Travel through Canada with prior DUI's (Fairbanks: house, transfer, moving)

[aurorawatcher]

They are dropped after 10 yrs. But sometimes you will show up in the system for it long after that.

[Alaskagrl]

Yes--DUI's --they still are on your criminal history in the network system, even if they're off your driving record, and Canadian officials have access to nationwide criminal history network. They don't have time to do it with everyone of course, but if any flag pops up on the prelim check, they'll give you a more thorough look and, like God, judge if you are the type of person they'll condescend to allow into their country.

Heheh, I sound a little sour--nothing against Canada but some of their laws defy explanation when some OTHER Canadian laws/policies are lax in the extreme. But--I must say, about the DUI's--I did it to myself, as does anyone else who gets 'em...I guess after 10 years without so much as a parking ticket, however, I'd hope the Canadians would realize I'm not coming to shoot up the place...but oh well.

[aurorawatcher]

We have dumb laws also. And it is a chance you take. I know of people who have had DUI's and still are able to drive across the border. It depends if you come up.
But like people have said just fly to the lower 48.

[akck]

Originally Posted by Alaskagrl

Yes--DUI's --they still are on your criminal history in the network system, even if they're off your driving record, and Canadian officials have access to nationwide criminal history network. They don't have time to do it with everyone of course, but if any flag pops up on the prelim check, they'll give you a more thorough look and, like God, judge if you are the type of person they'll condescend to allow into their country.

Heheh, I sound a little sour--nothing against Canada but some of their laws defy explanation when some OTHER Canadian laws/policies are lax in the extreme. But--I must say, about the DUI's--I did it to myself, as does anyone else who gets 'em...I guess after 10 years without so much as a parking ticket, however, I'd hope the Canadians would realize I'm not coming to shoot up the place...but oh well.

Here is some info. If 10 years have passed since the conviction and any probation period and you had only one conviction, you should be deemed rehabilitated ans not have to fill out any forms or pay any fees. Here are the links:

Rehabilitation For Persons Who Are Inadmissible to Canada Because of Past Criminal Activity (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5312E4.asp - broken link)

Overcoming criminal inadmissibility (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/conviction.asp#deemed - broken link)

Deemed rehabilitation

You may be deemed rehabilitated if you meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Depending on the nature of your offence, at least five years and as many as 10 years must have passed since you completed the sentence imposed for your crime. Deemed rehabilitation also depends on whether you have committed one or more offences. In all cases, you may only be deemed rehabilitated if the offence committed would be punishable in Canada by a maximum term of imprisonment of less than 10 years.

You are not required to submit an application to be deemed rehabilitated. However, before arriving at a port of entry, we strongly advise you to contact a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate outside Canada to see if you qualify.

It basically says you should be allowed through, but should check your status first to see if you qualify. Of course if you get a nasty border agent or one who is having a bad day, they can still deny entry. What ever you do, don't lie, especially if you're crossing the border again.

[Alaskagrl]

Thanks for the info, akck! I might have to look into it; it would be nice to have the freedom to drive in Canada again, if I go traveling out of here sometime soon.

[aurorawatcher]

As of Janurary sometime you will need a passport to cross into Canada. As part of our National ID program from HLSD.

[akck]

Originally Posted by Alaskagrl

Thanks for the info, akck! I might have to look into it; it would be nice to have the freedom to drive in Canada again, if I go traveling out of here sometime soon.

You're welcome. Unfortunately, if you want to drive to/from SE AK to the rest of the state, the only real option is to go through Canada. The Juneau/Whittier ferry is expensive and doesn't run often enough.

[akvarmit]

There is a ferry that runs from Bellingham to Whittier but I don't think it runs all year. Check the Ferry schedule. You will bypass Canada using this route.

[Barbsm]

Thank you for your help. I will try the Border crossing servises and see what they say. I'm still confused about the Ferry. Does it not leave say Haines in AK.and end up in Bellingham WA? Looking at there site does not explain everything. Thank you all again.

[Captain Crunch]

Originally Posted by Barbsm

Does it not leave say Haines in AK.and end up in Bellingham WA?

Sure does.....but between Anchorage and Haines you drive through Canada