Ready to Travel … But Worried About Your Record?
Estimated Read Time: 3 Minutes
Reviewed by Attorney Nate Gjesdal
April 14, 2026
You’re booking flights, saving destinations, maybe even counting down the days.
Then a thought creeps in:
Will something from my past affect my ability to travel?
It’s a question more people have than you’d think. We recently spoke with someone excited about an upcoming trip, only to realize an old case might follow them farther than expected.
If you’ve ever wondered the same thing, here’s what to know.
Can a Criminal Record Affect Travel?
It can, depending on where you’re going.
Some countries are strict about criminal history. Canada is one of the most well-known examples and can deny entry even for older DUI cases. Others, like Australia or Japan, may require you to disclose your history or go through additional review.
Even if your case is years behind you, it doesn’t always stay in the past when crossing borders.
What Expungement Actually Does
In California, expungement updates your record to show your case was dismissed.
It doesn’t erase everything, but it does change how your record appears and how it’s viewed.
For many people, it means:
Showing the case was resolved and dismissed
Cleaning up something that has been lingering for years
Moving forward with more confidence
Allowing you to answer "no" to most employment questions about convictions
It’s a practical step that helps you put distance between you and an old mistake.
Will Expungement Help with Travel?
It can help. Having an expungement is almost always better than leaving a conviction as-is. It puts you in a stronger position and can reduce uncertainty when traveling.
Why People Take Care of This Before Traveling
We often see people look into expungement right before:
International trips
Studying abroad
Work travel or relocation
Visiting family in another country
Retirement travel
Because once your plans are set, you don’t want last-minute issues getting in the way.
Do You Qualify?
A lot of people assume they don’t. Recent laws (such as SB 731) have expanded eligibility, allowing for potential relief even for those who served state prison time, provided they are out of custody for over two years and are not required to register as sex offenders.
But if you completed probation and don’t have an active case, there’s a good chance you may be eligible. Even cases from many years ago can often be addressed. Cleaning it up makes moving forward a lot smoother. And when you’re heading somewhere new, the last thing you want is uncertainty holding you back.
Ask Us a Question
Have a question about your specific circumstances? Ask below and we will respond to you within 48 hours.
