Tourists with MINOR criminal records being turned back at Canadian border

[Vikingjorg]

If you have a criminal record, whether you are Canadian or American, there is a way to be pardoned depending on how many years has passed since your conviction.

 

I am so sick of people not taking care of their own affairs and when something happens, like being turned back at the border, they blame everyone except themselves.

[freeandfun1]

If you think that RCCL or American Airlines will take you by the hand and deliver you to where-ever just because you are paying them, that is sad.

 

If we follow your logic, then airlines shouldn't check for passports either... or security, or anything.

 

While I agree that an AIRLINE shouldn't have to notify you of the rules I do think that the travel agents should and also the Canadian government... On the entry documents for Canada this point is not mentioned anywhere. They mention that you can't bring in booze, or cigs, etc., but they never state that you can't enter if you have had a DUI.

 

Furthermore the gov website says that FELONIES are reasons for not being admissible. Well, a DUI in the USA is not a felony unless you injure somebody or have multiple DUI's. But apparently in Canada a DUI is a felony (or equivalent) so when I was asked if I had been arrested and said, "no", they ran my SSN and found that I had received a DUI and they offered to let me pay CAD200 to enter or to return to the USA. I paid the money but the difference between the systems is stupid. Canadians want the US to let convicted drug users into the USA but they want to keep Americans with DUI's out of Canada.... I can understand them not allowing cars to be rented to Americans with DUIs but the laws are so tight now in some states two drinks in an hour will get you a DUI conviction.... where will it stop? Next they will be checking credit histories....

 

First of all, it is the US Government that is forcing the tightening up of our borders because we let terrorests in! This group will have the same effect as border state/province governments agreeing to allow driver licenses as the form of ID - it's not their ballywick!

 

These topics really make me mad. Canadians have been living with the strict rules for entry into the US for years - it is a fact of life. Now the tables are turned and they cry foul.

 

The US wants to keep ILLEGALS out of the USA not legal Canadians. There is no relation between the two positions here.... not sure of your point...

 

I think minor convictions should be overlooked by both sides...

[freeandfun1]

This has just ruined my day/week/month/etc.! We have been planning a family vacation for a year - Alaskan cruise out of Vancouver in Aug. - and just found out about this problem on this board. Two members of our party had DWI convictions within the past two years (1st offense, no jail time but so recent they wouldn't qualify for 'rehabilitation' even if there was time to apply). We've already purchased plane tickets to and from Vancouver, made reservations for post-cruise stay, and have to pay balance on the cruise in two weeks. I have no idea what to do.

 

Called our travel agent, who had never heard of the problem, and she's going to contact the cruise line (NCL). I'll be very interested in what they say, since they will be taking the $1,000s of dollars we've saved.

 

Does anyone have any first-hand experiences of what happens? ARE you asked about criminal record at customs? What happens if you say 'yes'?

 

Thanks for any help.

 

web sites I've found - none encouraging:

http://cic.gc.ca/english/visit/faq-inadmissibility.html

http://cic.gc.ca/english/visit/inadmissibility.html

http://cic.gc.ca/english/applications/rehabil.html

http://www.1800duilaws.com/article/travel_to_canada.asp

 

OK.... here is what happened to me TODAY (21 May) when I flew into Calgary...

 

In customs I was asked why I was here. I told them to attend a trade show. They then sent me to "immigration". There I was asked if I had ever been arrested. I said, "yes, last year for a DUI". I was instructed to go get my bags and come back and so I did. When I got back they had my full police background check from the FBI. I had forgotten to mention an arrest from 12 years ago so they got a little snippity about that... Long story short, they let me "buy" my way into Canada by paying CAD $200 for a "Temporary Resident Permit". I think the Canadians have found a tidy way to help cover the cost of their socialist system.

