Can You Not Travel to Canada With a DUI?

Navigating international travel can be complex, and the question, Can You Not Travel To Canada With A Dui, is crucial for many. If you’re wondering about DUI entry into Canada, TRAVELS.EDU.VN can help you understand the Canadian inadmissibility laws and explore your options for visiting this beautiful country despite a past conviction. Obtaining a Temporary Resident Permit or Criminal Rehabilitation can smooth your journey.

1. Understanding Canadian Inadmissibility Due to a DUI

Entering Canada with a DUI on your record is not as straightforward as simply presenting your passport. A DUI conviction, regardless of whether it’s considered a misdemeanor or felony in the United States, can lead to criminal inadmissibility in Canada. This inadmissibility can result in denial of entry, impacting your travel plans, so consulting TRAVELS.EDU.VN can provide clarity.

1.1. The Impact of a DUI on Canadian Entry

Even if you don’t plan to drive while in Canada, a DUI can prevent you from entering the country. This includes civil infractions and “physical control” violations. There’s no presumption of innocence at the Canadian border, meaning even a pending DUI charge can lead to denial.

1.2. Overcoming Criminal Inadmissibility

To overcome criminal inadmissibility, you must apply for and receive permission from Canadian authorities to visit. The process can be legally complex, which is where TRAVELS.EDU.VN steps in to assist. Criminal inadmissibility due to a DUI can be addressed in two ways: temporary solutions and permanent solutions.

2. Temporary Solution: Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) allows someone with a DUI to enter Canada for a specific period, provided they have a valid reason. TRAVELS.EDU.VN can help you determine if this is the right path for you.

2.1. The Benefits of a TRP

A TRP is helpful for individuals not yet eligible for Criminal Rehabilitation. It can be valid for multiple visits for up to three years, provided the application is strong. Applying well in advance of your travel date is essential, TRAVELS.EDU.VN recommends starting early to ensure timely processing.

2.2. TRP Application Requirements

Applying for a TRP involves submitting a detailed application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Key components include:

• A compelling reason for visiting Canada (business, family, tourism).
• Evidence of rehabilitation or low risk to Canadian society.
• A comprehensive background check.

2.3. TRP Processing Times and Fees

TRP processing times vary, often taking several months. Application fees also apply, so check the latest fee schedule on the IRCC website.

3. Permanent Solution: Criminal Rehabilitation (CR)

Criminal Rehabilitation (CR) is an application process where you petition Canadian immigration authorities to forgive your prior DUI conviction permanently. TRAVELS.EDU.VN assists in navigating this process.

3.1. Eligibility for Criminal Rehabilitation

To be eligible, five years must have passed since the full completion of your sentence, including payment of fines, community service, classes, probation, and other court-imposed conditions.

3.2. The Advantages of Criminal Rehabilitation

Successfully completing the Rehabilitation process gives you a fresh start, allowing you to enter Canada freely again. Unlike a TRP, Criminal Rehabilitation never needs renewal and provides lifetime access.

3.3. Criminal Rehabilitation Application Process

The Criminal Rehabilitation process involves a detailed application, including:

• Proof of completion of all sentencing requirements.
• Letters of reference demonstrating good character.
• A personal statement explaining the circumstances of the DUI and steps taken to prevent recurrence.

3.4. CR Processing Times and Government Fees

The CR application process typically takes 6-12 months. Government processing fees apply, with the exact amount depending on the nature of the offense.

4. Deemed Rehabilitation: The Shift in Canadian Law

Previously, Americans with a single DUI could be “deemed rehabilitated” if ten years had passed since completing their sentence. However, this policy changed in December 2018.

4.1. The Impact of the 2018 Law Change

As of December 2018, a DUI is considered a serious crime in Canada, no longer qualifying for automatic Deemed Rehabilitation after ten years. This change resulted from new DUI laws increasing the maximum imprisonment length to a decade.

4.2. Implications for Americans with a DUI

An American with a single DUI can now be denied entry at the Canadian border even if the incident occurred more than ten years ago.

