Getting into Canada with a DUI

eugeneme · Mar 10, 2015

Hey NT,

Got a DUI in March 2013.

Now, my friend is planning to have a bachelor party in Montreal this coming May. I realize that DUI's are taken very seriously in Canada and there is a possibility that I can be turned away at the border. I have read stories of people getting through by just being honest with the guards, but that is still isn't guaranteed.

I'm wondering if I need any special pardons, waivers, fees for me to get into Canada? I read that I might have to apply for a Temp Residency, but I also saw that if you have just one DUI on your record, you might be able to get in. I am planning to fly in from SF. do you know what the process is like from the airport? I have not had any other confrontations with the law since my DUI.

I know it's a lot of info in one message but any info would help.

fantastic4our · Mar 10, 2015

Gotta get into contact with this guy

c hanna · Mar 10, 2015

wow didnt know they could do that

shouldnt have gotten a dui?

Fong$tarr · Mar 10, 2015

I got your PM.

I don't think a DUI would really do anything as far as getting into a certain country. For the most part, a DUI effects your insurance, your job security, potential new jobs and/or anything that needs a background reference. As far as getting on a plane, you won't have any issues. The airport just needs a valid ID whether it be passport or state ID. Even when you go through customs, they won't run a check on you. They just want to see if you have a passport and maybe ask what you are there for. I don't think you have to blatantly tell them you have a DUI record. I could be wrong though so don't quote me on it.

The real caution if any is to not get in trouble in Canada. A DUI offense is not as bad as other things on your record but don't go to jail for say public intoxication cause they could give you a more serious charge since you have priors. For the most part, i think you should be fine. Just get a DD or use taxis or Uber.

boris · Mar 10, 2015

There are special circumstances that would allow you entry into Canada with a DUI, but generally you will be turned away if they discover you have the offense.

Fong$tarr · Mar 11, 2015

Boris said:
There are special circumstances that would allow you entry into Canada with a DUI, but generally you will be turned away if they discover you have the offense.

How would they know though? Do they do background checks right then and there? I honestly can't remember what customs does but I feel like it was pretty fast unless there is some search data base that brings up this info.

octobersveryown · Mar 11, 2015

As a canadian i've heard of many people get turned away at the border for a variety of charges. DUIs are among them. I don't know the way around it...

GreenNGold89 · Mar 11, 2015

I drove across the border in July and they didn't ask anything about having a DUI (I don't have one anyways).

They just ask a bunch of questions about what you are doing and planning to do in Canada if I remember correctly.

superblytrife · Mar 11, 2015

Yeah, they're not gonna know about your driving history unless you tell them. All they've ever asked me is where I was going, why I was going there, how long I'll be there and whether or not I was bringing any weapons, drugs or alcohol in with me. And they obviously ask for ID. It literally takes less than 5 minutes.

octobersveryown · Mar 11, 2015

superblyTRIFE said:
Yeah, they're not gonna know about your driving history unless you tell them. All they've ever asked me is where I was going, why I was going there, how long I'll be there and whether or not I was bringing any weapons, drugs or alcohol in with me. And they obviously ask for ID. It literally takes less than 5 minutes.

DUI isn't just driving history... its a criminal record (if i am not mistaken). Not some speeding ticket light weight ish.

nawghtyhare · Mar 11, 2015

I thought if u have a felony
U can't get into Canada
I'm sure they ask the questions just to ask
But when they scan ur passport
Don't things come up in their system about u

superblytrife · Mar 11, 2015

OctobersVeryOwn said:
superblyTRIFE said:

Yeah, they're not gonna know about your driving history unless you tell them. All they've ever asked me is where I was going, why I was going there, how long I'll be there and whether or not I was bringing any weapons, drugs or alcohol in with me. And they obviously ask for ID. It literally takes less than 5 minutes.

Click to expand...

DUI isn't just driving history... its a criminal record (if i am not mistaken). Not some speeding ticket light weight ish.

True. But how would they find out? If they ask, say no. Seriously, they're not running complete background checks on everyone who crosses the border. :lol:

I've been back and forth to Canada more times than I can remember and not one time was my criminal history or driving background brought up. Not saying that it can't happen, but it's unlikely, IMO.

nawghtyhare · Mar 11, 2015

superblyTRIFE said:
OctobersVeryOwn said:

superblyTRIFE said:

Yeah, they're not gonna know about your driving history unless you tell them. All they've ever asked me is where I was going, why I was going there, how long I'll be there and whether or not I was bringing any weapons, drugs or alcohol in with me. And they obviously ask for ID. It literally takes less than 5 minutes.

Click to expand...

DUI isn't just driving history... its a criminal record (if i am not mistaken). Not some speeding ticket light weight ish.

Click to expand...

True. But how would they find out? If they ask, say no. Seriously, they're not running complete background checks on everyone who crosses the border.

I've been back and forth to Canada more times than I can remember and not one time was my criminal history or driving background brought up. Not saying that it can't happen, but it's unlikely, IMO.

I think only certain things will get u denied
Like felonies and certain other things

superblytrife · Mar 11, 2015

nawghtyhare said:
I thought if u have a felony
U can't get into Canada
I'm sure they ask the questions just to ask
But when they scan ur passport
Don't things come up in their system about u

If you're traveling by car into Canada from the U.S., no passport is needed for entry.

That said, in order to re-enter the States, a passport is needed. So they'll check that you have one so that you can re-enter without hassle, but I'm almost positive that they don't scan it when entering Canada.

boris · Mar 11, 2015

Mr Fongstarr said:
Boris said:

There are special circumstances that would allow you entry into Canada with a DUI, but generally you will be turned away if they discover you have the offense.