 

Now, I keep reading about how this had been happening to Canadians "for years" but I find it odd that if you do a google search you won't find stories about Canadians being denied into the USA but you'll find tons of stories about Americans being denied entry into Canada... If this has been happening to Canadians too as many are claiming, there would be at least one story about it wouldn't there be? The only stories I can find about Canadians being denied entry into the USA are Canadians with political issues such as Canadians with ties to Hamas, etc. To me this is a clear case of Canadians either using this as a money making scheme, revenge against Americans because they hate our government or just because they are taking a position they always claim Americans take... the position of "holier-than-thou". This is clearly not nearly as much of a problem for Canadians heading south as it is for Americans heading north.

[wanderingjew]

I had a minor skirmish on the subway 20 odd years ago i was on the island last week i just gave my customs form and passport to the agent i said good morning 2 minutes later he gave me back both and said have a nice trip :)

[LeftcoastBC]

OK.... here is what happened to me TODAY (21 May) when I flew into Calgary...

 

In customs I was asked why I was here. I told them to attend a trade show. They then sent me to "immigration". There I was asked if I had ever been arrested. I said, "yes, last year for a DUI". I was instructed to go get my bags and come back and so I did. When I got back they had my full police background check from the FBI. I had forgotten to mention an arrest from 12 years ago so they got a little snippity about that... Long story short, they let me "buy" my way into Canada by paying CAD $200 for a "Temporary Resident Permit". I think the Canadians have found a tidy way to help cover the cost of their socialist system.

 

Now, I keep reading about how this had been happening to Canadians "for years" but I find it odd that if you do a google search you won't find stories about Canadians being denied into the USA but you'll find tons of stories about Americans being denied entry into Canada... If this has been happening to Canadians too as many are claiming, there would be at least one story about it wouldn't there be? The only stories I can find about Canadians being denied entry into the USA are Canadians with political issues such as Canadians with ties to Hamas, etc. To me this is a clear case of Canadians either using this as a money making scheme, revenge against Americans because they hate our government or just because they are taking a position they always claim Americans take... the position of "holier-than-thou". This is clearly not nearly as much of a problem for Canadians heading south as it is for Americans heading north.

 

This was (still is) going on for such a long time it predates the internet and we just don't care anymore. It's the way it is and we have accepted it.

[freeandfun1]

I had a minor skirmish on the subway 20 odd years ago i was on the island last week i just gave my customs form and passport to the agent i said good morning 2 minutes later he gave me back both and said have a nice trip :)

 

I came to Calgary last month and had no problem so I guess it is just "luck of the draw". If you get singled out for a closer look they run a full background check on you.

 

I understand this is part of the price I have to pay so I am not bitching about that part of it, but I do find it odd that I travel all over the world and Canada is the only place that makes it an issue and that actually runs a background check on individuals flying into their country. I have a cruise planned in August so I am considering changing our departure from Vancouver to Seattle. I do not want to take any chances. The lady was nice and let me through but as she said, there are "no guarantees" that I will be allowed to enter next time...

[Cruise Junky]

OK.... here is what happened to me TODAY (21 May) when I flew into Calgary...

 

In customs I was asked why I was here. I told them to attend a trade show. They then sent me to "immigration". There I was asked if I had ever been arrested. I said, "yes, last year for a DUI". I was instructed to go get my bags and come back and so I did. When I got back they had my full police background check from the FBI. I had forgotten to mention an arrest from 12 years ago so they got a little snippity about that... Long story short, they let me "buy" my way into Canada by paying CAD $200 for a "Temporary Resident Permit". I think the Canadians have found a tidy way to help cover the cost of their socialist system.

 

Now, I keep reading about how this had been happening to Canadians "for years" but I find it odd that if you do a google search you won't find stories about Canadians being denied into the USA but you'll find tons of stories about Americans being denied entry into Canada... If this has been happening to Canadians too as many are claiming, there would be at least one story about it wouldn't there be? The only stories I can find about Canadians being denied entry into the USA are Canadians with political issues such as Canadians with ties to Hamas, etc. To me this is a clear case of Canadians either using this as a money making scheme, revenge against Americans because they hate our government or just because they are taking a position they always claim Americans take... the position of "holier-than-thou". This is clearly not nearly as much of a problem for Canadians heading south as it is for Americans heading north.

 

 

Here's one for you...