4.3. Grandfathered Deemed Rehabilitation

If the offense occurred before December 18, 2018, and more than ten years have passed, “grandfathered” Deemed Rehabilitation might be claimed. Consulting with a Canadian immigration lawyer is crucial to determine eligibility, TRAVELS.EDU.VN can connect you with experienced legal professionals.

4.4. Why Legal Consultation is Essential

With impaired driving now a major crime in Canada, any American with a DUI, DWI, or similar offense should speak with a professional about their admissibility before attempting to enter Canada.

5. Multiple DUI Violations and Inadmissibility

If you have two or more drunk driving violations or other excludable criminal convictions, you will likely never be deemed rehabilitated by time. Without a TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation, you may be refused entry at the Canadian border even after 20+ years, according to Canadian law and TRAVELS.EDU.VN.

5.1. The Seriousness of Multiple Offenses

Multiple offenses indicate a pattern of behavior that Canadian authorities view as a significant risk.

5.2. The Need for a Proactive Approach

To maximize your chances of entering Canada, consult with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer. They can help you take the necessary steps before and during your application for the highest possible chance of approval.

5.3. TRAVELS.EDU.VN’s Role in the Process

TRAVELS.EDU.VN recommends consulting with an attorney who has experience helping Americans overcome criminal inadmissibility.

6. Why Canada Denies Entry to People with a DUI

In Canada, indictable offenses are considered serious criminality (similar to a US felony), while summary offenses are less serious (similar to a US misdemeanor).

6.1. DUI as a Hybrid Offense

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a hybrid offense in Canada, meaning it can be a summary or indictable offense depending on the situation.

6.2. The Impact on Foreign Nationals

Although most DUIs on Canadian soil are summary offenses, the potential for one to be indictable makes driving under the influence a potentially excludable act for foreign nationals.

6.3. The Canadian Border’s Access to Criminal Databases

The Canadian border has full access to the FBI criminal database via the country’s CPIC database, interfaced with the United States National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

6.4. Immediate Red Flags and DUI Arrests

Travelers can be instantly red-flagged for a DUI as soon as they present their US passport at border security. Even a DUI arrest with no conviction can cause a US resident to be rejected at the Canadian border.

Alt text: Canadian border officials accessing the FBI criminal database to check for DUI records.

7. Legal Basis for Denying Americans with a DUI

Section 36 of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) states that foreign citizens can be criminally inadmissible upon “having been convicted outside Canada of an offense that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an indictable offense under an Act of Parliament.”

7.1. Understanding IRPA 36

IRPA 36 3a specifies “an offense that may be prosecuted either summarily or by way of indictment is deemed to be an indictable offense.”

7.2. The Scope of Canadian Immigration Regulations

Canadian immigration regulations view DUIs as serious offenses. A single impaired driving incident in the United States can bar a person from visiting Canada forever, regardless of how inconsequential it was in the state it happened.

7.3. Reduced Charges and Their Impact

If a DUI charge was reduced to wet reckless driving, the offense will typically still equate to a full DUI in Canada since impairment was involved. Even after pleading a DUI down to a more minor charge such as dangerous or reckless driving (with no mention of alcohol in the statute), an American may still not be eligible to cross the Canadian border without risk of an entrance denial.

7.4. Civil DUI Infractions

Civil DUI infractions, such as DWAI in New York or OWI in Wisconsin, can block an American citizen from visiting Canada despite being a traffic violation not a criminal conviction.

8. Entering Canada with a Pending DUI Charge

When determining eligibility to travel to Canada with a DUI arrest, it’s not the seriousness of the charge in the USA that matters; it’s what the possible crime equates to under Canadian law.

8.1. Pending Charges and Inadmissibility

According to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), a pending DUI charge is treated as “under indictment” and potentially excludes a US citizen from entering.

8.2. Proving Admissibility

The onus is always on a visitor to prove his or her admissibility when challenged by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer.

