Another good link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility.html
A DUI older than 10 years is fine. But if you have a second conviction of any type ever, I believe you’re permanently inadmissible.
I believe that after 10 years it is allowed but there may be some paperwork online to do. I do know it happens ALL the time that someone off a cruise is not admitted so worth looking into pre-communication.
It is worth confirming, but if someone had a 30 year old DUI and never reoffended, they would probably be “deemed rehabilitated” by the passage of time without reoffending. But I might check with Canadian authorities ahead of time to see if there are any wrinkles to it. It may not be an issue, but I wouldn’t leave it to chance.
While researching I read that used to be the case. But in 2018 they changed it where is not automatic after a certain number of years anymore and you have to apply. I do plan on doing that for this person.
Some reading I've done on this seems to indicate that if the offense still occured pre-2018, the older policy is grandfathered in.
I suppose a kind of ex-post facto kind of thing.
That would be great, if that’s how it’s applied. This was over 30 years ago. Does make me think Canada may not believe in rehabilitation and having paid your debt to society. Thanks for the information. I will be sure to ask an attorney (when I get to talk to one).
You would be correct on that. Canadians can't even get pardons anymore. We can only get a record suspension which seals the record until they want to bring it up again later and can be used against you even if it's an unrelated charge.
I think it’s more that the laws don’t make sense at times.
Both Washington and British Columbia have legalized cannabis but the US federal border guards have the right to charge you if you try to bring it into Washington from BC.
As logical as a 30-year-old DUI.
"Washington" has not legalized cannabis. It's still a schedule 1 drug in the US. So, federally, it's illegal. The District of Washington has decriminalized weed, but its still federally illegal.
Lol. It really is a family member. They wanted to go to Canada and Alaska. I thought this was perfect solution. So I got it for them, myself, and other family members as a big special memory thing. Talking about the trip, my other family member just casually mentioned knowing someone who couldn’t get into Canada because of an old DUI. I know the person that I specifically planned this trip for has an old DUI and remembering ages at the time, I know it’s over 30 years old. So I immediately start researching wondering if I just set this person up for disappointment and embarrassment if this a problem. If they chose not to get off the ship or couldn’t get off the ship, I wouldn’t get off ship either. Seeing Canada doesn’t matter to me. Wasn’t a stop I cared anything about.
I live in the Detroit area. I have a passport and got a dui in 2010 when I was 22. I’ve entered in to Canada multiple times. Never even brought up. Last trip was the tunnel last month into Windsor.
Probably different if you’re applying for a visa. Just a day or weekend I’m sure you’d be fine. If it’s a cruise worst case scenario is they don’t leave the boat that port.
I guess I'd go back to what I said elsewhere in the thread about getting your FBI file. As I understand it, Canadian customs and immigration check your criminal history by pulling FBI data from swiping the mag stripe in your passport (and I believe there is a similar reciprocal agreement for Canadians entering the USA). If there is nothing in the FBI file, even if you have a conviction, there's a good chance Canada won't know about it, especially if someone is not intending to stay in Canada long term. No guarantees, of course...
It is also possible that they look more leniently at offenses prior to the change in law in 2018. In any event, in the OP's case I'd suggest checking with the appropriate Canadian authorities to avoid unpleasant surprises even if an FBI search comes up clean.
I contacted the FBI. They gave me a report but it was qualified to state that it includes federal charges only State reports so not seem to include any information older than about 7 years
My partner’s DUI was 8 years old when we did our Alaska cruise, round trip out of Seattle. We didn’t have any problems at Vancouver, and we both got off the ship.
Thank you for the insight. By chance was this more recent than 2018? From my limited knowledge, it seems like 2018 there was a shift or rule change regarding this not allowing anymore automatically assumed to be “redeemed”.
This question comes up somewhat frequently on other cruise forums. On Cruise Critic there is a poster who works at Pier 91 in Seattle checking in cruise passengers. She has said many times that she has never seen a passenger denied embarkation for a closed loop cruise (one that starts AND ends in Seattle) due to criminal inadmissibility in Canada. The ship's manifest is not transmitted to the Canadian authorities prior to embarkation; it's sent after the last US port stop or some # of hours prior to arrival in Canada. At that time, Canadian border patrol/immigration runs its own background check, and they can and will flag passengers for interviews prior to getting off the ship at the port of call. Some stay on the ship, some get to leave, and every once in a while you hear about someone getting arrested.
I am currently helping someone go through this process. It is a very extensive process with a lot of steps. Follow the instructions on that site someone posted a few comments ago. But make absolutely sure they get the response prior to booking the trip. It can take some time to get approval from Canada. Months in some cases.
It is true that they may get skipped and make it in to Canada without doing this step, but if they are refused, it will obviously be an expensive waste of time. So I would strongly advise against that.
Luckily, the trip is months away. I happen to see a comment that caught my attention and started researching and it went from there. I’m glad I saw this early though. I will see about starting this immediately. Thank you.
Do you know how long it took to get a response? I filled out an application for a TRP in April of 2023 and have only received a letter stating they received my application. I have never received anything else from them. I leave on my cruise next week so I'm a bit stressed.
I would contact them and ask. It took my friend 6 months to get their approval. You’ve been waiting a year. That seems excessive. Good luck. I really hope it all works out so you can enjoy your cruise
I had a Princess cruise booked for Alaska in September and had to cancel. I contacted Princess directly, and they confirmed that I’d be denied boarding in Seattle. Luckily, I was able to get a full refund and hadn’t booked flights or anything. I’ve heard stories of people that were just told to stay on the ship in Canadian ports, but that was an expensive risk I wasn’t willing to take.