 

http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/50948/

[Ephraim]

I came to Calgary last month and had no problem so I guess it is just "luck of the draw". If you get singled out for a closer look they run a full background check on you.

 

I understand this is part of the price I have to pay so I am not bitching about that part of it, but I do find it odd that I travel all over the world and Canada is the only place that makes it an issue and that actually runs a background check on individuals flying into their country. I have a cruise planned in August so I am considering changing our departure from Vancouver to Seattle. I do not want to take any chances. The lady was nice and let me through but as she said, there are "no guarantees" that I will be allowed to enter next time...

 

Canada is the first country that the US Homeland security has provided with full access to their databases.

 

Until now, the world has worked entirely off a negative lists. Basically, there is a compiled list of criminals and they simply check that you aren't on the list. Today, they have access to the entire FBI database.

 

And as I said before, they are negotiating bringing other countries online. Welcome to the brave new world.

[Ephraim]

OK.... here is what happened to me TODAY (21 May) when I flew into Calgary...

 

In customs I was asked why I was here. I told them to attend a trade show. They then sent me to "immigration". There I was asked if I had ever been arrested. I said, "yes, last year for a DUI". I was instructed to go get my bags and come back and so I did. When I got back they had my full police background check from the FBI. I had forgotten to mention an arrest from 12 years ago so they got a little snippity about that... Long story short, they let me "buy" my way into Canada by paying CAD $200 for a "Temporary Resident Permit". I think the Canadians have found a tidy way to help cover the cost of their socialist system.

 

Now, I keep reading about how this had been happening to Canadians "for years" but I find it odd that if you do a google search you won't find stories about Canadians being denied into the USA but you'll find tons of stories about Americans being denied entry into Canada... If this has been happening to Canadians too as many are claiming, there would be at least one story about it wouldn't there be? The only stories I can find about Canadians being denied entry into the USA are Canadians with political issues such as Canadians with ties to Hamas, etc. To me this is a clear case of Canadians either using this as a money making scheme, revenge against Americans because they hate our government or just because they are taking a position they always claim Americans take... the position of "holier-than-thou". This is clearly not nearly as much of a problem for Canadians heading south as it is for Americans heading north.

 

Just to be specific... our government is in surplus, so your $200 was used to reduce our deficit, our socialized medicine is fully funded. Thank you for your help in reducing our deficit, we appreciate it. (Just so you know, the socialized medicine is a Provincial jurisdiction and therefore not funded by the federal government (other than in transfer payments.)

 

As US Customs and Border Patrol proudly say, on a typical day, 574 non-citizens are denied entry and 63 criminal aliens are denied entry. This does not include people who are denied visas before they arrive at the border, therefore it includes those who don't need visas.

 

Oh and the average is 1.5 people a day are intercepted for terrorism/national security concerns, from the nearly 1.1 million arrivals at the US borders every day. Talk about looking for a needle in a haystack.

[RBOrrell]

If we follow your logic, then airlines shouldn't check for passports either... or security, or anything.

 

Your logic is incorrect. Airlines check passports and provide security because they are mandated to do so by the government where they are. It's the US Government that enacted laws requiring air carriers to perform this function on US soil. The Canadian government did the same thing for carriers on Canadian soil.

 

While I agree that an AIRLINE shouldn't have to notify you of the rules I do think that the travel agents should and also the Canadian government... On the entry documents for Canada this point is not mentioned anywhere. They mention that you can't bring in booze, or cigs, etc., but they never state that you can't enter if you have had a DUI.

 

I think a good travel agent would tell you about the entry rules for any country that you are going to. However, should the travel agent interview the client first to determine whether the client has any legal issues that would prevent entry? I still do not think that it is a travel agent's responsibility. It's a nice to have.

 

If you think the Canadian government should notify of it's entry rules, what about other countries? Should you receive a letter or email from every country every time that they change their rules? I think the Canadian government has done enough by putting the information on their website. The onus falls upon the traveller to make sure that he or she does not violate any entry rules. The form that you are referring to is the Customs Declaration form. This is not a Customs issue but an Immigration issue. The fact that you can bring in alcohol has no bearing on your criminal record.

