Australia
VariesASIA-PACIFIC
Felon entry rules
- VISA
- ETA REQUIRED — U.S. citizens must obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) or visitor visa.
- Migration Act 1958, s.501: Formal "character test." Any person sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more (including cumulative sentences) automatically fails the character test.
- Additional failing grounds: conviction for sexually based offences involving a child; involvement with groups engaged in criminal conduct; Interpol notice indicating community risk.
- Failure of character test triggers DISCRETIONARY refusal (visa application stage) or MANDATORY cancellation (if serving a sentence while holding a visa).
- Even spent/expunged convictions must be disclosed — refusal can be based on them.
- No time limit — a conviction from decades ago can still trigger the bar.
- Decision is discretionary above the 12-month threshold: rehabilitation evidence, time elapsed, and community ties are considered.
Registered person entry rules
- Sexually based offences involving a child are an EXPLICIT and separate failing ground under s.501(6)(e) — independent of sentence length.
- An RSO with any such conviction fails the character test regardless of whether sentence reached 12 months.
- Australia is known to deny RSOs; the passport identifier will be seen during ETA/visa processing.
- IML notifications transmitted to Australian Border Force.
- Australia is one of the strictest countries for RSO entry.
IML notice
21-day advance notice applies for covered registered persons.
Yes — 21-day advance notice required for covered registered persons (sex offenses against minors). U.S. law obligation; CBP/Angel Watch Center notifies destination country.
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