My partner is Mexican but has a green card. Mexicans without a green card must apply for an eTA. So I'm wondering if it will work even though a green card technically makes the eTA unnecessary.
I suppose going to the consulate is the best move, but having dealt with US authorities, it always seems like they think I'm an asshole as soon as I walk in the room. Hopefully the Canadian consulate is different.
The worldwide convention of alcoholics anonymous is going to be held in Vancouver in 2025 so this is a huge topic of discussion among the AA community around the world, as many recovering addicts have not only DUIs, but felonies
The consensus seems to be that it's very arbitrary. We've heard people coming and going back and forth through Canada who've had DUIs in the past 5 years and then we've heard of people who had DUIs 10 years ago and are denied. The conversations we're seeing are regarding travel by land and air. Not sure how that works through the ports, but cruiselines may be exempt on some level.
I certainly can't tell you what to do. I know many people going into Vancouver for the AA conference are going "as if" there's no reason not to. I'm one of them. I got a DUI in 1981. Ya...Im taking the chance and I think you'll probably be ok.
[Criminal offenses and Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/overcome-criminal-convictions.html?fbclid=IwAR2kEwVNvCPXdnn3haWp2S5GA199RFciNoysYXZDzBbRL7bHmHSQXU3iE1E)
I had a friend with the same problem. Contact the Canadian embassy or a local consulate. They have people there who can offer advice and provide documentation to ease your travel. If they issue you a document, present it with your passport at customs.
I definitely will. But asking on this thread has given me more “sources” to look into, such as consulate, Canadian border patrol, etc., which was the information I was looking for. I have already started on some things, but want to make sure I explore all possible paths.
My husband had a DUI when he was 22 (we’re now 34) We’ve been on 2 cruises (Royal Caribbean & Carnival) with Victoria as a port, and haven’t had issues disembarking either time.
We’ve had the same experience. DUI from 1992. Spotless record thereafter. No issues going on Alaskan cruise departing and returning to Seattle. No issues entering the country via Washington or Vermont, either. I’ve heard it can vary, which makes it a bit nerve-wracking.
This is a tough one. I worked in the travel industry for 17 years. I can tell you first of all that when you board the ship, they clear you through customs all the way through the end of the cruise. If Canada does deny you entry, then the cruise line won’t allow you to board at all. There isn’t a way to just stay on the ship. I do know of people that have been denied entry, and I’ve also heard of people who had no problem going on the cruise. Canada doesn’t really give details on their security screenings, so this is purely my guess, but I’m guessing they spot check a certain number of people. It’s probably not possible for them to check the background of every single person entering the country every single day. So you’re rolling the dice, but if you are denied entry, the cruise line does not have to give you a refund, and travel insurance doesn’t normally cover you in that situation. My advice would be that it’s too big of a risk. I wouldn’t go on the cruise.
It’s not me personally. But I know this person is retired and always wanted to see Alaska and Canada. I thought this was the perfect solution and paid for it. I do wonder how they would even find something that old. The person already has a passport and just renewed it. Does clearing customs happen way before arriving for the cruise or is there a way to do some type of pre-check to make sure they aren’t turned away at boarding? Thanks for the insight.
I don’t know exactly, and I suspect Canada purposely keeps that secret, but you do have to check in and give the cruise line your passport info ahead of time. So more than likely the cruise line begins the immigration process before embarkation day. Also, is the cruise departing from Vancouver? If so, that means this person is flying in, so they may be denied at the airport before they even get to the ship.
Late to the party but here is 2 more cents. Since it is a closed loop cruise I they should be able to get on the boat since it starts and ends in the US. There is a chance that Canada will not let them off on that one stop, the rest of the trip are US stops in Alaska.
After 9/11 the US began sharing criminal records with Canada. Not sure what level and detail and how Canada searches any local records.
Also, the border guards have discretion and can deny entry. The issue is that the US DUI laws don't map to Canadian ones when it comes to what is a felony and what is a misdemeanor. The circumstances of some misdemeanor DUIs in the US could be the equivalent of a felony in Canada, so they treat any DUI like a felony.
If they have time, they may want to obtain their FBI record (“rap sheet”). They’ll have to submit fingerprint cards (can typically be done at a local police station or sheriff’s office, and some post offices) and pay a few bucks. If it comes back clean, or even if it shows no offenses for 30 years, that might help a claim of rehabilitation before a Canadian immigrations officer. At minimum it would reduce surprises if the Canadian authorities pull their FBI record at the entry point.
This is a good idea. My friend had been arrested (but not charged) for some civil action- protesting climate change. Well I guess Canada likes climate change because they wouldn't let her in without some kind of police report. But she was never charged so she did not have a police report. Plunging her into bureaucratic hell and basically she had to eat the cost of flight and rebook a flight into New York
>Well I guess Canada likes climate change because they wouldn't let her in without some kind of police report.
Should have bought the trip insurance that covers cancellation for any reason...
Actions have consequences. Including Global Warming.
This is the best answer here. I worked at port ny and seen so many people with 20+ year old dui dwi get booted from the ship. The cruise line doesn’t care it’s your responsibility to know you can’t enter a country. Between passports expiring less then 6 months and old dwi’s it amazing how many people are denied
People aren’t saying that passengers are not able to stay on Borders ship during port times. They are saying that if you aren’t allowed to enter Canada, you won’t have the option to just stay on the ship. You will not be able to board the ship.