 

Furthermore the gov website says that FELONIES are reasons for not being admissible. Well, a DUI in the USA is not a felony unless you injure somebody or have multiple DUI's. But apparently in Canada a DUI is a felony (or equivalent) so when I was asked if I had been arrested and said, "no", they ran my SSN and found that I had received a DUI and they offered to let me pay CAD200 to enter or to return to the USA. I paid the money but the difference between the systems is stupid. Canadians want the US to let convicted drug users into the USA but they want to keep Americans with DUI's out of Canada.... I can understand them not allowing cars to be rented to Americans with DUIs but the laws are so tight now in some states two drinks in an hour will get you a DUI conviction.... where will it stop? Next they will be checking credit histories....

 

Here is the great divide between countries. Not just the US and Canada. In some countries, Capital Punishment is okay, in others it is not. There are far more DUI people out there than "convicted drug users". Like it or not, Canada is very tough on drinking and driving. If you want to come here, you got to play by our rules.

 

The US wants to keep ILLEGALS out of the USA not legal Canadians. There is no relation between the two positions here.... not sure of your point...

 

I think minor convictions should be overlooked by both sides...

 

I agree, minor convictions should be overlooked. Unfortunitly, the Canadian government does not consider DUI minor.

[RBOrrell]

OK.... here is what happened to me TODAY (21 May) when I flew into Calgary...

 

In customs I was asked why I was here. I told them to attend a trade show. They then sent me to "immigration". There I was asked if I had ever been arrested. I said, "yes, last year for a DUI". I was instructed to go get my bags and come back and so I did. When I got back they had my full police background check from the FBI. I had forgotten to mention an arrest from 12 years ago so they got a little snippity about that... Long story short, they let me "buy" my way into Canada by paying CAD $200 for a "Temporary Resident Permit". I think the Canadians have found a tidy way to help cover the cost of their socialist system.

 

Yes, we are not taxed enough to fund our commie-red socialist system, we have to charge unsuspecting capitalists $200 a head to come in.

 

Lesson 1 with immigration. Answer questions YES or NO if possible.

 

Now, I keep reading about how this had been happening to Canadians "for years" but I find it odd that if you do a google search you won't find stories about Canadians being denied into the USA but you'll find tons of stories about Americans being denied entry into Canada... If this has been happening to Canadians too as many are claiming, there would be at least one story about it wouldn't there be? The only stories I can find about Canadians being denied entry into the USA are Canadians with political issues such as Canadians with ties to Hamas, etc. To me this is a clear case of Canadians either using this as a money making scheme, revenge against Americans because they hate our government or just because they are taking a position they always claim Americans take... the position of "holier-than-thou". This is clearly not nearly as much of a problem for Canadians heading south as it is for Americans heading north.

 

As someone eluded to, it has been going on so long, we accept the fact that it happens - why bother complaining. I was denied access once (I have no ciminal record) because I told a US Customs official I was going to visit a client's location in Indianapolis. The client was Canadian, I am Canadian but the fear that I was going to take away someone's job prevented me from working. Now, I learned my lesson. If I am travelling to the US on business, I am going to a "Meeting at Head Office". As long as the head office is in the US, their egos are satisfied and I can come in because I am just a pion being summoned by the King.

[Ephraim]

To clear this up...

 

Crimes in the US are either felonies or misdemeanours crimes.

Crimes in Canada are either indictable or summary offences.

 

Every country uses it's OWN maximum sentence to compare crimes. In the case of Driving Under the Influence (Impaired Driving in Canada) the crime is seen as an indictable offence. In the US it is also legally a felony.

 

In both countries, DUI (Impaired Driving) is often charged as a misdemeanour or summary offence. In spite of this, when countries compare criminal records, they do so as they judge the crime to the maximum of the sentence, because they simply have no other measure to use. They don't have court records. They don't have any other way to judge the crime other than what is written on your record.

