Canadian Border Crossing (Anchorage, Ketchikan: transporting, crime, home) - Alaska (AK) - City-Data Forum

raemarti · 02-14-2012, 03:28 PM

Hello, Some really great information on this forum. I am wanting to eventually leave Alaska and go back to my home state of Idaho after 35 years, to be with family. "The time has come," the walrus said. I usually fly out on vacation but I have driven the Alcan about 4-5 times through these years, always with my husband or a driving partner. This summer I want to drive my convertible out in the spring and then have my household items shipped out in the fall, probably on the ferry. Would love to take that trip out on the boat. I have a truck to take out too, be it on the ferry or drive out. My question, I am now retired and divorced in my late 50's. In the early years, I got a DWI(DUI) at age 22 in Anchorage. This is the only trouble I have ever been in. I read on the Border Crossing website that they do not deny crossing into Canada for a single DUI, only if it is multiple DUI's or infractions. Multiple DUI's will require a waiver before entry, if at all. I will definitely send for a waiver for my single incident just to be sure I can cross the border as the main driver
with no problem. Has anyone had a similar experience regarding this at the Canadian border? I can always take a 2nd driver with me also. But preparing just in case not. I have had a valid Passport for 20 years. Thank you for all your good knowledge here!

tidelines · 02-14-2012, 04:26 PM

I don't know what Canada allows as far as number of DUIs, but my nephew had only one and was denied entry. I don't know if there's a time limit on their ban, but I have heard you can apply for a waiver. I undersand it's a bit spendy to pursue and there's no guarantee they'll grant it, but sounds like you have time to find out and get the process underway.

tablemtn · 02-14-2012, 04:38 PM

The waiver isn't that difficult to obtain as long as you apply long enough ahead of time. However, it might increase the chances of your vehicle being pulled over for secondary inspection. So, if you are transporting items like firearms or ammunition, you'd want to make sure everything is declared and all your paperwork is in order.

raemarti · 02-14-2012, 09:20 PM

Thanks Everyone for responding,

Reading(CANADA) on the current(2/2012) Canadian Border Security Agency site (CBSA), it indicates that 'If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada'. But that you must carry proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate. It shows this verbatim under 'Non-Canadians' on the website. Even though, I will take my passport with me.

Safety and Security - Admissibility

It(CANADA) also indicates on the Canadian Border Security Agency site (CBSA) under 'Why some people cannot enter or remain in Canada'. (Just below Non-Canadians header) 'Serious Criminality' "There are reasonable grounds to believe they have, committed a crime punishable by a maximum of 10 years of incarceration." It does not show anything regarding DUI or lesser offences.

Will re-read the U.S. Customs and Border Site again, which does have waiver info and the amount to waiver as well. But that is someone coming into the U.S. Will re-read.

I wonder why Canada does not show waiver information on their website?? At least in this area of the website? I will re-read the entire website again.

Tidelines, how long ago was your nephew denied entry into Canada?

stiffnecked · 02-14-2012, 09:50 PM

Start here. It takes a while to find the info you're looking for. It's not called a "waiver".

Frequently asked questions: Overcoming criminal inadmissibility (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/faq-inadmissibility.asp - broken link)

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/conviction.asp (broken link)

raemarti · 02-14-2012, 11:19 PM

Thank you Stiffnecked. Didn't think to look on the Citizenship and Immigration page. I don't really want to live there, just quietly pass through. Thought I might stay a night in Kelowna, British Columbia. Spent several summers there with my family as a kid. Beautiful. Canada was always a fun place! Not so much anymore.

stiffnecked · 02-14-2012, 11:28 PM

You still have to go through the "rehabilitaion" process just to drive through. You could always take a chance and hope they don't check. I probably wouldn't take that chance....

tidelines · 02-15-2012, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raemarti

...Tidelines, how long ago was your nephew denied entry into Canada?

Within the last couple of years.

tidelines · 02-15-2012, 10:14 AM

I've driven through many, many times since the 70s. In the 90's I did it with truckloads of misc, same with the past ten years. thought I've appeared to be related to the Clampetts on numerous occasions, I've never been detained or searched, pehaps due to the EMS designation in my window. I wouldn't suggest that for ease of passage unless one is truly certified. I hadn't really considered it until recently, when my pickup load was blue-tarped and duct-taped and the border folks waved me through within seconds of approaching my driver's window, yet began inspection on a new SUV alongside me. I've always been given the wave-through for some reason.

stiffnecked · 02-15-2012, 10:45 AM

I've been searched, held, detained, and felt like I'd had a prostrate exam. Sometimes for only 15 minutes, the longest 2 1/2 hours. Yet they always let me through. I never knew the NRA sticker on my back window was a "trigger" until one of the border guys in Prince Rupert told me. Over the years I've seen lots of people denied entry. It really sucks when you're going from Ketchikan to Prince Rupert.