8.3. Reduced DUI Charges and Border Denial

Even a reduced DUI charge does not guarantee smooth sailing when entering Canada. The reduction of charges from drinking and driving to some lesser charge such as reckless driving or careless driving can still cause you to be denied entry at the Canadian border.

8.4. Documentary Proof for Dismissed Charges

If your misdemeanor DUI charge was dismissed or you were found not guilty, documented proof of the favorable status may help facilitate a successful border crossing. Consulting a qualified Canadian immigration attorney before traveling would be advisable.

9. Entering Canada Without Driving

A US citizen with a criminal record for impaired driving can still be stopped from crossing the border into Canada even if they will not be operating a car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, RV, boat, or any other motor vehicle during their visit.

9.1. Misconceptions About Flying into Canada

Some people with a DUI history think that if they fly into Canada, and do not intend to drive while in the country, they will be granted entry without a problem. Canadian immigration regulations do not distinguish whether a person intends to drive while visiting or not.

9.2. Traveling as a Passenger

Likewise, some Americans with a DUI think they are allowed to drive across the border as long as they are only a passenger in the vehicle and not the driver. A visitor’s method of travel has no effect on their admissibility according to Canadian law.

9.3. The Risk of Non-Disclosure

Some also believe that you can enter into Canada with a criminal history as long as you do not disclose it at the border. This is absolutely false, as the Canadian border has unlimited access to US criminal databases and a past charge or conviction can instantly flag a visitor upon arrival.

9.4. Consequences of Misleading Border Authorities

It is wise to always be honest and forthcoming with border authorities, as attempting to mislead immigration officials can lead to serious consequences such as being banned from crossing the border for several years.

Alt text: A traveler being questioned by a Canadian border agent regarding a DUI conviction.

10. DUIs Involving Drugs (Not Alcohol)

A DUI in the USA does not have to be alcohol-related in order for Canada’s border security officers to deny entry for criminality. Going to Canada with a DUI drugs (DUID) can be as difficult as crossing the border with a DUI alcohol.

10.1. Impaired Driving and Prescription Medication

Americans are frequently charged with driving while intoxicated because they were on prescription medication such as painkillers or “stoned” from consuming marijuana.

10.2. Illegality of Operating a Vehicle While Impaired

You can be charged for driving under the influence of drugs regardless of whether or not the drug is legal. Even if you have been prescribed medicine by a doctor, if the substance “could affect the nervous system, brain, or muscles of a person as to impair” it is illegal across North America to be operating a motor vehicle while on it.

10.3. Special Permission and DUID Convictions

Consequently, it is possible to get a DUI by driving while on prescribed drugs that can impair, and a criminal conviction of this type can mean a person is no longer welcome in Canada without special permission.

11. The Impact of the State Where the DUI Occurred

One of the major reasons why many United States residents seek assistance from an experienced immigration lawyer before trying to enter Canada with a DWI is to determine the exact criminal equivalency and excludability of their specific offense.

11.1. DUI Laws Vary by State

Since DUI laws (including under 21 DUI laws) and the precise wording of each statute vary from state to state, the Canadian admissibility of an individual can depend on the US state in which their offense happened.

11.2. Importance of Legal Counsel

The precise wording of documents related to an acquittal, absolute discharge or conditional discharge, pretrial diversion agreement, deferred adjudication, deferred prosecution agreement (DPA), deferred disposition (suspended sentence), probation before judgment (PBJ), expungement/dismissal, or pardon can also vary from state to state.

11.3. Complicating Factors in DUI Charges

Other violations that are often added to impaired driving charges can further complicate matters. Examples include driving with a suspended license, no car insurance, damage to property, leaving the scene of an accident, speeding, or refusing a breathalyzer, chemical test, or blood test.

11.4. The Impact of Civil Traffic Laws

Violating certain civil traffic laws can also have an impact on admissibility to Canada, despite being a traffic infraction not a misdemeanor conviction.