 

When we visit another country we are all guests, we don't get to make decisions for the hosts, we just have to live by the hosts rules. Both countries have clear (and public) policies that forbid people with criminal records to travel into the other's country unless they deem that the person has been rehabilitated. Both countries have a set charge related to declaring a person as rehabilitated. In Canada that charge is CAD 200 and in the US that charge is USD 265, though the Canadian government often waives that charge at borders for people with one charge (never if there are more than one charge.) Canada also offers an appeal system that costs CAD 1000, while the US does not.

 

Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. We both want visitors to respect our respective laws. We are after all, two countries built upon the rule of law.

[oahurose]

Oh my, this is the first I'd heard of this requirement. We booked a familly cruise this fall and one of the stops is Halifax for about eight hours.

 

My daughter has a conviction about 13 or 14 years ago. What's involved in passing customs from a crusie ship for the day? Do they run checks everyone that comes off the ship? Does everyone show id's, etc. Do they ask everyone, have they every been arrested? This is our first cruise and our first trip outside the U.S..

 

Since my daughter spotted this thread, she's been worried sick. I told her the worst that can happen is she stays onboard the ship for that day. Should she just stay onboard and don't even try to go ashore that day?

 

Thanks.......

[Ephraim]

Oh my, this is the first I'd heard of this requirement. We booked a familly cruise this fall and one of the stops is Halifax for about eight hours.

 

My daughter has a conviction about 13 or 14 years ago. What's involved in passing customs from a crusie ship for the day? Do they run checks everyone that comes off the ship? Does everyone show id's, etc. Do they ask everyone, have they every been arrested? This is our first cruise and our first trip outside the U.S..

 

Since my daughter spotted this thread, she's been worried sick. I told her the worst that can happen is she stays onboard the ship for that day. Should she just stay onboard and don't even try to go ashore that day?

 

Thanks.......

 

There is NO point in worrying about it. The ship will send everyone's information to be cleared. With a conviction that long ago, it likely won't be a problem, as long as her record is clear after that. Most likely you won't be asked anything at all, the ship will be cleared.

 

If there is a problem, they will call you over the intercom. You then meet a customs official who will ask a few questions. Answer them 100% truthfully.

 

In the worst case scenario, she would simply be asked to not leave the vessel for the day. My guess is that this is extremely unlikely. We are talking about a few people. Of there 260,000 people who appear at Canada's borders each day, just 260 people are denied entry. That's about 1 per 1000. Canada's intent isn't to keep people from seeing our country. Relax, don't worry about it. If there is a problem they will tell you when you arrive. Otherwise, plan to enjoy the day. Halifax is beautiful.

[KL&KR]

Sorry, can't resist posting this. So much for Homeland Security's high-tech database-enhanced whoop-de-doo border control:

 

[Andrew Speaker, who has TB] "was allowed to pass through the border crossing at Champlain, N.Y., along the Canadian border.

The inspector ran Speaker's passport through a computer, and a warning including instructions to hold the traveler, don a protective mask in dealing with him, and telephone health authorities popped up, officials said. About a minute later, Speaker was instead cleared to continue on his journey, according to officials familiar with the records.

The Homeland Security Department is investigating."

 

If the U.S. is not the laughingstock of the world for being lunatic windbags, we certainly should be...

[meandmyguy]

Backgound...As I have a 15 year old Level 5 (least) DUI on my record ,this has now become an issue. I (and many others I would guess) never would have thought to check Canada's website to see if I can come to the country. And NO ONE even mentioned it (RCCL, TA, or passport agency-I stumbled upon it here) I am a 40 year old "soccer mom" with 2 kids that made a huge error in judgement in my youth involving Robitussin and Green Beer. Everyone makes mistakes and hopefully learns from them. I did my "time" (community service and reduced driving for a year)-I have paid my debt to society. I have a clean record since. To find that this may keep me from a planned vacation-my first cruise-is beyond comprehension. In addition, now that I know, I have tried to find out what I need to do to satisfy Canada that I am no longer a threat to society (??). From numerous emails with the embassy in Washington, D.C.- the verdict-hope your border agent has had a good day. If not he can decide on a whim not to admit you because there are no set guidelines. And you can't find out before hand (unless you go thru the lengthy pardon process which I don't have time to do) so they make you fly all the way there in hopes that they don't turn you around. Ridiculous-can't they review it before hand? And no flames-I know people say the US does it too-and they are also ridiculous.

