Sure, it may once have been the dumping ground for the world's worst criminals, but even Australia has standards for entry. And unfortunately, Snoop Dogg didn't quite make the cut.
The rapper has been barred from showing up Down Under after failing a so-called "character test" from the Australian government, which refused the artist entry into the nation Thursday because of his extensive criminal record.
"He doesn't seem the sort of bloke we want in this country," Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews told Sydney's Macquarie Radio.
"This man has been a member of a Los Angeles gang, and is still associated with it apparently, that's been involved in murder, robberies and drug dealing in the L.A. area."
The 35-year-old "Drop It Like It's Hot" rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus Jr., was due to touch down in the country this week to perform and present at Sunday's MTV Australia Video Music Awards, hosted by Nicole Richie.
Andrews said that Snoop was informed earlier this week of the ban via a notice of intention to cancel his visa—a resolution Andrews said came about only after repeated warnings to the rapper.
"The reality is in relation to this man, that he was given a warning the last time, he has a whole string of convictions."
Unlike a regular tourist who would only need a U.S. passport, Snoop would need a visa because he'd be working in the country.
Immigration authorities first alerted Snoop to his tenuous status back in February, when he overstayed his visa by two days and was given an official warning. At the time, the entertainer was informed that he could face a ban if he got into any more legal altercations, because the character test the country carries out on prospective visitors takes into account criminal activity.
But earlier this month, Snoop pleaded no contest to a pair of felony gun and marijuana violations stemming from separate arrests last fall. He was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to serve out 800 hours of community service.
The rapper has 28 days to appeal the ban, but even if he does Snoop will still be forced to sit out Sunday's awards. MTV has yet to announce a replacement for the performer.
Meanwhile, Donald Etra, Snoop's Los Angeles-based lawyer, said he had yet to speak to his client about the ban and has refused to comment.
It's not the first time the Doggfather's bad behavior has caused a change in his travel plans.
In March, Snoop and Diddy were forced to drop a string of concert dates in the U.K. after the arrest-prone rapper was denied a British visa over concerns about his past incidents.
The hip-hopster caused quite the ruckus back in April 2006, when he and five members of his posse were arrested at London's Heathrow Airport on charges of violent disorder after getting into a brawl with police and airport staff over the use of British Airways' first-class lounge.
As a result, Snoop and his cronies were issued a lifetime ban from flying on the airline and, the following month, was denied a visa to reenter the country.