The United States maintains a comprehensive network of extradition treaties with numerous countries worldwide to facilitate the return of individuals wanted for criminal offenses. These treaties are crucial instruments in international law enforcement, ensuring that those accused or convicted of crimes cannot evade justice by fleeing across borders.
Understanding Extradition Treaties
An extradition treaty is a bilateral agreement between two sovereign states that outlines the terms and conditions under which each nation will surrender individuals accused or convicted of crimes to the other for prosecution or punishment. These treaties typically specify:
- Extraditable offenses: The types of crimes for which extradition can be sought. Generally, serious offenses are covered, and often, the crime must be punishable by a minimum sentence in both countries (dual criminality).
- Bars to extradition: Conditions under which extradition may be refused, such as political offenses, military offenses, or if the individual would face torture or the death penalty without assurances.
- Procedural requirements: The legal processes and documentation required for an extradition request.
Countries with Extradition Treaties
The United States has extradition treaties with over 100 countries across the globe. These agreements are regularly reviewed and updated to address modern challenges in international crime.
For example, specific treaties include those with:
| Country | Date signed | Entered into force |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | June 18, 1962 | December 17, 1964 |
| Bulgaria | September 19, 2007 | May 21, 2009 |
| Canada | December 3, 1971 | March 22, 1976 |
A more comprehensive list of countries with which the U.S. has active extradition treaties in force includes:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- San Marino
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Vietnam
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
These treaties underscore the United States' commitment to global cooperation in combating crime and ensuring accountability across international borders. For a comprehensive list of all active U.S. extradition treaties, including dates and specific terms, further details can be found at List of United States extradition treaties.