11.5. Consulting with a Licensed Immigration Attorney

If you are concerned you might be criminally ineligible for international travel, it may be smart to consult with a licensed immigration attorney in Canada about your particular situation.

12. Maintaining Privacy When Traveling with Others

Entering into Canada with a DUI first offense is stressful enough by itself, but worrying that bosses, co-workers, employees, business partners, girlfriends/boyfriends, or other people traveling alongside you will learn about your impaired driving charge at the border can be intensely disconcerting.

12.1. Keeping Your DUI a Secret

The easiest scenario in which to keep your driving while impaired incident private from those you are traveling with is to procure a Canada Temporary Resident Permit or Rehabilitation prior to your date of travel.

12.2. Obtaining a TRP in Advance

A TRP may be obtained in advance of a trip to Canada, and once a person has a valid waiver in their possession it is notably easier to cross the border discreetly.

12.3. Applying at a Port of Entry (POE)

Even if there is not enough time to secure an entry waiver in advance of travel, it may still be possible to keep a misdemeanor DWI a secret from co-workers especially if flying into Canada.

12.4. Focus on Discretion

Because we focus primarily on helping Americans get into Canada with a DUI, our legal team has a plethora of experience on how to keep a drinking and driving conviction a secret from work associates when entering Canada.

13. Dealing with Refused Entry to Canada

If you have already been denied entry to Canada because of a DUI conviction, it is very important to not return until legally able to do so.

13.1. The Importance of Legal Consultation

It is advisable in such circumstances to consult with a qualified Canadian immigration attorney to ascertain the best means of ensuring successful DUI entry into Canada in the future.

13.2. Avoiding Further Attempts to Enter

If you attempt to enter via another Port of Entry without first addressing your DUI inadmissibility, denial is almost certain and an outright ban from Canada can result.

13.3. Handling a Refusal of Entry

Once a US citizen has received an official refusal of entry to Canada because of a criminal record for driving drunk, it is advisable for them to fix their inadmissibility before attempting to cross the border again.

13.4. Compliance with CBSA Instructions

Any form of perceived non-compliance with CBSA instructions can significantly reduce a person’s odds of being granted permission for DUI entry in the future.

14. Steps to Travel to Canada with a DUI

Some Americans may need the services of a qualified immigration professional to determine if they can legally enter Canada with a DUI record. Others may already know that they are criminally inadmissible but require help from an attorney to come up with a workable plan for how to cross the Canadian border successfully.

14.1. The Impact of a DUI on Admissibility

Even if a person has no prior criminal history, a single misdemeanor DUI can now render a foreign national inadmissible to Canada for life.

14.2. Criminal Rehabilitation Applications

If a foreign citizen is inadmissible to Canada because of an arrest or conviction in their past, and he or she does not wish to avoid the nation, they have the option to prepare and file a Criminal Rehabilitation application if all sentencing has been finished for a minimum of five years.

14.3. Temporary Resident Permit Applications

If a person already has a trip planned and will be visiting soon, filing a TRP application may be acceptable. Canada Temporary Resident Permit eligibility and document requirements have recently changed.

14.4. The Role of an Immigration Lawyer

This is one of the many reasons it may be important to work with an immigration lawyer familiar with the 2025 Canada DUI Entry rules (as well as any scheduled DUI Canada entry 2026 changes).

15. Expungements, Pardons, and Travel to Canada

Visiting Canada with a DUI expungement, or after receiving a pardon or discharge for a crime, can still be tricky for American citizens.

15.1. Expungements and Canadian Entry

Occasionally, a state or county “pardons” or “discharges” a person’s crime, or allows the record to be expunged after a period of time.

15.2. Contacting a Legal Professional

This does not automatically guarantee the individual can enter Canada normally, however, and they should consider contacting a qualified legal professional to see how CBSA agents might view the pardon.

15.3. Legal Opinion Letters

In situations where a driving under the influence expungement may no longer be treated as a conviction by Canada, a Legal Opinion Letter can help explain exactly why a person should be considered legally admissible to the country under Canadian law.

