Many felons can recall having the desire to travel back when life was different and simpler, before their felony conviction.

They may have dreamed of traveling abroad before their conviction, and for some this may have been a reality.

This blog post will address the question of whether a felon can travel to Vietnam.

• Travel Restrictions
• Why Vietnam?
• Traveling to Vietnam
• Requirements to Enter Vietnam
• Encouraging a Felon to Travel to Vietnam

Travel Restrictions

Upon release, felons must complete the terms of their sentence, including probation.

During the probation period, felons are restricted from leaving the district in which they reside without permission from their probation officer.

Of course, travel outside the U.S. is out of the question until the conditions of probation have been satisfied entirely.

Once this is accomplished, travel beyond the U.S. border is possible.

They must obtain a passport from the federal government allowing international travel.  Felons are able to obtain a passport.

Being convicted of drug trafficking or a crime of treason against the U.S. may prevent felons from being able to obtain a passport, as well as for anyone owing at least a certain amount of child support.

Having current legal charges pending can also prevent having a passport.  This is because leaving the country will be interpreted as an unlawful attempt to avoid prosecution, which is itself a federal crime.

Why Vietnam?

Why would felons want to visit Vietnam?  Well, for the same reasons anyone wants to travel there.  Felons may have served time in prison, but they have the same interests as any other U.S. citizen.

Traveling to Vietnam is no exception.

Vietnam is in Southeast Asia and has many compelling reasons to visit.

It is the second largest producer of coffee in the world and is famous for its fresh food markets and street food.  Along the Mekong River are numerous floating markets for tourists.

Halong Bay is filled with 1600 islands, and throughout this nation are mammoth caves holding entire jungles and lakes.

Motorbikes are the most popular form of travel in the country with over 39 million motorbikes on the roads there.

In spite of its tumultuous history, the citizens of Vietnam are friendly and welcoming.

Traveling to Vietnam

The only restriction for them flying to Vietnam would be if they have a felony warrant outstanding against them.

The other possible issue would be if their name is on what is called the no-fly list maintained by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for those suspected of being terrorists.

There are about 3500 names on this list at any time.  So, felons are probably OK for flying.

Requirements to Enter Vietnam

Vietnam has requirements all U.S. citizens, regardless of whether they are felons or not, must meet in order to gain entry.

First, the law in Vietnam states that they must have at least six valid months remaining on their passport when entering the country.

A visa is required for travel to Vietnam, which must be obtained from the Embassy of Vietnam prior to departing from the U.S.  Felons are able to obtain a visa without a background check.

If you’re in a hurry to get your visa or want someone to walk you through the process, I recommend you use this website to help.

For felons especially, their conduct while in Vietnam is critical.  Of course they will want to stay out of legal difficulties.

This would obviously result in significant problems for felons who may find it extremely difficult to gain their release.  For those felons ending up in jail, good legal counsel will be necessary.

It is best to strictly obey all laws and be able to leave the country as planned.

Encouraging a Felon to Travel to Vietnam

Families of felons who visit Vietnam can be helpful to those felons by encouraging them to travel outside the country for a sense of peace and relaxation.

A trip to Vietnam can also be a great opportunity to re-connect with their family.

Once the decision has been made to travel to Vietnam, be supportive of their making the trip.

It is important to remind them that as a traveler to a foreign country, just being there as an American will bring them under more scrutiny.

For this reason and others, they must obey the laws and not draw the attention of the legal authorities to themselves.

Remind them of their commitment to live an honest life and how legal difficulties while in Vietnam will only defeat these efforts and may result in returning to prison.

Approximately 69% of those released from prison return within the first two years.  Don’t let them be one of those statistics.

So what do you think about this blog post about how a felon can travel to Vietnam?  Have you or someone you know traveled to Vietnam with a felony?  What was that like and were they successful?   Please tell us in the comments below.