 

Now -to my point. After many numerous calls I did find out one thing others may need to know (although it doesn't apply to me)- Per RCCL customer service- in a May 23, 2007 memo from Capt. Newhoff (commander of RCCL fleet)- no one boarding in Canada will be permitted in to get on the ship (or into Canada) if they have a DUI less than 10 years ago or if they have ever been convicted of a felony. period. If this is you and you have a trip planned-you may want to reconsider.

[hndmn4wf]

Backgound...As I have a 15 year old Level 5 (least) DUI on my record ,this has now become an issue. I (and many others I would guess) never would have thought to check Canada's website to see if I can come to the country. And NO ONE even mentioned it (RCCL, TA, or passport agency-I stumbled upon it here) I am a 40 year old "soccer mom" with 2 kids that made a huge error in judgement in my youth involving Robitussin and Green Beer. Everyone makes mistakes and hopefully learns from them. I did my "time" (community service and reduced driving for a year)-I have paid my debt to society. I have a clean record since. To find that this may keep me from a planned vacation-my first cruise-is beyond comprehension. In addition, now that I know, I have tried to find out what I need to do to satisfy Canada that I am no longer a threat to society (??). From numerous emails with the embassy in Washington, D.C.- the verdict-hope your border agent has had a good day. If not he can decide on a whim not to admit you because there are no set guidelines. And you can't find out before hand (unless you go thru the lengthy pardon process which I don't have time to do) so they make you fly all the way there in hopes that they don't turn you around. Ridiculous-can't they review it before hand? And no flames-I know people say the US does it too-and they are also ridiculous.

 

Now -to my point. After many numerous calls I did find out one thing others may need to know (although it doesn't apply to me)- Per RCCL customer service- in a May 23, 2007 memo from Capt. Newhoff (commander of RCCL fleet)- no one boarding in Canada will be permitted in to get on the ship (or into Canada) if they have a DUI less than 10 years ago or if they have ever been convicted of a felony. period. If this is you and you have a trip planned-you may want to reconsider.

 

 

 

So are you saying we can't use US Direct to get on ship in YVR because of DUI or felony nor can we do a Southbound cruise and get off the ship in YVR using US Direct and fly out after the cruise?

So does this mean I have to cancel the surprise cruise I was planning for my wife?

 

Thank you

[oahurose]

What is RCCL?

 

My daughter has a felony conviction 14 or 15 years ago (nothing since). Our NCL Ship is stopping in Canada for the day. Does this mean she won't be allowed to enter Canada?

 

How do they know if a person has a conviction? Do they check everyone and run a background check?

 

My husband and I drove across the border into Canada (Buffalo, NY) a few years ago and all they did was look at our drivers licenses and ask us where we were going.

 

I would think the cruise lines and travel agency's would be aware of this and give the travelers information.

[meandmyguy]

Since I found out about this on this board 3 days ago I have talked to RCCL (royal carribbean cruise lines), the canadian embassy in Washington DC via email, the Vancouver tourism call centre, and my TA.

My TA says she was unaware and I should have no problem-she never told me about it.

RCCL does not have it on any information I have seen-however, the customer service person I spoke with read me the memo I mentioned in its entirety. They know the rules but apparently aren't going to tell you unless you ask.

Canada's laws -per the embassy and on their website- specifically state if you have a DUI no matter how long ago they can deny you entry. Emailing the embassy is no help. It all boils down to a border guards mood at the time of entry. Do not lie-tell them if they ask but do not volunteer the info. Maybe they won't ask-but if they do and you lie then it will definately be a no go. Otherwise, try to convince them that the old DUI does not make you a horrible person now.

