Can't go to Canada if you've had a DUI

[sam_gordon]

I don't think that is true but even if it was, I never had a Canadian Border patrol person ask me anything other than what is your destination. There were only two answers I ever gave them. It was either "to visit my in-laws" or "headed to Montreal and the smoked meat sandwich that has my name on it." Now comparatively, the US patrol people were incredibly nosy and wanted a complete run down on what you did, what you bought, how long were you there. And if you looked even a little bit sneaky they would rummage through your car. Even had them take my hubcaps off looking for drugs. I once had spilt some white powdered car wash in the trunk. I spent a couple of hours waiting for them to decide what it was before they let me go. And that was in the 1970's. I was young and a lot less soft in the belly back then and must have looked like a prime pusher or user.

Its true. Did you read the link? Or the posts confirming it?

 

[goofyernmost]

Its true. Did you read the link? Or the posts confirming it?

In this day and age, I believe nothing that I hear or read and only half of what I see! I'm not interested enough anymore to research it because during my years when I lived within 20 miles of the Quebec border I must have gone their hundreds of times and what I reported as questions asked where all that they seemed to care about (and probably didn't care all that much even then). I now live 1000 miles away and at 76 years old the likelihood of me going there are slim to non-existent. In all fairness, it has been about 20 years since I last crossed the border.

If it is true, it seems to be just another attempt at stupidity. I've seen how Canadians drive, especially in Montreal and in my opinion they probably would drive better if they were drunk.

 

[2SLM]

My son ran an international race between US and Canada. Several people on FB groups were denied being able to participate due to not being able to cross into Canada due to DUI's.

 

[goodeats]

That link is to a law firm trying to get business.

It's true, but also dependent on the thoroughness of the customs officers and if they want to be lenient. It's not always found and it's not aways enforced. If I had a a DUI I would not book a cruise that departed from Vancouver though. Too much $$ at stake.

 

[bcla]

They can deny entry, but there might be some discretion to let someone in if it was a long time ago. I think the easier way would be to actually get a visa or at least apply for a certificate of rehabilitation where the applicant convinces (I believe) a consular officer about being rehabilitated. However, the terms seem to state at least 5 years has passed since the crime and/or completion of any sentence. There's also something that claims that the processing time is typically about a year.

This is from the official Government of Canada website:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...issibility/overcome-criminal-convictions.html​

Individual rehabilitation​

Rehabilitation means that you are not likely to commit new crimes.​

You can apply for individual rehabilitation to enter Canada. The Minister, or their delegate, may decide to grant it or not. To apply, you must:​

• show that you meet the criteria,
• have been rehabilitated and
• be highly unlikely to take part in further crimes.

Also, at least five years must have passed since:​

• the end of your criminal sentence (this includes probation) and
• the day you committed the act that made you inadmissible.

​

Note: These applications can take over a year to process. Make sure you plan far enough in advance of your travel to Canada.​

There are some video documentary programs that show people who were denied entry into Canada for previous crimes such as DUI. This guy says it was 5 years ago, but they were able to access his record. I've gone through this border crossing (Pacific Highway) although I think I used the Douglas Border Crossing more often.

 

[bdrex28]

I would assume that anyone with a criminal record would know that it might impact their ability to enter any country.

But I guess if someone is dumb/careless enough to have a criminal record they are probably dumb/careless enough to show up at a border and be shocked when they are turned away.

Too many in the US see a DUI as a right of passage. Everyone has one, right? So they don't even see it as a criminal offense.

Exactly. We've lost family to a drunk driver. I have zero sympathy or forgiveness for someone so selfish

 

[bcla]

I assume that was because of US laws?

