not really. Always check for the Schengen agreement temporary suspension. They check your passport and ask you awful questions. It happened to me.

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

BenS — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 14:13:05 GMT

[quote]

[b]JASB - 6 Dec 19 12:51 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Mr W - 27 Nov 19 2:16 PM[/b]

[/quote]

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

JASB — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 12:51:36 GMT

[quote]

[b]Mr W - 27 Nov 19 2:16 PM[/b]

[/quote]

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

Mr W — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 14:16:58 GMT

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

AB2014 — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 08:52:37 GMT

[quote]

[b]punter99 - 8 Nov 19 3:16 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 28 Oct 19 8:57 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Normallife - 2 Mar 18 10:39 PM[/b]

Ultimately most countries don't ask about past convictions at all. It's mostly the English speaking countries- USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand which will ask and they would most likely deny you entry. However when going to countries which don't ask, the only way those countries can find out is if your PPU have placed a green notice on your passport. So when they scan it your conviction details will show up and then they will most likely deny you entry.

Travelling to the EU is another matter- you have the legal right to travel and even reside in any of the EU countries (whilst we're still in the EU).

[/quote]

What I find annoying and somewhat against my Human Rights, is that whenever I go through passport control in Europe something gets flagged up on the officers screen.

Is it not my right to know what it says? Same for any Green Card issued , I feel it is my right to be informed that it has been issued so that I can be prepared or even given the choice not to travel, knowing there is a high chance of refusal.
I just think it is totally unfair that whatever is connected to my passport is hidden from me.

The other gripe I have s that my offence was an internet one and not a contact sexual offence, but I get the feeling that whatever the offers see, may make them think I am a serious sex offenders. It is not a nice feeling

[/quote]

I've been told by a PPO that the only thing that gets flagged up is a note saying "known to UK authorities". It says nothing about your offence or any restrictions you have. That can have negative consequences as it often encourages people reading it to imagine the worst, but equally they may decide it is not bad enough to warrant further investigation.This ambiguity probably explains why some ex-offenders report no problems and yet other people get stopped. It all comes down to what the person checking thinks and how suspicios they are.

[/quote]

I was told by a PPU officer that the original message was "Wanted and missing", which even led to a French border control officer at St Pancras drawing his gun, quickly followed by his colleague doing the same. Thankfully, they were persuaded to read the full text on screen and they were then able to carry out their "discreet" check. These days, it's supposed to be a discreet check, but it depends on the relevant officer's knowledge and experience. Any travel into or within the Schengen Area should lead to a discreet check, but if they know what it's about and they're busy they might not bother. Or they might not bother just because they can't be bothered.

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

JASB — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 16:22:12 GMT

[quote]

[b]BenS - 30 Oct 19 8:38 AM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 28 Oct 19 8:57 PM[/b]

[/quote]

I agree with you, but sadly the right to know about what data authorities have on you, does not extend to data pertaining to criminal intelligence. There is always an exception for this, whether it's in EU law, UK law or the law of any other country.

As for your other gripe, I am in the same situation and also agree with you. But sadly, people who've committed a single internet offence are treated the same way as serial rapists. It's the stupid culture we live in unfortunately.

[/quote]

Hi
I do apologize in advance for what I am about to say and please do not take it personally. I have committed a sex offence, I didn't know it was illegal to pay for sex with someone under the age of 18. Where is that advertised/taught? Please do not waste energy in an attempt to vilify me as I do that to myself on both moral and psychological grounds.
I am sure you accept that even a single photo can create multi victims, it is just the mind that gains a perception of it acceptability and so dissociates you from the reality.
It is hard to prove that when someone is willing to look at an image on a computer, they will not look at the same person (type) in real life and possibly go further?
It may sound off the wall but think of the bigger picture: advertisers manipulate that aspect of the brain all the time; you see an advert for a cream cake and you want / buy one. That is why society now have so many addictions.

Read this book by Paul Gilbert PhD, as it will explain further the conflicts our brain created in prehistoric time is attempting to adjust to modern day life complexities. "The Compassionate Mind: A New Approach to Life's Challenges"
ISBN: 184529713X | 2009 |

I wish you well in maintaining an offence free life.

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

JASB — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 15:44:07 GMT

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 30 Oct 19 6:16 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]BenS - 30 Oct 19 8:38 AM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 28 Oct 19 8:57 PM[/b]

[/quote]

Not just stupid but grossly unfair. Not that I want to, because I do NOT, but an adult can have consensual sex with a 16 year old but you can be done for viewing a 16 & 17 year old undressed. How is that sensible and fair ? Just imagine an 18 year old boy who takes a photo of his 17 year old girlfriend my mutual consent, and he gets a criminal record because of it. The law should change to make sense. Moan over !!

[/quote]

Hi
If many political parties get their way a 16 - 17 year old would be able to vote?
There are many legal restrictions imposed on a 16-17 because it is felt they do not have the maturity to make a decision.

In brief if the political system sees a benefit to them then they will change something and only then.

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

punter99 — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 15:16:44 GMT

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 28 Oct 19 8:57 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Normallife - 2 Mar 18 10:39 PM[/b]

[/quote]

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

Harry53 — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 18:16:51 GMT

[quote]

[b]BenS - 30 Oct 19 8:38 AM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 28 Oct 19 8:57 PM[/b]

[/quote]

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

BenS — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 08:38:56 GMT

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 28 Oct 19 8:57 PM[/b]

[/quote]

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

AB2014 — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 09:09:43 GMT

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 28 Oct 19 8:57 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Normallife - 2 Mar 18 10:39 PM[/b]

[/quote]

Well, the Supreme Court ruled last year that public protection outweighs an individual's human rights, so no joy there. :( As the prevention and detection of crime is a standard exclusion from data protection law, they won't tell you what they're doing, even when there's no real risk of a crime being committed. The general public don't see any difference between the different offences, other than a few details. Regardless of how you see the situation, they see the offenders themselves as all being the same.

