Given the nature of threats posed by stalkers, exes, and manipulative acquaintances, restraining orders are a common tool used to protect an individual from such individuals. A restraining order is issued by a court as a measure of last resort to help protect someone from potential harm. A restraining order or protective order prohibits another person from contacting or coming near you or another specific individual. A Restraining Order may also require that a person stay away from your home or work place, school, or other places you frequent. Depending on your circumstance, there may be different types of restraining orders based on the type of threat posed by the stalker, exe, or acquaintance in question. In this article, we’ll discuss which international locations accept domestic violence protection orders (DVPROs), as well as what traveling with one might mean for you and your safety.
What is a Restraining Order?
A Restraining Order is similar to a restraining order in that it is a legal document issued by a court as a means to protect someone from potential harm by another individual. While a restraining order is issued as a result of a criminal charge or conviction, a restraining order is issued in cases of civil disputes. A restraining order may be issued as a result of an act of violence or threat of violence against you. In the case of a DVPRO, a judge may issue the order after receiving a police report and verifying that there is a significant risk of harm, or that an act of domestic violence has occurred. A DVPRO can also be issued as a result of stalking. Domestic violence typically involves a current or former intimate partner. The term “intimate partner” can include a current or former spouse, a person you are dating or used to date, a person you are married to, or a person you are in a serious, long-term relationship with.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPROs) and International Travel
In the U.S., just about every state issues domestic violence protection orders. But what about when you travel? Well, domestic violence protection orders are typically recognized by other countries as a result of one of two travel restrictions: a visa-required country or an acceptance of court order. Visa-required countries: A handful of international destinations require you to have a visa before entering. If the country you plan to visit is visa-required, then you may need to obtain a waiver specific to domestic violence. The requirements or process for obtaining this waiver can vary depending on the country. Acceptance of court orders: Many countries accept and recognize the authority of court orders issued in the United States. This includes civil protection orders, such as domestic violence protection orders, and criminal protection orders, such as restraining orders. Some countries even have their own version of a domestic violence protection order. For example, Mexico has a protection order for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The protection order is issued by a prosecutor and can be enforced in Mexico or in the United States.
Where can you travel with a DVPRO?
If your country of travel accepts DVPROs as a means to determine whether or not you can enter a country, then you may be able to travel with a DVPRO. However, there are some countries where even a domestic violence order does not prohibit you from entering. In the U.S., a domestic violence protection order requires you to surrender your passport and any other form of travel documentation until the end of the order. If you’re issued a domestic violence protection order while traveling outside the U.S., you must turn in your travel documentation at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Where you cannot travel with a DVPRO.
There are some countries where a domestic violence protection order does not give you the green light for travel. A DVPRO issued in the U.S. does not allow you to travel to the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Yemen, and Zimbabwe If you are issued a DVPRO while traveling to one of these countries, you must consult with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Traveling With a Restraining Order
– Does a Restraining Order prevent you from traveling outside the U.S.? No – a restraining order is a type of civil protection order issued in response to a specific individual threatening or committing violence against another person. In the U.S., these types of orders are typically issued as a result of a domestic dispute, whereas a restraining order is usually a consequence of a criminal prosecution
. – Can you get a Restraining Order against your ex even if they are out of state? Yes – depending on the circumstances of your case and state laws, you may be able to get a restraining order against an ex who lives in another state. Keep in mind that if you travel to their state, you can be arrested for violating their restraining order against you.
– Does a Restraining Order stop you from traveling internationally? Yes – if you are issued a criminal protection order or restraining order as a result of a court case, you cannot travel to another country with that documentation. You must surrender your travel documentation at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate until the order is lifted
. – Can you travel internationally with a Restraining Order? Yes – if you are issued a domestic violence protection order, you may be able to travel internationally with that documentation. The U.S. Department of State has a list of countries and their acceptance of domestic violence protection orders. You must surrender your travel documentation at the nearest U.-S. embassy or consulate until the order is lifted.
– Do all countries accept Restraining Orders? Yes – many countries accept and recognize the authority of court orders issued in the United States. This includes civil protection orders, such as domestic violence protection orders, and criminal protection orders, such as restraining orders.
– What happens if you violate a Restraining Order while traveling internationally? You may face criminal charges in the U.S. depending on the terms of your order. You may also be denied re-entry to the country where you were issued the order.
– Does traveling with a Restraining Order mean you’re safe? No – whether or not you travel with a restraining order, it does not mean you’re safe. However, it does mean that you are prepared for the worst-case scenario. A restraining order may help you avoid an unsafe situation, but it does not promise safety
.Conclusion
A restraining order is a legal document that is designed to protect you from someone who is a threat to you or your family. If you’re issued a restraining order, that doesn’t mean you’re safe, but it does mean that you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario.