Click to expand...

How would they know though? Do they do background checks right then and there? I honestly can't remember what customs does but I feel like it was pretty fast unless there is some search data base that brings up this info.

I honestly don't know for certain. The last time I went to Canada, I was in and out with a photo ID and a birth certificate. I know that people are able to go in and out without anyone discovering their criminal record.

octobersveryown · Mar 11, 2015

Boris said:
Mr Fongstarr said:

Boris said:

There are special circumstances that would allow you entry into Canada with a DUI, but generally you will be turned away if they discover you have the offense.

Click to expand...

How would they know though? Do they do background checks right then and there? I honestly can't remember what customs does but I feel like it was pretty fast unless there is some search data base that brings up this info.

Click to expand...

I honestly don't know for certain. The last time I went to Canada, I was in and out with a photo ID and a birth certificate. I know that people are able to go in and out without anyone discovering their criminal record.

There is an 'enhanced' drivers license that can replace a passport to go in and out of the USA (from the canadian side). But its always easier for me to use my passport than bother with that.

I'd just recommend taking a bus tbh. Least heat way of entering/leaving.

I think its silly to assume that a country with such a good relationship to the US doesn't have access to your criminal record on entry.

When i was a kid my lawyer told me not to enter the states until my record cleared or they'll forever keep it on file even if my canadian record was clean.(youth pardon)

superblytrife · Mar 11, 2015

^ Access? Of course. But are they utilizing this access for every person that comes over the border? I personally don't think so. That's impractical.

As long as you don't act sketchy, have good eye contact, etc., you're more than likely to get through with nothing more than the standard questions.

grimeyy · Mar 11, 2015

Have you seen the show Border Security? People with DUI always get denied access to Canada because they pose as a risk to others

trunks206 · Mar 11, 2015

A DUI will most definitely get you denied entry into Canada.

View media item 1440913

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...vMTQyNjA1ODY4OC9zaWQvaDgzTksqZ20=/suggested/1

Look into the links listed on this government site if you're really trying to go. If you listen to idiot NTers who think its as simple as not telling them or them thinking that the people at the Canadian Boarder crossing/ customs at a airport cant access those records than you deserve everything you potentially have coming.

nawghtyhare · Mar 11, 2015

trunks206 said:
A DUI will most definitely get you denied entry into Canada.

View media item 1440913

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...vMTQyNjA1ODY4OC9zaWQvaDgzTksqZ20=/suggested/1

Look into the links listed on this government site if you're really trying to go. If you listen to idiot NTers who think its as simple as not telling them or them thinking that the people at the Canadian Boarder crossing/ customs at a airport cant access those records than you deserve everything you potentially have coming.

I swear we NTers be givin ****** advice sometimes :lol:

a55a5in11 · Mar 11, 2015

Im sure you could drive through and be fine half the time. Everytime i drive into Canada they just ask what im doing and tell to have a good day. Getting back to the U.S. though :x dudes go to hard over nothing

youngpablo · Mar 11, 2015

Yeah OP..youll most likely gonna get turned away. They dont play around with DUI and domestic violence charges..all of your criminal history pops up when they scan your ID/PassP/Name... FAX . Yes they ask you questions but they already have the answers to the more important ones. You did say your flying in so idk how they handle that..but driving in at the border with NY..you will get turnt back for DUI/Domestic Violence

superblytrife · Mar 11, 2015

trunks206 said:
A DUI will most definitely get you denied entry into Canada.

View media item 1440913

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...vMTQyNjA1ODY4OC9zaWQvaDgzTksqZ20=/suggested/1

Look into the links listed on this government site if you're really trying to go. If you listen to idiot NTers who think its as simple as not telling them or them thinking that the people at the Canadian Boarder crossing/ customs at a airport cant access those records than you deserve everything you potentially have coming.

Yes, they have access. But they don't use that access on every single person who tries to cross the border. Just like they don't do random searches on every vehicle that crosses the border.

If you have a DUI it's going to be a crapshoot on whether or not you are allowed access, because they most definitely deny entry for them. But getting in is possible. Just have a plan b for when you get denied. That's all I'm trying to say. It isn't an absolute that DUI = no entry. It is an absolute that if they discover a DUI conviction, you're not getting in without waivers.

So OP, it's a gamble on your part. I say roll the dice, but that's just me. All they can do is ban you for life and turn you away. :lol:

trunks206 · Mar 11, 2015

^ my dude you are giving Gold St. Capital level advice. Please stop. He is flying from SFO, he will have to go through customs and they will scan his passport and see he has a DUI. He as a 100% chance of getting turns away yet you're telling him to take he gamble?

Just stop.

nawghtyhare · Mar 11, 2015

trunks206 said:
^ my dude you are giving Gold St. Capital level advice. Please stop. He is flying from SFO, he will have to go through customs and they will scan his passport and see he has a DUI. He as a 100% chance of getting turns away yet you're telling him to take he gamble?

Just stop.

I didn't wanna be THAT guy to say that :lol:

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Getting into Canada with a DUI

eugeneme

fantastic4our

c hanna

Fong$tarr

boris

Fong$tarr

octobersveryown

GreenNGold89

formerly bbllplaya23

superblytrife

octobersveryown

nawghtyhare

superblytrife

nawghtyhare

superblytrife

boris

octobersveryown

superblytrife

grimeyy

trunks206

nawghtyhare

a55a5in11

youngpablo

superblytrife

trunks206

nawghtyhare

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