Canadian. I looked it up and they give an opportunity to apply for recognition of rehabilitation after 5 years. Even before then it might be possible to apply for temporary resident permit that will overcome the previous conviction. Apparently that kind of permit is only for a single entry and would need to be related to something short term, such as attending a conference or perhaps attending a wedding or funeral. Not sure how fast they can be issued if it's a funeral.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...admissibility/temporary-resident-permits.html​

How long you can stay in Canada​

A temporary resident permit is usually issued for the length of your visit to Canada—for example, 1 week to attend a conference. You must leave Canada by the expiry date of the permit, or get a new permit before your current one expires.​

​

This permit may be cancelled by an officer at any time.​

​

The permit is no longer valid once you leave Canada, unless you have specifically been authorized to leave and re-enter.​

 

[bcla]

Exactly. We've lost family to a drunk driver. I have zero sympathy or forgiveness for someone so selfish

I drink. I might even drive on the same day. But I generally don't get wasted and will always wait until I drive. Just the other day I had a beer, but waited over 2 hours before I felt I was ready to drive. Plus a nice walk and a little fresh air. Not sure everyone else does that though.

 

[morrik5]

For the official Government of Canada answer see: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=152&top=8

 

[jimmymc]

I don't think that's correct. I know I've been to Canada with someone I know to have a prior DWI.

There are ways to apply for entry with one. It needs to be a long time after the conviction, and the person needs to show a clean record since then.

 

[sam_gordon]

I know a lot of people have posted "they don't always enforce it", but if you're taking a trip, is that really something you want to count on? While it doesn't affect me, nor anyone I know, I thought it interesting enough to pass along. I didn't know about it.

In order to take advantage of programs that allow you entry (other than "maybe they won't enforce it"), you need to KNOW to apply. I could easily understand someone who had a DUI years ago, not knowing (or forgetting?) about the rule, and booking a trip that involves Canada. Then they try to go on the trip and are denied.

This came up on Cruise Critic where someone asked if they'd be denied boarding and the answer was "yes".

 

[kdonnel]

I know a lot of people have posted "they don't always enforce it", but if you're taking a trip, is that really something you want to count on? While it doesn't affect me, nor anyone I know, I thought it interesting enough to pass along. I didn't know about it.

In order to take advantage of programs that allow you entry (other than "maybe they won't enforce it"), you need to KNOW to apply. I could easily understand someone who had a DUI years ago, not knowing (or forgetting?) about the rule, and booking a trip that involves Canada. Then they try to go on the trip and are denied.

This came up on Cruise Critic where someone asked if they'd be denied boarding and the answer was "yes".

For cruises the passenger manifest is known for many days before sailing. It is easy to compare the manifest against criminal databases.

Often times people with outstanding warrants are allowed to sail because the government agency that wants them knows the person will return and can be safely apprehended on return.

I know airlines are responsible for the cost of returning someone to the departure country if someone is denied entry on arrival. As a result airlines will be cautious and deny boarding as a matter of policy even to some people who would be admitted on arrival.

 

[sam_gordon]

For cruises the passenger manifest is known for many days before sailing. It is easy to compare the manifest against criminal databases.

Often times people with outstanding warrants are allowed to sail because the government agency that wants them knows the person will return and can be safely apprehended on return.

I know airlines are responsible for the cost of returning someone to the departure country if someone is denied entry on arrival. As a result airlines will be cautious and deny boarding as a matter of policy even to some people who would be admitted on arrival.

Sorry, your point? If you (general) don't know about this rule, you could book and pay for a vacation and then not be able to take it. Would insurance pay out (assuming you got it)?

What I keep reading here, and your post is no exception, is "you may be able to go". I'm trying to inform people that there are things one could do ahead of time to definitely allow you to take your trip.

Maybe some people are more comfortable with the "give it a shot, maybe they won't enforce it". I wouldn't be, but that's just me.

 

[kdonnel]

Sorry, your point? If you (general) don't know about this rule, you could book and pay for a vacation and then not be able to take it. Would insurance pay out (assuming you got it)?

What I keep reading here, and your post is no exception, is "you may be able to go". I'm trying to inform people that there are things one could do ahead of time to definitely allow you to take your trip.

Maybe some people are more comfortable with the "give it a shot, maybe they won't enforce it". I wouldn't be, but that's just me.

My point continues to be, if you have a criminal record, you should know how it might impact your rights going forward. The "I didn't know defense" doesn't work once you are past about two or three years old.

I was trying to further inform people that arriving by air or ship greatly reduces your odds of crossing the border.

A land crossing is your best bet if you are willing to gamble.

 

[sam_gordon]

My point continues to be, if you have a criminal record, you should know how it might impact your rights going forward. The "I didn't know defense" doesn't work once you are past about two or three years old.

