Has anyone gone into Canada with a DUI recently?

[bigev007]

It isn't just a one way thing, I know several Canadians who were denied entry to the US because of a DUI.

[hipster.]

It isn't just a one way thing, I know several Canadians who were denied entry to the US because of a DUI.

Must be a lot harder to ride a moose when you're pissed.

[David802]

Lol, and what "legal grounds" do you have to be allowed into our country? The border guards can ask whatever the hell they want, and rightly so. If it's a problem there is always the option to stay in the US. Your amendments and constitutions or whatever don't mean squat once you are over that line.

But we are all knowing and all powerful here in murica....

[/sarcasm]

[FBMphil]

Secondhand experience with a coworker and a parent who've been told they cannot cross without going through the designated CBSA bureaucratic process to reobtain eligibility. Coming from someone that works extensively with the customs sector, there's not really a workaround other than the option they give you.

My firsthand experience comes from having a passenger with a record in my vehicle during a crossing that had previously made it over the border with nary a snag--even with two DUIs.

One crossing went differently. After crossing the Ambassador en route to Toronto, the CBSA agent directed the both of us to the border station on the southerly side of the Windsor crossing. The two vehicles ahead of me were also flagged, so I'm assuming she was just having a bad day, meeting a quote, etc. After a short wait, I was told to come back another time. My friend was subjected to questioning by a CBSA agent and told that he will be spending time in foreign jail if he attempts to cross again. We were then escorted back to the vehicle by an armed officer and were summarily greeted by a perplexed U.S. border agent who didn't quite understand why I told him "we were in Canada for 20 minutes."

[vdubman1]

I'd say you crossed the bridge over to the city of Niagara Falls. Toronto is a different city that is almost 80 miles away.

You would be correct, the Rainbow Bridge takes you pretty much right into downtown Niagara Falls Ontario.

I wish there was a bridge from Buffalo to Toronto! I can get to Buffalo in about 30 minutes from my house, but even though I can SEE Toronto across the lake from my house... it usually takes at least 1.5 hours to get downtown from here.

[roadtripper]

wow - i am fascinated by this topic. i have witnessed countless crossings firsthand of a person with a dui. ranging from just two people in the car on business, to two couples on vacation, to a large group of dudes for a bachelor party (mine; montreal). on one occasion, there were two in the car. it never came up once; he gave his license/passport, and they waved him right through each time. i can't even recall any but the most mundane questions (any drugs, contraband, etc, where you going, etc).

this was over a range of about 10-15 years ago. has this all changed in the last decade, or was this dude's numerous leisurely and uneventful crossings just an incredible streak of luck?

[Glumrug]

I think the only real difference is in the past they asked you if you had been convicted of any crimes, but they didn't have the ability to instantly and effortlessly check. Now they can, so if they ask about it, they likely already know.

[nm+]

wow - i am fascinated by this topic. i have witnessed countless crossings firsthand of a person with a dui. ranging from just two people in the car on business, to two couples on vacation, to a large group of dudes for a bachelor party (mine; montreal). on one occasion, there were two in the car. it never came up once; he gave his license/passport, and they waved him right through each time. i can't even recall any but the most mundane questions (any drugs, contraband, etc, where you going, etc).

this was over a range of about 10-15 years ago. has this all changed in the last decade, or was this dude's numerous leisurely and uneventful crossings just an incredible streak of luck?

Computerized databases are much better now.

[03GTI4Me]

It isn't just a one way thing, I know several Canadians who were denied entry to the US because of a DUI.

This is incorrect.

I can tell you from first hand experience that a DUI alone is not enough for Customs and Border Protection to refuse a Canadian entry into the United States.

If your friends were indeed denied entry, they have something more than just a DUI on their record (If it was just their record they were denied entry for).

[chrismkay3]

So, two things...

1) Canada wont allow "felons" with DUI's into their country, but they'll turn a mostly blind eye to pounds and pounds of weed leaving their country for the US.

once you learn that all CBSA gives a crap about is taxation of things coming into the country, you`d know why they don`t care about what`s leaving the country. all they care is that they get their money.

i`m actually happy to travel to the US because the border guards are so friendly. canadian border guards are universally pricks. i have had more trouble getting home than i have leaving!

[HerrGolf]

This is incorrect.

I can tell you from first hand experience that a DUI alone is not enough for Customs and Border Protection to refuse a Canadian entry into the United States.