15.4. The Discretion of Border Agents

At the end of the day, entering Canada with DUI charges is at the total discretion of border agents who consider a person’s unique situation particularly how long ago the incident transpired, how the offense equates to Canadian law, as well as the party’s reason for visiting.

Alt text: A stack of legal documents required for DUI entry into Canada.

16. Method of Transportation: Driving vs. Flying

The legality of DUI travel to Canada is the exact same regardless of what method of transportation is used, so flying to Canada with a DUI does not officially increase a person’s probability of getting in compared to driving there.

16.1. Passenger Status

Even if a person will not be driving while in Canada, they can still be blocked from entering the country if they have a DWI. This means a passenger in a vehicle can be turned away at the border because they once drove drunk, even if the driver has a clean record.

16.2. Gender and DUI Entry

Entering Canada with a DUI can be equally difficult for American men and women. This is because there is no sex discrimination at the border since both males and females are equally capable of drinking and driving while visiting Canada.

16.3. NEXUS Card Denials

People who are denied a NEXUS card because of a DUI could find that the NEXUS refusal brings their criminal past to the attention of the Canadian border, which could lead to them being denied entry on their next visit.

17. Can You Go to Canada with a DUI?

The most common question our law firm gets asked is: can you get into Canada if you have a DUI? There is no simple answer, however, it all depends on the precise situation.

17.1. Evaluating Each Unique Situation

It is impossible to accurately respond with a yes or no to a generic question such as can you travel to Canada with a DUI, since every situation is unique.

17.2. Obtaining Special Permission

In general, travel to Canada with DUI on your record is possible as long as you have obtained special permission to enter or are not classified as inadmissible.

17.3. The Risk of Border Denial

Since a misdemeanor DUI conviction frequently renders a foreign national inadmissible on grounds of criminality, many Americans that do have a DWI are at risk of getting denied at the border unless approved for Rehabilitation or a Canada entry waiver.

18. The Impact of Other Driving Impaired Offenses

By now you probably know it can be tremendously difficult to enter Canada with DUI convictions, but what about other types of offenses related to driving while drunk or driving with a “buzz”?

18.1. Scope of Intoxicated Operation

Driving under the influence of alcohol (D.U.I.) is the most common acronym used in the USA, but almost any conviction related to intoxicated operation of a motor vehicle can be equated to a serious crime in Canada.

18.2. Potential Inadmissibility

Impaired driving charges that can potentially make someone inadmissible for international travel include OMVI (Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated), OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired), DUIL (Driving Under the Influence of Liquor), DUII (Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicant), OUI (Operating Under the Influence), DUAC (Driving with an Unlawful Alcohol Concentration), DWUI (Driving While Under the Influence), and DUBAL (Driving with an Unlawful Blood Alcohol Level).

18.3. Civil Traffic Violations

Civil traffic violations, such as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired), can also render an American inadmissible to Canada despite being a traffic ticket not a criminal conviction.

18.4. Reduced Charges and Their Implications

Even if a charge for impaired operation is reduced to wet reckless driving, dry reckless driving (no mention of intoxication), dangerous driving, negligent driving, or careless driving, a visitor may still be considered criminally inadmissible according to Canadian law.

19. Acquiring Permission to Visit Canada with a DUI

Americans can obtain permission to enter Canada with a driving under the influence conviction by getting approved for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation (CR).

19.1. Required Supporting Documents

Some of the supporting documents that may be required for a TRP or CR application are multiple letters of recommendation, a drivers abstract, federal and state police records, proof of completion of all sentencing, and a letter written by the individual explaining why they did what they did and how they have changed and no longer pose a risk to society.

19.2. Evidence of Completed Sentencing

Evidence a sentence was fully completed can include a receipt for payment of fines, a certificate for attending a MADD Victim Impact Panel, an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) removal document, or a reference stating you went to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

19.3. Court Documents and Police Records

Anyone hoping to visit Canada with a DUI may also need a document from a local police department stating that there is not an active warrant out for their arrest.