We are going US Direct-the thought is that with having to deal with border guards only once will reduce the chance of having to explain it all and they may be more inclined to let us thru since we will be in their sights all the time and never have a chance to run amok in Canada leaving a wake of destruction in our path :confused:. May not work but it is worth a shot-we have spent to much on this so far. My dui is over the 10 year mark (15) though so the memo does not apply to me. I don't know about Norwegian but I would call if I were you and see if they have a similar memo.

Hate for YOU to be surprised at the airport as well as your wife.

It has been a bad few days in our house. We have never been on a cruise and haven't had a vacation in ages -this is ruining everything. Just wish someone would have told me before I booked all this. MY TA, RCCL, the passport agency, someone.... I never thought to look at Canadas website to see if I could come in-I'm just passing through. And honestly-after all this I will never try to visit Canada again.

Everyone has a not so proud moment from their youth-some of us got caught-so please no flames from the righteous few who supposedly never strayed from the straight and narrow about how we deserve it for what we did....

[meandmyguy]

That was my understanding from RCCL's memo-no felony ever or no entry. I just don't want you to be surprised if you are turned away. I have tried to get a straight answer from the embassy on specifics but they will only be very vague.

[alphakitty]

And this guy, Capt. Newhoff IS legit....Manager of Security for RCCL is the title I found for him back in 2005. Here's a link ....see page 2 right side of Table of Contents. Gives legitimacy to the claim. I find it very sad indeed when people who have paid their dues and turned their lives around are still being punished more than 30 years later. :(

 

http://www.f-cca.com/downloads/2005-profiles.pdf

[Ephraim]

You want this to change... then talk to your representatives.

 

The US and Canada has no treaty to accept each other's pardons.

The US and Canada has no treaty on treatment of visitors with previous convictions.

The US is supplying this information to Canada.

[oahurose]

Here's some information I found on a Canada Site.

 

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/faq-inadmissibility.html#note10

[RBOrrell]

Not to be a smart a$$ or anythinig, but does the US Government not provide a service like the Canadian one does for their citizens?

 

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/consular_home-en.asp

 

Anytime that I have travelled to another country, including the USA, I have contacted this site and reviewed the entry restrictions that each country has. This is especially important for cruisers in the Caribbean. I am sorry, but the onus is upon the traveller to make sure that all of the ducks are in a row. How do you know whether you need a passport or not? The passport requirement is just another entry requirement just like the criminal records.

[Ephraim]

Yes, the US government does at http://travel.state.gov/

 

It clearly states:

 

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: All persons entering Canada by air are required to present a valid U.S. Passport when entering or re-entering the United States. Land and sea travelers are also encouraged to have a valid U.S. passport. If they do not have a passport, they should be prepared to provide a government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver's License) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth or naturalization certificate..

 

U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid U.S. passport. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens to visit Canada of up to 180 days. Anyone seeking to enter Canada for any purpose besides a visit, (e.g. to work, study or immigrate) should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest consulate prior to travel. Anyone with a criminal record (including some misdemeanors such as Driving While Impaired (DWI) charges) may be excluded or removed from Canada, and should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Canadian consulate well in advance of any planned travel for further processing, which may take some time.

 

There is also a reminder about the change that *MIGHT* occur as of the 1st of January. If you read it carefully, it clearly says that the US requires the passport and not Canada. That is technically correct, you need the passport to get back into the US.

 

It also suggests that are crime rates are comparable with the US (they aren't.) Nice to see that they do agree that our medical system is comparable with the US system (despite what some American politicians keep on saying.)

 

 

It also states this....

 

Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious offense in Canada. Penalties are heavy, and any prior conviction (no matter how long ago or how minor the infraction) is grounds for exclusion from Canada. Americans with a DWI record must seek a waiver of exclusion from Canadian consulates in the United States, which requires several weeks to process. It is illegal to take automobile radar detectors into Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, the Yukon or the Northwest Territories, regardless of whether they are used or not. Police there may confiscate radar detectors, operational or not, and impose substantial fines.

 

And

 

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offences. Persons violating Canadian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Canada are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

 

 

So clearly they have every warning.... must be the loneliest web page on earth, from all indications, though.