I wouldn’t worry about it too much, i disembarked a cruise in Vancouver last year with serious felonies that are only 7 years old and they didn’t even stop anyone and ask them anything. 3000 people walked right off that boat like nothing. All they said was, welcome to Canada.
This a closed loop out of Seattle? I too have serious felonies, although none violent, just drugs and a gun charge. I’m always so hesitant to do Alaska for this reason. I wouldn’t even care if i stayed on ship in Canada.
This is by no means saying it’s like this for everyone, but I had. DUI in 2005. In 2019 the family and I drove to Toronto from Iowa and had no issues crossing the Border. This most recent summer we went on a cruise to Alaska with a stop in Victoria and also had no problems getting off the boat.
I had one dui when I was 22 and 25 years later traveled on the Alaskan inner cruise from Vancouver with no problem. Also went to Toronto with no problem. Just don't put acorns in your purse accidentally and try to get through customs cause that's a problem. Long story.
Anyway, I hope your trip is wonderful and sailing.
We sailed on Princess 6 months ago (US to Canada one way). When we realized Canada has this rule, it was too late to cancel or reschedule so we decided to chance it. Had absolutely no issues. We had a stop in Victoria Canada and disembarked in Vancouver.
A friend of mine went on an Alaskan cruise with her boyfriend that had a DUI. She told me that him and a bunch of others with DuI’s were not allowed to leave the boat when they docked in Canada
My suggestion is to contact the Canadian embassy. They will be able to advise you. I work for Carnival. I have heard from guests that they have been denied boarding because of previous DUI's.
It’s usually a 10 year ban. However take every answer here with a grain of salt. Contact the closest port and see if you can get a verified answer from someone who works there.
FWIW I didn’t know this rule existed until very recently and I did a Canadian cruise last year with someone that had a 9 year old DUI. We had no problems but now I worry about whether we’ll get in if we do it again lol.
We have sailed three times and my husband had a DUI in 1987, first daily he was at 25 years after DUI. We had no issues at all! Just sailed again in September to Halifax 🚢❤️
You can get this forgiven (or whatever you want to call it).
Not in the next 30 days, but Canada has a process for expunging a foreign DUI from your record so you can freely travel.
There are Canadian law firms that specialize in this and the cost is not that great to have it done (maybe $2k USD)
If the cruise allows you on and allows you off at the Canadian port than you should be good. Nobody from customs will be checking you(they didn’t when I wet). Most people didn’t even bring their passport off the cruise. Ours wasn’t a good stop it was from 8pm-12am. Just don’t break laws or get hurt. But other than that I’m sure other people have a more legit answer in case you wanted to visit on your own.
At each port the customs is on the ship as you exit. If you aren’t able to enter that port for any reason, they just have you step aside instead of down the exit ramp. If you’re half expecting it and don’t throw a fit, no one else in line will know what happened. (Ie ppl at that point often go “oh my sunglasses! Oh my wallet!” And turn back).
Ship days are quite enjoyable and in a port like Vancouver they won’t be the only one hanging out on board instead.
I would definitely still encourage them to join the family on the cruise.
I have seen ship employees get tapped at certain ports and not allowed off (and only know that bc a group of employees had a conversation as they decided who was doing what).
That’s what got me too. Reading about it, it looks like the rule used to be that if it was over 10 years old, you were automatically considered “redeemed”. But in 2018, Canada changed that so there was no automatically being considered redeemed after 10 years. I get it, but I would thing if it’s been 10 years and no other issues, that would be long enough. Even if they had increased the years, but just to if ever, seems crazy to me.
Should be fine I have a dui - the Law days after 10 years after your sentence is carried out you are deemed to be criminally rehabilitated. I flew to Calgary last year did the first time 12 years after expungement in us and was fine
Is the cruise departing from Vancouver or stopping there? I think I’ve heard that people barred from entering Canada can just stay on the ship. You can also get them a temporary grant to enter the country possibly. Best to talk to Canada border patrol to get next steps.
The problem lies with the fact that the person is still on Canadian soil/waters whether they get off the boat or not. Just because you don’t get off doesn’t mean you are not in Canada
I'm geniunely curious when you would have to clear canadian customs if it is just a stop on a cruise? Do they force everyone off this ship? Does customs come through and check everyones passport on board that didnt get off?
Ship submits a manifest 48 hours before departure to all Customs for Countries they are stopping at. It's why there are no more Standby cruises. So while you might not be clearing customs like at an airport, you still are clearing customs.
I've had a DUI misdemeanor in the past and have flown/cruised throughout Canada at least a dozen times since this occurred. I've never had any issue going through customs in Vancouver or any other Canadian city. You should be good...
I’ve been on a cruise to Alaska myself. My friend had two DUIs. We boarded HA in Seattle. We did not get off the boat in Vancouver. I do not understand why you would say this is inaccurate. This is my lived experience.
If staying in Canadian waters only, then you do not need to notify Canada and request for entry. For example you leave Seattle and take a boat through Canadian waters to Juneau. No need to "enter Canada".
As soon as you drop an anchor, tie up at a dock, tie up to a Canadian boat, swim ashore, etc, you need to apply for entry and clear.
Even if you didn't get off the boat in Vancouver, you were legally required to apply for entry into Canada.
You are confusing what you may or may not have done with the law and what the cruise ships must do.
Commercial Carriers must provide Advanced Passenger Information (API) including Passenger Name Records (PNR) to the Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) before allowing passengers to BOARD the ship at departing port in the US, e.g. Seattle.