19.4. Reviewing Applicant Backgrounds

When reviewing a request for permission to go to Canada with a DUI, the Canadian consulate may perform a deep background check on the applicant in an effort to find any other crimes they have ever committed.

20. The Assessment Process at the Border

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers can turn away any non-Canadian citizen or permanent resident who wants to visit the nation for a large number of reasons including health problems, financial issues, past criminal convictions, or because they pose a general security risk.

20.1. Case-by-Case Evaluations

Immigration officials determine the admissibility of travelers seeking to enter Canada on a case-by-case basis.

20.2. The Impact of Past Successes

Each visitor is assessed by border agents on each visit, so even if you have successfully traveled to Canada with DUI convictions in the past there is no guarantee you will be admitted in the future.

20.3. The Effect of Incomplete Applications

When attempting to travel to Canada with a DUI conviction, an incomplete IRCC application form, lack of supporting documents, or the officer’s personal opinion or gut instinct can all have a sizable impact on the final outcome.

20.4. Reason for Coming to Canada

A person’s reason for coming to Canada can also play a decisive role.

21. Business Travel to Canada with a DUI

Going to Canada with a DUI for work purposes can be easy if a person plans ahead and obtains Rehab or is issued an entry permit in advance of travel.

21.1. DUI and Business Travel

Unfortunately, many American citizens and residents do not realize that a DWI can result in Canada denying them entry until they are stopped by CBSA.

21.2. Applying for a TRP at the Border

If you are criminally inadmissible because of a drunk driving incident but you only learn about the Canada DUI entry laws shortly before a business trip, you may need to decide between canceling your travel plans and applying for a TRP at the border.

21.3. The Risk Factor

The second option is potentially a risky maneuver, even if entering Canada for work.

21.4. Details for a TRP Application

When it comes to crossing into Canada with a DWI, a foreigner’s TRP application should contain details of what lead to the initial arrest and why entering Canada is important for them.

22. DUI Entry Canada with Multiple Convictions

You can go to Canada if you have a DUI conviction by acquiring a Temporary Resident Permit entry waiver or becoming rehabilitated through an appropriate government office or border station.

22.1. TRP and Criminal Rehabilitation Applications

If a person has several DUIs, however, applying for a TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation may be onerous.

22.2. Impact of a Second Offense

For people wondering how to enter Canada from USA with a DUI, it is imperative to recognize that a second offense often makes it much more difficult to be approved since it will be harder to convince officials that you have reformed if you have made the mistake or poor choice to drink and drive more than once.

22.3. Government Restrictions

Since restrictions on entry to Canada can prohibit foreign nationals from crossing the Canadian border with a criminal record unless sanctioned by the Government, some Americans simply avoid international travel to their northern neighbor if they have multiple DUIs.

23. Success Rates for Traveling to Canada with a DUI

No immigration lawyer should ever speculate on the exact percent chance someone has of successfully entering Canada with a DUI conviction or guarantee a client will get approved for a TRP or Rehabilitation.

23.1. Reputable Advice

Doing so would not be reputable, because a lawyer can only estimate the strength of an application but will never know for sure if it Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or CBSA authorities will approve it.

23.2. Every Case is Unique

Each and every case is unique, and past results are not necessarily indicative of future results.

23.3. The Final Outcome

When attempting to travel to Canada with a DUI conviction, an incomplete IRCC application form, lack of supporting documents, or the officer’s personal opinion or gut instinct can all have a sizable impact on the final outcome.

23.4. Canadian Entry with DUI

Canadian entry with DUI is often required by people whose occupation sometimes demands they travel north of the border.

24. Evaluating the Chances of Entering Canada with a DUI

When evaluating whether or not to bother applying for a TRP, many people ask themselves: what are my chances of entering Canada with a DUI?

