So, you got a DUI in the States, eh? If you are not a citizen of Canada or otherwise part of the Commonwealth of Nations, don’t find out the hard way that you will not be able to waltz into Canada on a moment’s notice. Heck, Canada is like the 51st state, right? They love us up there, right? Well…
The hard way of finding out your entry into Canada is not a given is by purchasing non-refundable tickets to a far away Canadian city and walking up to the immigration booth and handing your, let’s say, U.S. passport to the official when indeed you had been convicted within the last 5-10 years anywhere in the U.S. of particular law violations (including DUI). Expect to be told that you must arrange an immediate flight back home without setting foot outside of customs.
My advice to anyone who has a need or desire to travel to Canada, is to avoid becoming convicted of a misdemeanor or something more serious. But, if it’s too late, then visit this website:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5312ETOC.asp#overview
The Canadian government sets forth charts and information for determining if you might be “inadmissible”. If you have suffered any criminal conviction, particularly in the last five years, you should not book flights to, nor drive to, Canada without taking a close look at this potentially expensive interruption of your travel plans.
Actually, don’t take for granted that you can enter any country when you have a criminal conviction in your past. It is always wise to research the immigration policies of any country before you book your international travel. To find a consular office of the country you are planning to travel to, visit:
http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/69458.htm
If you are facing a criminal charge, it is always wise to consult a lawyer. If you are concerned about how that charge (or potential conviction) can affect your passage across international borders now and into the future, seek legal counsel for that reason alone.
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