Felony Travel Restrictions in Germany

The first and foremost question on any convicted felon's checklist before traveling abroad should be, "Are you still on probation or parole?" If you are, your travel is restricted pursuant to the terms of your probation or parole. Each case has its own set of guidelines, so consult your parole or probation officer before you do anything else. If permission to travel to Germany is granted, you are cleared for travel by the U.S government. If not, you have to obey the ruling of your probation or parole officer or you will be in violation.

Once you have successfully completed probation or parole, the U.S. government will not restrict you from traveling internationally. However, when you fly abroad, you have to obey the rules of the nation to which you are traveling. Some countries specifically prohibit felons from entering, and officers will meet you at your gate when you arrive. Airlines recommend contacting the U.S. consulate in the country to which you are traveling. Germany does not specifically prohibit felons from entering but does reserve the right to refuse entry to felons.

Germany is a member of the Schengen Agreement, which was signed in 1985. The Schengen area encompasses 25 European countries, and all of them operate under one external border per the agreement. As a U.S. citizen, you can enter Germany for up to 90 days, for personal reasons or business, without a visa and travel between any of the 25 countries that signed the agreement without having to go through border control again.