12 Reasons Another Country Can Refuse to Let You in

Some countries, including India and Vietnam, require Americans to obtain a visa before visiting. Airlines are supposed to check to make sure passengers traveling to these countries have a valid visa before they board the plane. However, mistakes happen. If you arrive at your destination without a valid visa, you won’t be allowed to enter and will likely be sent home. Some countries allow U.S. citizens to obtain visas when they arrive at the airport, but not all, so it’s important to check on this in advance.

A common misconception is that it’s safe to travel if your passport doesn’t expire before you return home. While that sounds logical, it’s often not the case. Many countries require that visitors have valid passports for at least three to six months past the last day of their trip. You can be turned away at the border if your passport expires earlier. It’s easy to lose track of when your passport expires, so make it a habit to check your passport’s expiration date as soon as you book a trip. The United States allows citizens to renew or apply for new passports anytime, including before their current passport expires.

Some United States passport holders have an X for their gender marker. Although the United States will not issue new passports with an X for the foreseeable future, current passports are valid until they expire. However, that doesn’t guarantee that other countries have to recognize the X marker as valid or allow these passport holders in. Having X as a gender marker may be especially problematic in countries where homosexuality is still illegal. Those include the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Iran, among others. If you have an X on your passport, research relevant laws before you travel so you aren’t turned away at the border.

Passports are essential travel documents, but they can get damaged easily. If your passport is damaged, you may not be allowed to enter another country. Minor wear and tear that comes along with normal use is typically fine. However, bent covers, pages with water damage or ink stains, gaps in lamination, and novelty stamps like those some people get at National Parks could be an issue. Damage to a passport’s information page, which contains the traveler’s photo and background information, is especially problematic. While you may get lucky, traveling with a damaged passport is an unnecessary risk that could ruin your trip. Accidents happen, but it’s easier to protect your passport from damage than try to deal with the hassle of replacing it later. A simple zip-lock bag protects your passport from water damage and smudges.

Many countries are happy to welcome visitors, but want to be sure they don’t plan on overstaying their visit. Peru, Brazil, and New Zealand, among other countries, require proof of onward travel before they will allow you to enter. If you have a roundtrip airline ticket, that’s usually all the proof you need. However, this requirement sometimes poses a problem for travelers who don’t have firm travel plans. For those travelers, showing an inexpensive bus or train ticket to another country is usually sufficient. An onward air ticket, even if refundable, is also usually accepted. If entering a country with an onward ticket requirement, be prepared to answer questions about when you plan on leaving and have your onward travel documents ready to share.

Some countries take Driving Under the Influence (DUI) convictions very seriously. These countries can refuse to allow someone who has been convicted of a DUI to enter. Those include Canada, Japan, and New Zealand. If you have a DUI, check about any restrictions before you travel. Some countries allow people with DUI convictions to apply for an exemption, but this is usually a complex process that takes time.

Wearing camouflage is a popular trend in some countries. However, in other countries, civilians are prohibited from wearing any type of camo in any color combination. In these countries, only members of the military are allowed to wear camouflage. Countries that may refuse to admit civilians wearing camouflage are primarily in the Caribbean and Africa. They include Zimbabwe, Jamaica, and Barbados. If you show up in one of these countries wearing your favorite camo shirt, you will probably run into problems. However, the good news is that you will probably be allowed to enter if you agree to change before passing through immigration. If you inadvertently pack camouflage clothing, it likely won’t keep you out of the country and won’t be confiscated. However, it should stay in your suitcase for the duration of your trip.

Many countries around the world go above and beyond to protect minors traveling internationally. To prevent kidnapping, trafficking, and violations of custody orders, many countries require proof that a parent has permission to travel with a minor. This comes up most frequently when one parent is traveling alone with a child. Some countries require a notarized letter from the child’s other parent stating that they have permission to travel with the child. It also comes up when traveling with a child that is not your own. In that case, the child may be required to show a notarized letter signed by both parents. Even if a country does not require a notarized letter, it’s still a good idea to have one on hand.

Most countries don’t hold past criminal convictions against travelers. Misdemeanor convictions, other than for DUIs, are rarely a problem. However, some countries refuse to allow those who have been convicted of felonies or other serious crimes to enter. Convictions for drug trafficking, violent crimes, multiple convictions, and recent convictions may be especially problematic. Japan, South Africa, Brazil, and the United Kingdom can all refuse entry to those with certain criminal convictions. Some countries have blanket ban, while others make an assessment on a case-by-case basis. If you have been convicted of a crime, it’s important to look into any restrictions before travel so you aren’t turned away at the border. Systems like Interpol that allow countries to share information ensures you will likely get caught if you try to cover up your criminal history.

Many globetrotters love to fill their passports with stamps. Some ask for stamps even when it’s not required. However, having a passport with too many stamps can pose a problem. Many countries, like Malta, Greece, and Denmark, require that visitors have at least one completely blank page in their passport when they arrive. Some countries, like Germany, Italy, and Portugal, require two or three blank pages. Frequent travelers should check their passports before they reach the border.

If you want to visit some countries, you need to be prepared to prove you have enough money to support yourself while you are there. The amount varies by location and the reason for your visit. Brazil, India, Spain, Egypt, and several other countries may ask travelers to show proof of funds before allowing them to enter. While anecdotal evidence demonstrates that most travelers aren’t asked to provide proof that they have enough money to travel, it’s a good idea to be prepared anyway. Bank statements, pay stubs, and credit card statements showing your credit limit are usually sufficient.

If you are caught trying to bring a prohibited item into another country, you could be denied entry. Many countries prohibit visitors from bringing in meat, fruits, and vegetables. Some countries ban medications that are legal in the United States, such as medical marijuana or stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD. These countries can enforce the ban and refuse to allow you to enter even with a valid prescription from your home country. Weapons, like guns and swords, can also keep you out of a country. Some less obvious items could be problematic as well. Tanzania, Botswana, and Kenya all prohibit visitors from bringing plastic bags. France does not allow visitors to bring in counterfeit purses, even for personal use. Depending on the item in question and the country’s laws, customs and immigration officials may allow you to enter after confiscating the prohibited items. It’s also possible you could be allowed into the country but be taken to jail, face fines, or be criminally charged. For most travelers, it’s not a risk worth taking.