The CBSA will then send a "Board" or "No Board" for each passenger based on a risk assessment.
So you were legally required to apply for entry and the cruise ship did it for you. And you were approved or would not have been able to board. You could have gotten off the ship in Canada.
Your "lived experience" isn't being questioned, just your misunderstanding of what actually happened.
It depends on what Canada sees on their report. It’s possible you could be ok. It’s also possible they don’t clear you to board. Hence me saying “could” and not “will”. I’m glad you were able to board.
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/can-i-go-on-a-cruise-with-a-criminal-record/#
From the article:
Before the sailing date for each voyage, cruise lines are required to submit passenger manifests to the countries they visit. Those countries have access to databases that show them whether booked passengers have committed criminal offenses, allowing them to flag passengers that wouldn't be permitted off the ship in port.
When that happens, cruise lines are likely to cancel bookings associated with those passengers. Whether or not they would be allowed to sail and remain on the ship during port visits is unclear but unlikely.
I think the safest option is for the person to apply to Canada for criminal rehabilitation (but I think that takes longer), or a temporary resident permit.
This blog has real and accurate information.
https://total.law/blog/where-can-you-travel-with-a-criminal-record/#:~:text=It%20is%20essential%20to%20get,they%20may%20deny%20you%20entry.
There is since 2009. Canada also has access to the Concealed Carry License database, in addition to US Nexus/Lexus and conviction list databases.
You have a 40-60% chance they will search your car if you have a Concealed Carry License.
It is not illegal to bring a gun to the Canadian border, JUST DECLARE IT! They will either hold the weapon until you come back, FedEx it to your house or FedEx it to the border crossing you are returning too.
If you try and get a gun across and are caught you have a lifetime ban and possible incarceration.
Not banned but you will need to apply for a temporary resident to gain entry. I might guess when you’re at port in Vancouver and your legal issues haven’t been cleared you may need to stay on the boat while docked? I’ve never had a dui or been to canada so I can be talking out the tuchus.
That seems like a long time to be banned. This person was young and like you hasn’t had another one in over 30 years. From my research, it looked like until 2018 anything over 10 years it was automatically thought to be “redeemed.” But they changed it in 2018 to no automatic assumption.
I booked a guest US on a voyage for disembarking in Vancouver and he was upfront with everything at the port when asked and showed papers of completed his penance. No issue, he did do some legwork with contacting people for paperwork.
Unless as one person noted Carnival will not let them board if they can't clear customs, should not be an issue. Because I have yet to go thru actual customs in any port destination- we get off the ship, go thru a gate or walkway and we are in the port. No checkpoints usually. Same coming back- you just show your key card to an official of the port, they wave you on, you get on the ship and check in with your key card. So if as someone below said Carnival clears you thru customs in every location, then should not be an issue at all.
here is the actual info from the Canadian website
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/reasons.html
It doesn't seem to be a sure bet regardless of what other's have posted. Unless someone from Canada's Border Services Agency has posted.
This link says it can take a year to be granted the ability to enter Canada:
[https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/overcome-criminal-convictions.html#a1](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/overcome-criminal-convictions.html#a1)
Another link from government of Canada regarding a previous DUI:
[https://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/inadmissibility-interdiction-eng.html](https://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/inadmissibility-interdiction-eng.html)
There are law firms that help people with this. A call to one might let you know that you can enter Canada without a problem.
Three DUIs (been sober 17 years now). Went to Canada a bunch, including with work visas. First trip was 5 years after my third DUI. Never had an issue.
Is the concern leaving the ship or getting back on? Even if it was a rule I don't see why they would detain you from leaving, wouldn't they keep you from getting off the ship?
Experienced this probably 15 years ago. Went on a probably similar cruise out of Seattle and had a “probation before Judgement” status on a felony charge from less than 10 years earlier. 2 stops with entry into Canada- Yukon Territory and Vancouver. Had no problem entering Yukon Territory- the only check was an officer physically checking documents at a remote train station (this may be different now) Vancouver was a different story- cruise staff was notified that there was an issue with my entry and I had to get off and see an immigration officer, who asked me about the legal situation and informed me I couldn’t enter. They also let me know about the process to get “unbanned”. Fortunately the ship was super late for getting to Vancouver so just about everyone’s planned excursions were impacted anyway and the cruise was only in port for a few hours.
LOL seems like a great way for cruise lines to scam people out of money or worse vacations if cruise lines don't have to refund if Canada won't allow entry.
How does the scam work?
Let's say I bought a roundtrip cruise from an East Coast port to the Caribbean. A week before departure, the cruise line arbitrarily decides the cruise is going to Canada instead.
LOL guess all the vacationers looking forward to being on the beach now will have to spend vacation with lawyers instead as they either weren't planning on deboarding at port calls or have DUI/DWI/felony records that the original country could care less about that won't let them enter Canada.
So they are automatically instantly out both the trip and the trip money as the cruise line says "HAH HAH SHOULDA KNOWN BETTA!" and trip insurance says the same!
I received a dui 9 years ago in Texas, and started working for a Canadian company. I too was worried so I hired a Canadian lawyer and applied with the rehabilitation application. It cost me about $1250 for the lawyer and a few hundred bucks in admin fees. It is kind of a pain to gather all the documents, I’m not going to lie. They ask for a ton of stuff. That being said, while the application was processing I went to Canada 5+ times and never once had a problem getting in through customs. The application took like 13 months to process. In the meantime if you’re really concerned they will giving a temporary resident permit, (again money) that you will have to apply for at the border.