I was trying to further inform people that arriving by air or ship greatly reduces your odds of crossing the border.

A land crossing is your best bet if you are willing to gamble.

I apologize for misinterpreting.

 

[easyas123]

My point continues to be, if you have a criminal record, you should know how it might impact your rights going forward. The "I didn't know defense" doesn't work once you are past about two or three years old.

Exactly.

 

[bcla]

My point continues to be, if you have a criminal record, you should know how it might impact your rights going forward. The "I didn't know defense" doesn't work once you are past about two or three years old.

I was trying to further inform people that arriving by air or ship greatly reduces your odds of crossing the border.

A land crossing is your best bet if you are willing to gamble.

I posted video of someone who tried at a land crossing and was turned back. They didn't show how that happened as US citizens don't need to announce their intention to visit Canada ahead of time and usually just show up at the border/airport/seaport.

I would guess that they scanned his passport or other travel ID at primary screening (the booth) and that might have been matched against a criminal database that included the DUI. But of course they would then need to investigate it further at secondary screening, just in case it might be someone with the same name or maybe just a database error.

I've crossed into Canada several times, but don't have any criminal record. The questions are obviously meant to trip up those who are nervous or who might try and work without authorization. I never found any CBSA agent to be rude, but I was asked if I had any food, if I knew anyone there, what I planned to do, and where I was staying.

 

[willowsnn3]

I've only been to Canada once, back in 2003. I went with my husband who was a truck driver & he had load going to Banff, containing some water treatment equipment on a flat bed trailer. We were crossing the border somewhere in Montana & when we got to the crossing we were pulled to the side with several other 18 wheelers. Everyone had to get out & enter a building while the trucks were being searched. We waited a good while & there was even a dog brought in to sniff everyone. People were called individually into a smaller room & questioned and while we were waiting our turn one of the driver's came out of the room & told his driving partner that they were not letting him in.
My husband was sweating bullets by then as when he was younger (in his 20s) he did have a record (no DUI). Anyway when they called us over they just handed us our driver's licenses & said enjoy your trip. My husband asked him why they were not letting the other guy in & the border agent just said DUI.
Edited to add:
So for years afterward when I was teaching defensive driving classes I would always say 'don't try to enter Canada if you've had a DUI'

 

[kdonnel]

The questions are obviously meant to trip up those who are nervous or who might try and work without authorization. I never found any CBSA agent to be rude, but I was asked if I had any food, if I knew anyone there, what I planned to do, and where I was staying.

Because of how they structure the questions, even answering them correctly can cause issues.

This is a US Custom and Border story but I was coming from Canada. We had flown to Alaska, spent a few days in Anchorage and then boarded a cruise which ended in Vancouver. So we had been outside the US for almost 2 weeks but only in Canada for a few hours. The plan was to drive from Vancouver to Seattle and spend a few more days in Seattle before flying home to Atlanta.

At the US border the agent asked when we had left home, almost 2 weeks ago, and what we had purchased in Canada during that time period. I honestly answered lunch as that is all we had purchased in Canada. The agent gave me a look and repeated the question. I responded again with lunch and the agent seemed to get a little upset. Finally he just waved me on. It was not until a few miles down the road that I realized the confusion as the agent had assumed we were in Canada the entire 2 week period when in reality we had only been outside the US since 8am that morning.

 

[bcla]

Because of how they structure the questions, even answering them correctly can cause issues.

They'll certainly take people to secondary screening, which has never happened to me before. I've never been searched, which never happens at primary screening. They have to search or take people off to the side because it would suck to be the car behind someone just stuck there answering question after question.

I was asked a few more questions. A few times we were only planning on being in the Vancouver area for less than 24 hours to go eat and weren't even planning on getting a hotel room. They didn't really seem to have a problem with that but it was a bit weird when they asked us where we were from and why were couldn't just do the same thing we intended on doing in Canada in the US. I think I've typically been asked if it was my car, and I'm sure that's a question related to drug smuggling. I've crossed in my brother in law's car, although one trip we went twice in a week in rental car from Seattle Airport with Oregon plates. As soon as I said it was a rental car they weren't so suspicious.