If your friends were indeed denied entry, they have something more than just a DUI on their record (If it was just their record they were denied entry for).

That's not entirely true. My partner was denied entry into Canada for a study abroad program and has nothing else besides a DUI charge, not conviction, on his criminal record. So, yeah, even charges will be taken into consideration.

I am told, though, that you can submit an application for entry with a criminal record and possibly have a chance at getting in. It just needs to be addressed beforehand. Anyone else know anything about this latter aspect?

[03GTI4Me]

That's not entirely true. My partner was denied entry into Canada for a study abroad program and has nothing else besides a DUI charge, not conviction, on his criminal record. So, yeah, even charges will be taken into consideration.

I am told, though, that you can submit an application for entry with a criminal record and possibly have a chance at getting in. It just needs to be addressed beforehand. Anyone else know anything about this latter aspect?

When it comes to DUI convictions only:

The Canadians will refuse a US Citizen entry into Canada for a DUI conviction.

The U.S. will not refuse a Canadian Citizen entry into the US for a DUI conviction.

Re-read my post.

[HerrGolf]

When it comes to DUI convictions only:

The Canadians will refuse a US Citizen entry into Canada for a DUI conviction.

The U.S. will not refuse a Canadian Citizen entry into the US for a DUI conviction.

Re-read my post.

Oh... gotcha.

As for how to get into Canada as a U.S. citizen with a DUI, here's the application process:

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca...iew=d#Approval

[nm+]

When it comes to DUI convictions only:

The Canadians will refuse a US Citizen entry into Canada for a DUI conviction.

The U.S. will not refuse a Canadian Citizen entry into the US for a DUI conviction.

Re-read my post.

Yeah, that is generally true. However, someone with an alcohol or substance abuse problem (multiple DUIs, for example), might be denied entry, but it is much more flexible than Canada.

[Village Idiot™]

I think that's a profit margin thing mostly. Maybe it's to avoid stomach pumping, who knows.



I could do it. I might puke on the way to pick up the other 6 but i'm sure I could do it.

That's only about equal to 64 Molsons.

[WakusPakus]

dui's are why i once slept it off in front of the car...head on crub.

better than not being allowed in to Canadia...eh.

[Double-V]

once you learn that all CBSA gives a crap about is taxation of things coming into the country, you`d know why they don`t care about what`s leaving the country. all they care is that they get their money.

i`m actually happy to travel to the US because the border guards are so friendly. canadian border guards are universally pricks. i have had more trouble getting home than i have leaving!

This. Canadian border guards are generally absolute a-holes to deal with.

[karl_1052]

[QUOTE=hipster.;79179207]So, two things...

1) Canada wont allow "felons" with DUI's into their country, but they'll turn a mostly blind eye to pounds and pounds of weed leaving their country for the US.
[QUOTE]

Our economy is built upon the exportation model.

[mhjett]

That's not entirely true. My partner was denied entry into Canada for a study abroad program and has nothing else besides a DUI charge, not conviction, on his criminal record. So, yeah, even charges will be taken into consideration.

I am told, though, that you can submit an application for entry with a criminal record and possibly have a chance at getting in. It just needs to be addressed beforehand. Anyone else know anything about this latter aspect?

The thing is, there are certain known policies (like Canada prohibiting entry to those with DUI convictions) but bottom line, countries with their sovereignty can pretty much deny entry to anyone for any reason if they want. There's not a whole lot you can do to fight it.

This. Canadian border guards are generally absolute a-holes to deal with.

I can attest to this. I tried driving into Saskatchewan at North Portal and was detained for about an hour and a half. Granted, I was driving my brother's car up there full of his stuff and going to leave it there and fly home (my brother was moving up there but flying separately) and had no documentation for the stuff and the car was in his name. So OK, maybe just a little suspicious and I was partly to blame... I had this short woman with an apparent Napolean complex interrogating me, but at least she was halfway cute. And to be fair, she was firm but polite.

[Oliver@triplezoom]

This. Canadian border guards are generally absolute a-holes to deal with.

That hasn't been my experience at all and I travel to the US and back 3-4 times a year.

[mhjett]

That hasn't been my experience at all and I travel to the US and back 3-4 times a year.

You are a Canadian.

[karl_1052]

That hasn't been my experience at all and I travel to the US and back 3-4 times a year.

I find the canadian border guards are usually harsher than the US guards.