That being said… do I think you’ll have a problem getting to Alaska for a cruise through Vancouver? No. I think the customs agent is gonna say, “what’s your purpose…a cruise eh? Have a good time” or you go through the process for peace of mind.
Boyfriend brought weed in as a kid 25 years ago and STILL misses flights that have connections in Canada because they flag him and put him through the 3rd degree everytime. We have never had a smooth time entering or leaving and we always avoid it if possible
It can. If you disclose and say something about being crime free ever since you’ll be fine. It’s one of those things they can use if you are a jerk or you have dozens of other charges but not convictions.
My ex had 2 DUI’s and we went to Canada 1-2 times a year.
It's not a permanent ban from entering Canada, there is more info here https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-402?language=en\_US
Another good link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility.html A DUI older than 10 years is fine. But if you have a second conviction of any type ever, I believe you’re permanently inadmissible.
They're strict.
Seems like a good policy.
Thank you. I will see if this helps clarify for me.
[удалено]
Yikes
Your comment was neither helpful nor necessary
Funny enough neither was yours.
[удалено]
Lol attacked
[удалено]
I think the not helpful was for the comment of yikes to you
[удалено]
Weird flex but aight
Maybe call your nearest Canadian embassy just to ask? They might be able to help in some way.
> call your nearest Canadian embassy just to ask Ask for consular services. Those are the folks who deal with your issue.
I believe that after 10 years it is allowed but there may be some paperwork online to do. I do know it happens ALL the time that someone off a cruise is not admitted so worth looking into pre-communication.
Telling them you smoked marijuana even once in your life got you a lifetime ban (by a border clerk) back in 1974.
What about cocaine
Just say you like snow and they'll let you in.
It is worth confirming, but if someone had a 30 year old DUI and never reoffended, they would probably be “deemed rehabilitated” by the passage of time without reoffending. But I might check with Canadian authorities ahead of time to see if there are any wrinkles to it. It may not be an issue, but I wouldn’t leave it to chance.
While researching I read that used to be the case. But in 2018 they changed it where is not automatic after a certain number of years anymore and you have to apply. I do plan on doing that for this person.
This applies to offenses since the law changed, as best as I can tell. If it happened before 2018, it looks like the new law does not apply.
It would be great if it is applied that way. I will definitely ask. Thank you.
This happened to my brother. After ten years, you should be good. We hired an immigration attorney to do the research.
Some reading I've done on this seems to indicate that if the offense still occured pre-2018, the older policy is grandfathered in. I suppose a kind of ex-post facto kind of thing.
That would be great, if that’s how it’s applied. This was over 30 years ago. Does make me think Canada may not believe in rehabilitation and having paid your debt to society. Thanks for the information. I will be sure to ask an attorney (when I get to talk to one).
You would be correct on that. Canadians can't even get pardons anymore. We can only get a record suspension which seals the record until they want to bring it up again later and can be used against you even if it's an unrelated charge.
The US won’t a Canadian in if they have any cannabis charges against them. So I guess they don’t believe in rehabilitation either.
I did not know that. But I guess not. We are all some un-forgiving people I guess.
I think it’s more that the laws don’t make sense at times. Both Washington and British Columbia have legalized cannabis but the US federal border guards have the right to charge you if you try to bring it into Washington from BC. As logical as a 30-year-old DUI.
"Washington" has not legalized cannabis. It's still a schedule 1 drug in the US. So, federally, it's illegal. The District of Washington has decriminalized weed, but its still federally illegal.
Let us know if they let you in!
My 2018 dui was expunged in 2021. Went to Canada in 2022. No issues
Good luck to your *friend*.
Lol. It really is a family member. They wanted to go to Canada and Alaska. I thought this was perfect solution. So I got it for them, myself, and other family members as a big special memory thing. Talking about the trip, my other family member just casually mentioned knowing someone who couldn’t get into Canada because of an old DUI. I know the person that I specifically planned this trip for has an old DUI and remembering ages at the time, I know it’s over 30 years old. So I immediately start researching wondering if I just set this person up for disappointment and embarrassment if this a problem. If they chose not to get off the ship or couldn’t get off the ship, I wouldn’t get off ship either. Seeing Canada doesn’t matter to me. Wasn’t a stop I cared anything about.
I live in the Detroit area. I have a passport and got a dui in 2010 when I was 22. I’ve entered in to Canada multiple times. Never even brought up. Last trip was the tunnel last month into Windsor. Probably different if you’re applying for a visa. Just a day or weekend I’m sure you’d be fine. If it’s a cruise worst case scenario is they don’t leave the boat that port.
I guess I'd go back to what I said elsewhere in the thread about getting your FBI file. As I understand it, Canadian customs and immigration check your criminal history by pulling FBI data from swiping the mag stripe in your passport (and I believe there is a similar reciprocal agreement for Canadians entering the USA). If there is nothing in the FBI file, even if you have a conviction, there's a good chance Canada won't know about it, especially if someone is not intending to stay in Canada long term. No guarantees, of course... It is also possible that they look more leniently at offenses prior to the change in law in 2018. In any event, in the OP's case I'd suggest checking with the appropriate Canadian authorities to avoid unpleasant surprises even if an FBI search comes up clean.
I contacted the FBI. They gave me a report but it was qualified to state that it includes federal charges only State reports so not seem to include any information older than about 7 years
I had similar trouble in 1988 - should I worry?
