Worried about getting into Canada

[DisneySisters]

How would they know about the DUI? I've heard if it's a felony it comes up on your passport when they swipe it. I'm not sure but curious as to if there's another screening process? Is it expunged? Can he have it removed on this side and if so, will that satisfy the Canada side?

We went through this a few years ago. I agonized over it and did lots of research. I think I remember that they do have a way of looking it up, but they say that they might or might not. We were traveling with 50 people, and 4 had DUI's. We decided it wasn't worth taking the chance, and rebooked on Celebrity out of Seattle.

 

[bcwife76]

This website *should* give you more information:

http://www.cicnews.com/2014/05/entering-canada-dui-conviction-053391.html

 

[kiford]

I called the border control and they told me he was technically not allowed entry. We tried anyways and had zero problems. We have since flown and drove across the border three times with nothing more than a welcome to Canada.

One thing to be aware of, going either direction, is that if you are asked either if you've ever been charged or denied entry, DO NOT SAY NO if it's not true. My sister was going to the US with some friends (friend was driving) and they were asked if she'd ever been denied entry to the US. The friend (driver) said No (which was a lie). They impounded the car and my sister had to pay for a bus ticket back home. They can still deny you entrance if you say Yes, but if you say No and it's not true, they know. So, while you may be able to cross without issue, that may not always be the case.

 

[Lando1]

Boy, I really wish I had found this out before our PIF date...we would have just cancelled then. I also wish that I didn't know now either. Now I have to agonize over something I have no control over for the next month. From all I've read, it seems to be up to chance whether we get in our not. Nothing to do now but show up, hope for the best and plan for a great time in Washington state if he can't get in.

 

[ShakeyShakey]

Where do you live? If close to LA, there is a Canadian Consulate where immigration services are offered....a quick check of their website shows a 27 day Average for visitor visas...there are consulates in Seattle and San Francisco, but they do not offer immigration services.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions/los-angeles.asp

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

just curious how much time do you have between when your cruise levees and now?

 

[Lando1]

We live in Colorado and board the ship 27 days from now.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

We live in Colorado and board the ship 27 days from now.

Hers the info for the Canadian consulate in Denver maybe getting in touch with them they may be able to give you more info then the boards. http://can-am.gc.ca/denver/index.aspx?lang=eng

 

[lanejudy]

... I called the border control and they told me he was technically not allowed entry. We tried anyways and had zero problems. We have since flown and drove across the border three times with nothing more than a welcome to Canada. ...

I honestly would not rely on prior ability to cross the border without issue to indicate all is clear for your husband. If he hasn't officially done the rehabilitation as required, it COULD come up at any time when he tries to cross. I live near the US/Canada border, it's common. Yes, it's possible the person will not be asked and there will be no issue crossing (as you've experienced). It's also possible for it to still come back and hit him after numerous crossings over several years. I do suggest that if he continues to have intent to travel to Canada in the future, he take the efforts to officially get his rehabilitation status established.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[JMHDisney]

Why not just apply for rehabilitation right away and then even if it doesn't come through you can truthfully say he meets all qualifications but the final paperwork hasn't come back yet? I would think with a sympathetic agent, you might do better with that than having done nothing. Also, not sure how it works if you go in on Amtrak, but if you drive over and get denied by the guard in line, there is an inside office too. I got sent in there once by a guard who was being a jerk and when we got to the front of the line inside and explained what was going on, the guard inside just rolled his eyes and told us to go on through.

 

[lizabu]

I honestly would not rely on prior ability to cross the border without issue to indicate all is clear for your husband. If he hasn't officially done the rehabilitation as required, it COULD come up at any time when he tries to cross. I live near the US/Canada border, it's common. Yes, it's possible the person will not be asked and there will be no issue crossing (as you've experienced). It's also possible for it to still come back and hit him after numerous crossings over several years. I do suggest that if he continues to have intent to travel to Canada in the future, he take the efforts to officially get his rehabilitation status established.

Enjoy your cruise!

i would agree with this. I grew up in a border town and have been to the states hundreds of times. We would shop and usually get waved through but every once in a while you get pulled over for a random inspection or you have to pay duty. There is no rhyme or reason to it. The husband may have crossed the border dozens of times without issue and one day he gets the border guard with something to prove. I know I wouldn't want to miss out on a Disney cruise if that should ever happen.

 

[KLB9]

Worst case scenario couldn't he fly to Skagway or Juneau and get on there?

 

[mevelandry]

My family and I are taking the Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver for an Alaskan cruise this June. We are experienced international travelers with the exception of going to Canada. My husband had a DWAI (Driving while ability impaired) 12 years ago. I literally just found out that Canada considers this a felony and has every right to deny him entrance into Canada!! We have never had any problem getting into any other country. It is way too late for us to apply for rehabilitation and we didn't purchase travel insurance. So we have to just show up and hope for the best. Has anyone reading this been through this or have any input? TIA

They let most rappers/actors come to Canada... ... But yeah, you better not take any chance and see with the borders. And get insurance!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Worst case scenario couldn't he fly to Skagway or Juneau and get on there?

No, because he still would be entering Canada at some point (when the ship returns to Vancouver). And DCL doesn't typically allow late boarding for people missing the ship in the embarkation port.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

And get insurance!

Probably not helpful at this point. Most travel insurance companies do not cover you missing your trip due to you not having the proper paperwork.

 

[Lando1]

I'm going to compile some of the paperwork we may need like a copy of his background check and court records. Apparently if we get pulled into an interrogation room, we can appeal to the border agent for a temporary resident permit. We will be with our 6 and 9 year olds...at this point I'm worried about the effect this will have on them if things go south. Hopefully we will have a border agent with some empathy for our situation! Thanks for all of the helpful links and info everyone!

 

[Bee2u]

And DCL doesn't typically allow late boarding for people missing the ship in the embarkation port.

We missed the ship in Port Canaveral due to overbooked flights, and were able to join the ship in St. Thomas with no problem.

 

[DVC4US]

I will tell you our experience and I am by no means saying that this would happen to everyone so if you can get something going with the Canadian authorities right now, I would. We did the Alaska cruise last June. SIL had been charged with a DUI but convicted of Reckless Driving(didn't know Canada was so strict on this) 5 years ago. He flew into Vancouver and boarded the ship with no problems. Disembarking the ship in Vancouver after the cruise he was pulled aside for questioning.(He thought he was going to jail) We were lucky and he was told he had 24 hours to leave the country. So if you do get in going up, just be prepared for him to be detained when disembarking the ship.

 

[perditax]

OP, I hope you will tell us the final outcome. I expect there are a lot of would-be Alaska/Canada cruisers who don't want to speak up but would like more info on the subject.

 

[Lando1]

I definitely will let you all know the outcome. I sure wish I had known this before booking the cruise. I feel like I'm the last person on the planet to hear about this. Lol