Often, people have questions when it comes to obtaining a US Passport. One of the most common questions concerns whether or not a convicted felon can obtain a US Passport. The simple answer is yes, but the answer is not as simple as a yes or no. To understand the answer to whether or not a convicted felon may obtain a US passport, you have to understand what a passport is and what a passport is not.

What is a US Passport?

Many folks believe that passports are a ticket to travel worldwide. Truth is that passports are not a ticket to visit foreign and often exotic destinations. A passport is a piece of documentation containing information agreed upon by many nations as necessary for entering that specific country. In other words, US passports are nothing more than a fancy international identification card. As such, very few people will find difficulty in obtaining a US passport. Even felons may obtain US passports with a few exceptions.

Can you obtain a US Passport?

Yes. There are a few reasons a felon may not be able to obtain a passport, and that is all about the conviction.

• If you have been convicted of treason, terrorism, or any form of crimes against the United States, you will not be able to obtain a US Passport.

• Convictions of human trafficking will not allow you to obtain a US Passport.

As a US citizen, you have a right to passports. However, the questions isn’t whether or not you can obtain those passports, but whether or not the destination country will allow you to enter their country. Many countries will not allow convicted felons to enter their countries.

A Passport is an official identification document and NOT a guarantee of admittance to a foreign country.

If you are a felon, you should always contact the Embassy or consulate before beginning your journey. That embassy or consulate will be able to provide you with the legalities behind traveling to the destination country. You will discover that this is a good idea as you make plans and before the actual travel day.

In addition, you should be aware that laws in our country are not the same as laws in other countries.  For instance, dealing in drugs in some countries could get you the death penalty. While you are in the foreign country, you are under jurisdiction of that country. Even simple things ignored in the United States such as jaywalking can have serious ramifications in other countries. Studying local laws is a must.

When applying for a US passport, you have questions. If you are a felon or have a felony conviction, you may want to consider hiring a professional company to help you apply and obtain your passport. VIP Passports is here to help insure your application process is a smooth one. All you should have to worry about when preparing to travel is the type of clothes you should take.