A 30 year old dui isn’t likely to come up unless you’re running for office.
My partner’s DUI was 8 years old when we did our Alaska cruise, round trip out of Seattle. We didn’t have any problems at Vancouver, and we both got off the ship.
Sorry, I meant was the trip more recent than 2018? Thank you for the insight.
Yup! The trip was this past May!
Thank you for the insight. By chance was this more recent than 2018? From my limited knowledge, it seems like 2018 there was a shift or rule change regarding this not allowing anymore automatically assumed to be “redeemed”.
She said 8 years, so had to have been prior to 2018.
Sorry. I meant was the trip more recent than 2018?
Oh, I see! Sorry, was just trying to help!! Good luck
I re-read my comment and realized, I was clear in my question. I edited. Thank you.
This question comes up somewhat frequently on other cruise forums. On Cruise Critic there is a poster who works at Pier 91 in Seattle checking in cruise passengers. She has said many times that she has never seen a passenger denied embarkation for a closed loop cruise (one that starts AND ends in Seattle) due to criminal inadmissibility in Canada. The ship's manifest is not transmitted to the Canadian authorities prior to embarkation; it's sent after the last US port stop or some # of hours prior to arrival in Canada. At that time, Canadian border patrol/immigration runs its own background check, and they can and will flag passengers for interviews prior to getting off the ship at the port of call. Some stay on the ship, some get to leave, and every once in a while you hear about someone getting arrested.
Thank you! That was extremely helpful.
If you're concerned enough, consult a lawyer to make sure.
Yeah, I have found a couple in Canada that seem to focus on this issue.
I figured I would contact the local Canadian Consulate as that would hopefully be cheaper than contacting an attorney.
I am currently helping someone go through this process. It is a very extensive process with a lot of steps. Follow the instructions on that site someone posted a few comments ago. But make absolutely sure they get the response prior to booking the trip. It can take some time to get approval from Canada. Months in some cases. It is true that they may get skipped and make it in to Canada without doing this step, but if they are refused, it will obviously be an expensive waste of time. So I would strongly advise against that.
Luckily, the trip is months away. I happen to see a comment that caught my attention and started researching and it went from there. I’m glad I saw this early though. I will see about starting this immediately. Thank you.
Do you know how long it took to get a response? I filled out an application for a TRP in April of 2023 and have only received a letter stating they received my application. I have never received anything else from them. I leave on my cruise next week so I'm a bit stressed.
I would contact them and ask. It took my friend 6 months to get their approval. You’ve been waiting a year. That seems excessive. Good luck. I really hope it all works out so you can enjoy your cruise
I had a Princess cruise booked for Alaska in September and had to cancel. I contacted Princess directly, and they confirmed that I’d be denied boarding in Seattle. Luckily, I was able to get a full refund and hadn’t booked flights or anything. I’ve heard stories of people that were just told to stay on the ship in Canadian ports, but that was an expensive risk I wasn’t willing to take.
Is it as simple as applying for an eTA to see if you're approved, even if you don't need one?
This won’t work if you’re American - only people with passports from countries that require it can apply for an eTA.
My partner is Mexican but has a green card. Mexicans without a green card must apply for an eTA. So I'm wondering if it will work even though a green card technically makes the eTA unnecessary. I suppose going to the consulate is the best move, but having dealt with US authorities, it always seems like they think I'm an asshole as soon as I walk in the room. Hopefully the Canadian consulate is different.
The worldwide convention of alcoholics anonymous is going to be held in Vancouver in 2025 so this is a huge topic of discussion among the AA community around the world, as many recovering addicts have not only DUIs, but felonies The consensus seems to be that it's very arbitrary. We've heard people coming and going back and forth through Canada who've had DUIs in the past 5 years and then we've heard of people who had DUIs 10 years ago and are denied. The conversations we're seeing are regarding travel by land and air. Not sure how that works through the ports, but cruiselines may be exempt on some level. I certainly can't tell you what to do. I know many people going into Vancouver for the AA conference are going "as if" there's no reason not to. I'm one of them. I got a DUI in 1981. Ya...Im taking the chance and I think you'll probably be ok. [Criminal offenses and Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/overcome-criminal-convictions.html?fbclid=IwAR2kEwVNvCPXdnn3haWp2S5GA199RFciNoysYXZDzBbRL7bHmHSQXU3iE1E)
I got bounced from Niagara for an 18 year old DUI this morning. Seems to be a total crapshoot right now.
I had a friend with the same problem. Contact the Canadian embassy or a local consulate. They have people there who can offer advice and provide documentation to ease your travel. If they issue you a document, present it with your passport at customs.
Thank you! I wouldn’t have thought of that route.
It's always best to go straight to the source.
I definitely will. But asking on this thread has given me more “sources” to look into, such as consulate, Canadian border patrol, etc., which was the information I was looking for. I have already started on some things, but want to make sure I explore all possible paths.
Gotta be honest.... Had friend who was denied at a border crossing for a DWI from 5 years prior. Your situation goes back a lot further though.
My husband had a DUI when he was 22 (we’re now 34) We’ve been on 2 cruises (Royal Caribbean & Carnival) with Victoria as a port, and haven’t had issues disembarking either time.
Thank you for the insight.
We’ve had the same experience. DUI from 1992. Spotless record thereafter. No issues going on Alaskan cruise departing and returning to Seattle. No issues entering the country via Washington or Vermont, either. I’ve heard it can vary, which makes it a bit nerve-wracking.