[abacorrado]

A little off topic but do U.S. border agents stamp or scan your passport when returning to the U.S., by vehicle, if you are a U.S. citizen. Specifically Windsor to Detroit.

[too_slow]

I drive down to WA to pick up crap all the time for the last 8 years. I have yet to meet a prick @ the US customs, but I always end up with a prick 2/5 coming back to Canada. I have never lied about the value of goods I am bringing, but they seem to have a holier than thou attitude. For what it's worth, I try to be extra polite to them (i.e. I would say 'Good afternoon officer..')

They've let me crossed without having to pay taxes just by being polite.

[Cousin Eddie]

Why does this retarded U.S. vs. Canada border guards thing keep going back and forth?

If you're an American, entry to your homeland is easier. Canadians, easier coming to Canada. So each country's guards seem opposite depends where you're from, pretty simple.

[hipster.]

Why does this retarded U.S. vs. Canada border guards thing keep going back and forth?

If you're an American, entry to your homeland is easier. Canadians, easier coming to Canada. So each country's guards seem opposite depends where you're from, pretty simple.

I'm still confused why anyone would WANT to go to Canada.

If I'm going to visit one of USA's J.O.-buddies, it's going to be Mexico.

[too_slow]

I'm still confused why anyone would WANT to go to Canada.

If I'm going to visit one of USA's J.O.-buddies, it's going to be Mexico.

We have "real" fruits, dairy, and meat. You don't have to worry about your life if you cut-off someone by accident. You pay more for your gas, but when it says zero ethanol, it really means zero ethanol. Our highways are much better paved; we use real asphalt, not some cheap crushed rocks. (Best example would be the US I5 vs the Hwy #1)

By the way, PF Chang has the s*ittiest food I have ever tested. Wolfgang Puck sauces are a joke as well. That is all...

(/end over generalizing comments..)

[hipster.]

We have "real" fruits, dairy, and meat. You don't have to worry about your life if you cut-off someone by accident. You pay more for your gas, but when it says zero ethanol, it really means zero ethanol. Our highways are much better paved; we use real asphalt, not some cheap crushed rocks. (Best example would be the US I5 vs the Hwy #1)

By the way, PF Chang has the s*ittiest food I have ever tested. Wolfgang Puck sauces are a joke as well. That is all...

(/end over generalizing comments..)

They have Wolfgang Puck and PF Chang in Mexico?

Do you know what Mexico has that you don't have in Canada? That's right, donkey shows.

Maybe if you guys start advertising Moose Shows up there, maybe then ill make the trek to your bland country.

[too_slow]

They have Wolfgang Puck and PF Chang in Mexico?

Do you know what Mexico has that you don't have in Canada? That's right, donkey shows.

Maybe if you guys start advertising Moose Shows up there, maybe then ill make the trek to your bland country.

?? I know that they have Coke that's made with cane sugar, and not corn syrup! It is bland if you only like going out at night (no night life here in Vancouver), but that's not really my thing anyways.
I've only been to the fancy touristy areas Maya Riviera (Cancun) but not the city, so my view is slightly biased. Oh, they also have very s*itty roads in Mexico.. LOL And the VW Diesel van that transported me from the airport to the resort was not comfy at all.

[Mtl-Marc]

I'm still confused why anyone would WANT to go to Canada.

Because milk.



And our prime minister does not bow to kings.

[sandiegan]

Our highways are much better paved;

You, sir, have never crossed the line from Vermont into Quebec

[Mtl-Marc]

You, sir, have never crossed the line from Vermont into Quebec

[too_slow]

You, sir, have never crossed the line from Vermont into Quebec

Quebec's not really part of Canada anyways..

[Mike!]

A little off topic but do U.S. border agents stamp or scan your passport when returning to the U.S., by vehicle, if you are a U.S. citizen. Specifically Windsor to Detroit.

Passports are typically scanned at all border crossings. Stamps are for when a Visa of some sort is being issued, and usually the expiry is noted in or next to the stamp. US citizens don't need a visa for visiting Canada, and vice-versa, so normal travel won't result in a stamp for either direction.

My US passport was stamped by Canada and had my Study Permit stapled to that page when I officially 'landed' in Canada as a student. The same happened when my Study Permit was renewed. It's never been stamped any other time.

[abacorrado]

OK how about only Windsor to Detroit by car, anyone with recent experience, was passport scanned, or just visually checked, or just allowed to drive thru?