Can a U.S. sex offender travel overseas?

Question

Based on a radio show debate, there is discussion in my office on whether or not a convicted sex offender can travel overseas to Europe even if they have a valid passport. Someone called the station saying that they could not go to London because of a conviction and someone at the show disagreed. Who's right?

Answer 1

Well, Bill Clinton has travelled overseas recently, so I think it's o.k.

Answer 2

Simply being a convicted sex offender does not bar overseas travel. Is he on probation or parole? If so, the terms of the probation or parole agreement governs. If he is not on probation or parole, no U.S. law would bar travel but the country he is traveling to has the right to deny him entry.

Answer 3

Over the last five years, there has been an increase in the prosecution of child sex tourism offenses.

At least 32 countries have extraterritorial laws that allow the prosecution of their citizens for CST crimes committed abroad. In response to the phenomenon of CST, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the tourism industry, and governments have begun to address the issue.

The World Tourism Organization (WTO) established a task force to combat CST. The WTO, the NGO End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT), and Nordic tour operators created a global Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism in 1999.

As of June 2005, 200 travel companies from 21 countries had signed the code (see www.thecode.org.). Many governments have taken commendable steps to combat child sex tourism. For example, France’s Ministry of Education and travel industry representatives, developed guidelines on CST for tourism schools and state-owned Air France allocates a portion of in-flight toy sales to fund CST awareness programs.

Brazil implemented a national awareness campaign on sex tourism. Italy requires tour operators to provide brochures in ticket jackets to travelers regarding its law on child sex offenses both within the country and abroad.

Thailand is providing victims with shelter and essential services.

The Gambia has created a hotline to which visitors can call to provide information to authorities on sex tourists.

Senegal has established a special anti-CST unit within the national police force with offices in two popular tourist destinations.

In India’s Goa state, film developers must report obscene depictions of children to police.

Sweden’s Queen Sylvia has made this issue a personal priority and is an effective global advocate.

What the United States Is Doing

In 2003, the United States strengthened its ability to fight child sex tourism by passing the Prosecutorial Remedies and other Tools to end the Exploitation of Children Today (PROTECT) Act and the Trafficking Victim’s Protection Reauthorization Act. These laws increase penalties to a maximum of 30 years in prison for engaging in CST. Since the passage of the PROTECT Act, there have been over 20 indictments and over a dozen convictions of child sex tourists. The Department of Homeland Security has also developed the "Operation Predator" initiative to combat child exploitation, child pornography, and child sex tourism. The United States is also funding the NGO World Vision to conduct major public awareness and deterrence campaigns overseas that include public service announcements, internet messaging, brochures, posters, and billboards.