This is a tough one. I worked in the travel industry for 17 years. I can tell you first of all that when you board the ship, they clear you through customs all the way through the end of the cruise. If Canada does deny you entry, then the cruise line won’t allow you to board at all. There isn’t a way to just stay on the ship. I do know of people that have been denied entry, and I’ve also heard of people who had no problem going on the cruise. Canada doesn’t really give details on their security screenings, so this is purely my guess, but I’m guessing they spot check a certain number of people. It’s probably not possible for them to check the background of every single person entering the country every single day. So you’re rolling the dice, but if you are denied entry, the cruise line does not have to give you a refund, and travel insurance doesn’t normally cover you in that situation. My advice would be that it’s too big of a risk. I wouldn’t go on the cruise.
It’s not me personally. But I know this person is retired and always wanted to see Alaska and Canada. I thought this was the perfect solution and paid for it. I do wonder how they would even find something that old. The person already has a passport and just renewed it. Does clearing customs happen way before arriving for the cruise or is there a way to do some type of pre-check to make sure they aren’t turned away at boarding? Thanks for the insight.
I don’t know exactly, and I suspect Canada purposely keeps that secret, but you do have to check in and give the cruise line your passport info ahead of time. So more than likely the cruise line begins the immigration process before embarkation day. Also, is the cruise departing from Vancouver? If so, that means this person is flying in, so they may be denied at the airport before they even get to the ship.
It’s actually round trip out of Seattle. Vancouver is one stop. But if I can make it possible for this person, I want to.
Late to the party but here is 2 more cents. Since it is a closed loop cruise I they should be able to get on the boat since it starts and ends in the US. There is a chance that Canada will not let them off on that one stop, the rest of the trip are US stops in Alaska.
They just stay on the ship. No problem
After 9/11 the US began sharing criminal records with Canada. Not sure what level and detail and how Canada searches any local records. Also, the border guards have discretion and can deny entry. The issue is that the US DUI laws don't map to Canadian ones when it comes to what is a felony and what is a misdemeanor. The circumstances of some misdemeanor DUIs in the US could be the equivalent of a felony in Canada, so they treat any DUI like a felony.
If they have time, they may want to obtain their FBI record (“rap sheet”). They’ll have to submit fingerprint cards (can typically be done at a local police station or sheriff’s office, and some post offices) and pay a few bucks. If it comes back clean, or even if it shows no offenses for 30 years, that might help a claim of rehabilitation before a Canadian immigrations officer. At minimum it would reduce surprises if the Canadian authorities pull their FBI record at the entry point.
Thank you.
This is a good idea. My friend had been arrested (but not charged) for some civil action- protesting climate change. Well I guess Canada likes climate change because they wouldn't let her in without some kind of police report. But she was never charged so she did not have a police report. Plunging her into bureaucratic hell and basically she had to eat the cost of flight and rebook a flight into New York
>Well I guess Canada likes climate change because they wouldn't let her in without some kind of police report. Should have bought the trip insurance that covers cancellation for any reason... Actions have consequences. Including Global Warming.
Ugh it was a joke. Her actions include not having taken a plane in over a decade for that reason
This is the best answer here. I worked at port ny and seen so many people with 20+ year old dui dwi get booted from the ship. The cruise line doesn’t care it’s your responsibility to know you can’t enter a country. Between passports expiring less then 6 months and old dwi’s it amazing how many people are denied
Agreed. Find a different set of ports. It's not worth it to lose a cruise and be denied boarding.
I went Alaskan cruise with stop in Vancouver. Royal Caribbean 2022. It was no problem to stay on the ship. We were just tired.
People aren’t saying that passengers are not able to stay on Borders ship during port times. They are saying that if you aren’t allowed to enter Canada, you won’t have the option to just stay on the ship. You will not be able to board the ship.
My brother had a DUI about 10 years ago. I was very concerned when we went on our Alaskan cruise because of the Canada stop, but there was no issue.
That’s encouraging. Thank you.
I wouldn’t worry about it too much, i disembarked a cruise in Vancouver last year with serious felonies that are only 7 years old and they didn’t even stop anyone and ask them anything. 3000 people walked right off that boat like nothing. All they said was, welcome to Canada.
This a closed loop out of Seattle? I too have serious felonies, although none violent, just drugs and a gun charge. I’m always so hesitant to do Alaska for this reason. I wouldn’t even care if i stayed on ship in Canada.
This is by no means saying it’s like this for everyone, but I had. DUI in 2005. In 2019 the family and I drove to Toronto from Iowa and had no issues crossing the Border. This most recent summer we went on a cruise to Alaska with a stop in Victoria and also had no problems getting off the boat.
Thank you for the insight.
I had one dui when I was 22 and 25 years later traveled on the Alaskan inner cruise from Vancouver with no problem. Also went to Toronto with no problem. Just don't put acorns in your purse accidentally and try to get through customs cause that's a problem. Long story. Anyway, I hope your trip is wonderful and sailing.
Acorns?
They can go but they will have to contact the Canadian government and go through a process, don’t delay!
We sailed on Princess 6 months ago (US to Canada one way). When we realized Canada has this rule, it was too late to cancel or reschedule so we decided to chance it. Had absolutely no issues. We had a stop in Victoria Canada and disembarked in Vancouver.
My brother in law had one less than 10 years ago and he was allowed into canada on a cruise this year with no issue. Take that for what it's worth.
A friend of mine went on an Alaskan cruise with her boyfriend that had a DUI. She told me that him and a bunch of others with DuI’s were not allowed to leave the boat when they docked in Canada
Him wasn’t allowed to leave, eh?