24.1. Stress-Free Route

If you wish to secure admittance before attempting to cross the border, the lowest stress route is applying for entry permission from the Canadian Government in advance of travel via a Temporary Resident Permit or Criminal Rehab.

24.2. Immigration Assistance

Some Americans attain legal help from a licensed practitioner when applying for DUI Canada entry.

24.3. Translation Challenges

At the end of the day, determining how a crime committed in the United States translates to the Criminal Code of Canada can be extremely challenging.

24.4. The Canadian Border

As a result, a person with pending charges for an offense that could be considered indictable north of the border could be barred from entering Canada even in the absence of a conviction.

25. Legal Assistance in Entering Canada

If you wish to travel to Canada with DUI charges or convictions in your past, you have the option to hire an immigration attorney to assist you.

25.1. The Benefits of Legal Counsel

An experienced admissibility lawyer can help Americans go to Canada with a DUI misdemeanor by helping them try to procure a Temporary Resident Permit or Rehabilitation.

25.2. Business Purpose

For others, however, the inability to fly to Canada for business purposes because of a DUI allegation or conviction can jeopardize their employment.

25.3. Law Abiding Citizen

In such cases, a person will often request special permission to cross the Canadian border with a DUI which involves showing they are a law-abiding citizen who will never drive after drinking alcohol again.

Alt text: An immigration lawyer assisting a client with paperwork for DUI entry into Canada.

26. Location of Travel Within Canada

Successfully entering Canada with DUI charges does not necessarily depend on where in Canada you plan to visit or what your First Port of Arrival (FPOA) will be.

26.1. Immigration Laws

Since the admissibility of someone from the United States of America attempting to enter Canada is determined by Canada’s federal criminal and immigration laws, it does not matter which province an individual intends to visit.

26.2. Licensed Attorney

If you plan to use an experienced attorney to assist you in entering the country with a DWI, you may be happy to know that we have provided our services and legal advice to hundreds of Americans interested in entering Canada with a DUI.

26.3. Travel Regardless of Planned Destination

This means the CanadaDUIEntryLaw.com team and our Canada immigration lawyer can help you with DUI travel to Canada regardless of your planned destination.

26.4. Get Real Answers

Sitting there reading this wondering: can I enter Canada with a DUI? We encourage you to call us today to get real answers to your questions thanks to our free 1 on 1 consultations. Our goal is to help make traveling to Canada with DUI as easy as possible for our clients!

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FAQ: Traveling to Canada with a DUI

1. Can I enter Canada with a DUI from 15 years ago?

   Even if your DUI is old, it can still cause issues at the border. You may need to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation or a Temporary Resident Permit.

2. What documents do I need to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation?

   You’ll need proof of completed sentencing, letters of reference, and a personal statement. Check the IRCC website for a full list.

3. How long does it take to get a Temporary Resident Permit?

   TRP processing times vary, often taking several months. Apply well in advance of your trip.

4. If my DUI charge was dismissed, can I enter Canada without issue?

   You should carry documentation of the dismissal. However, it’s advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer.

5. Can I enter Canada if I have a medical marijuana card and a DUI for marijuana impairment?

   Even with a medical marijuana card, a DUI for marijuana impairment can cause inadmissibility.

6. Does it matter if I am driving or flying into Canada with a DUI?

   No, the method of transportation doesn’t affect your admissibility.

7. If I am traveling with others, will they know I have a DUI?

   If you obtain a TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation in advance, it’s less likely they’ll find out at the border.

8. What happens if I am denied entry to Canada due to a DUI?

   Do not attempt to enter again until you have addressed your inadmissibility. Consult with an immigration lawyer.

9. Can a lawyer guarantee I will be allowed into Canada with a DUI?

   No, a lawyer can’t guarantee entry, but they can help you prepare the strongest possible application.

10. Is a wet reckless driving conviction considered the same as a DUI in Canada?

    Yes, a wet reckless driving conviction is typically considered the same as a DUI in Canada.