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

Harry53 — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 20:57:58 GMT

[quote]

[b]Normallife - 2 Mar 18 10:39 PM[/b]

[/quote]

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

AB2014 — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 09:42:15 GMT

[quote]

[b]Yankee - 30 Sep 19 9:01 AM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 28 Sep 19 4:57 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 26 Feb 18 4:06 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Yankee - 21 Feb 18 9:09 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 19 Feb 18 5:00 PM[/b]

(SOR = Sexual offenders register)
I am writing from the UK and I have a 10 year SOR.
One spin off from this is the restriction of travel. So I thought why don't we all build a listings of countries that are quite rightly protecting children from abusers. I will start the list off but please add to it. Some cojuntries are obvious but others like Japan may still ask the question which pose problems. I want to hear from anyone who has in the last year, known of any problems gaining entry to countries, or that have refused entry.

There seems to be no listing that is up-to-date, so I thought this would be useful.

For example, I was told that Indonesia was ok to visit, but on posting on an expats forum, it seems most likely not. So here goes....countries I am 95% sure will refuse entry to anyone on the SOR:
1 THAILAND
2 INDIA
3 SRI LANKA
4 PHILIPPINES
5 MALAYSIA
6 CAMBODIA
7 INDONESIA
8 VIETNAM
9 SINGAPORE

Some countries like NEW ZEALAND ask if you have ever been refused entry to a country, which means it is best to apply for a visa and disclose details.

Please add to this list as having experienced being refused entry into the Philippines just 8 weeks after visiting, I feel it is of the utmost importance to do research before booking a flight or holiday. To be turned away is the most stressful and embarrassing experience in my entire life. Do NOT LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU.

[/quote]

Harry - its not that simple and you have to look at several variables.

1. Does the country allow entry simply because there are no visa requirements for a 'serious criminal offence' i.e. you don't have to lie on any form?
2. Does the country have an entry card / visa requirement to declare but would have no way of finding out if you were inclined to be less than truthful.
3. How does the PPU assess your risk and therefore the likelihood or otherwise that they will issue an Interpol green notice if you travel
4. If a green notice is issued, does the particular country check and update their own information systems or it just goes into a black hole
5. For low risk and no green notice issued, is your information still shared with the other country (e.g. FCC agreements or embassy to embassy)

[/quote]

To be honest I have no idea what country filters out information on passports and that's the problem. Lie and you can be caught which is embarrassing, or don't delay it as they don't ask, then find that it comes to light at passport control.
The PPU know I am no risk to anyone so I am told by them that it is their duty to inform Interpol of my travel arrangements, as they did just weeks after I had visited my BF.
As for your other questions I want the answers to those as well. I really feel it is an injustice to not inform anyone with a criminal record as to where they can go and how our data is stored.

[/quote]

Sorry to keep this thread alive but just back from Barcelona from the UK. On arrival I get asked many questions about my visit and then again on my exit. It really ruins my mood and I cannot understand why this happens. When I arrived back in the UK I asked the immigration officer what is on my passport and he says nothing. So bring on a SOR, I can only imagine someone in the police are making their job to make my life uncomfortable . It is beyond me as to why they (I guess) inform countries that i travel to. I had an internet offence. Thats it . No contact, and I never killed anyone - but I get treated like this.

In your opinion is it only because the Police send notices to my travelling countries?

[/quote]

If you are travelling to another EU country, you will be flagged automatically - the UK police raise an alert on the Schengen Information System (SISII) for anyone who notifies. This is meant to be a discreet check, it does not prevent you travelling or entering/leaving the country. There are other threads on the forum and other posts on this topic where members have described their personal experiences - in summary, it varies significantly depending upon country, airport and whether the immigration officer has seen a similar alert before and knows what to do... Your experience in Barcelona is par for the course unfortunately.

[/quote]

The check on returning is not rare, either. It's not personal, though, and it does confirm your return to the police so you don't have to do it.

RE: Lets List Countries That Refuse Entry to people with a SOR

Yankee — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 09:01:30 GMT

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 28 Sep 19 4:57 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 26 Feb 18 4:06 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Yankee - 21 Feb 18 9:09 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]Harry53 - 19 Feb 18 5:00 PM[/b]

(SOR = Sexual offenders register)
I am writing from the UK and I have a 10 year SOR.
One spin off from this is the restriction of travel. So I thought why don't we all build a listings of countries that are quite rightly protecting children from abusers. I will start the list off but please add to it. Some cojuntries are obvious but others like Japan may still ask the question which pose problems. I want to hear from anyone who has in the last year, known of any problems gaining entry to countries, or that have refused entry.

There seems to be no listing that is up-to-date, so I thought this would be useful.

For example, I was told that Indonesia was ok to visit, but on posting on an expats forum, it seems most likely not. So here goes....countries I am 95% sure will refuse entry to anyone on the SOR:
1 THAILAND
2 INDIA
3 SRI LANKA
4 PHILIPPINES
5 MALAYSIA
6 CAMBODIA
7 INDONESIA
8 VIETNAM
9 SINGAPORE

Some countries like NEW ZEALAND ask if you have ever been refused entry to a country, which means it is best to apply for a visa and disclose details.

Please add to this list as having experienced being refused entry into the Philippines just 8 weeks after visiting, I feel it is of the utmost importance to do research before booking a flight or holiday. To be turned away is the most stressful and embarrassing experience in my entire life. Do NOT LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU.

[/quote]