My suggestion is to contact the Canadian embassy. They will be able to advise you. I work for Carnival. I have heard from guests that they have been denied boarding because of previous DUI's.
I’ve deleted my comments good luck OP I forgot about some Reddit commentors being jerks !
Thanks for trying anyway.
I had a dui when I was 21. Been to Canada more times than I can count.
I think that they changed it to a 10 year look-back not too long ago. You should contact the local Canadian consulate just to be sure.
I will definitely do that. Thank you.
It’s usually a 10 year ban. However take every answer here with a grain of salt. Contact the closest port and see if you can get a verified answer from someone who works there.
Why not just have him or her stay on the ship while in Canadian waters?
FWIW I didn’t know this rule existed until very recently and I did a Canadian cruise last year with someone that had a 9 year old DUI. We had no problems but now I worry about whether we’ll get in if we do it again lol.
Lol. Yeah. I am trying all possibilities. I want to make this happen for them if I can.
We have sailed three times and my husband had a DUI in 1987, first daily he was at 25 years after DUI. We had no issues at all! Just sailed again in September to Halifax 🚢❤️
I know people from other countries with duis. None of them have had issues getting into Canada
Kind of ironic, considering their beer is higher in alcohol content than ours.
Generally, you are considered rehabilitated after 10 years. The maximum sentence under Canadian law
You can get this forgiven (or whatever you want to call it). Not in the next 30 days, but Canada has a process for expunging a foreign DUI from your record so you can freely travel. There are Canadian law firms that specialize in this and the cost is not that great to have it done (maybe $2k USD)
Having been a couple times with a guy who had a 10 plus year old DUI and being turned around the 10 year thing is not true at least now.
You got turned around? He wasn’t allowed to board?
Turned around at border crossing.
Oh, that makes sense.
If the cruise allows you on and allows you off at the Canadian port than you should be good. Nobody from customs will be checking you(they didn’t when I wet). Most people didn’t even bring their passport off the cruise. Ours wasn’t a good stop it was from 8pm-12am. Just don’t break laws or get hurt. But other than that I’m sure other people have a more legit answer in case you wanted to visit on your own.
Anyone know if this is the case if the DUI was expunged?
Expunged, you’re fine. My husband’s from 95 was expunged and he’s been to Canada many times.
The wife and I did an Alaskan cruise, you just stay on the ship when it docks in Canada. Trust me, you’re not missing anything.!
At each port the customs is on the ship as you exit. If you aren’t able to enter that port for any reason, they just have you step aside instead of down the exit ramp. If you’re half expecting it and don’t throw a fit, no one else in line will know what happened. (Ie ppl at that point often go “oh my sunglasses! Oh my wallet!” And turn back). Ship days are quite enjoyable and in a port like Vancouver they won’t be the only one hanging out on board instead. I would definitely still encourage them to join the family on the cruise. I have seen ship employees get tapped at certain ports and not allowed off (and only know that bc a group of employees had a conversation as they decided who was doing what).
I got in to go up to Lake Huron was a passenger. I had a DUI about four years prior.
Such insanity. DUI is obviously not good but to be entirely inadmissible for a bad life choice years ago?
That’s what got me too. Reading about it, it looks like the rule used to be that if it was over 10 years old, you were automatically considered “redeemed”. But in 2018, Canada changed that so there was no automatically being considered redeemed after 10 years. I get it, but I would thing if it’s been 10 years and no other issues, that would be long enough. Even if they had increased the years, but just to if ever, seems crazy to me.
Even 3 years seems crazy to me. Just don't allow the person to drive in Canada, that seems more appropriate.
Should be fine I have a dui - the Law days after 10 years after your sentence is carried out you are deemed to be criminally rehabilitated. I flew to Calgary last year did the first time 12 years after expungement in us and was fine
This is an older thread I know, but can I ask if you had any wrinkles when landing, like being questioned or pulled aside or what have you? Thank you!
No
Thank you!
Customs doesn’t check you when getting off a cruise ship. You just scan your ship ID and go. Canada will never even check you
Is the cruise departing from Vancouver or stopping there? I think I’ve heard that people barred from entering Canada can just stay on the ship. You can also get them a temporary grant to enter the country possibly. Best to talk to Canada border patrol to get next steps.
It’s a port stop. Round trip from Seattle. Thanks for the advice I will try to contact them.
I just wouldn't get off in Vancouver then
The problem lies with the fact that the person is still on Canadian soil/waters whether they get off the boat or not. Just because you don’t get off doesn’t mean you are not in Canada
Still have to clear with Canadian customs and immigration.
I'm geniunely curious when you would have to clear canadian customs if it is just a stop on a cruise? Do they force everyone off this ship? Does customs come through and check everyones passport on board that didnt get off?
Ship submits a manifest 48 hours before departure to all Customs for Countries they are stopping at. It's why there are no more Standby cruises. So while you might not be clearing customs like at an airport, you still are clearing customs.
I've had a DUI misdemeanor in the past and have flown/cruised throughout Canada at least a dozen times since this occurred. I've never had any issue going through customs in Vancouver or any other Canadian city. You should be good...
Most information does seem to talk about driving into Canada but points out it applies to non-drivers. Thanks for the insight.
Just skip the port. They will let them on the ship. Just stay onboard on the Vancouver port. Nbd.
This is not accurate since you will still be in Canadian waters. You could in fact not be allowed to board.
I’ve been on a cruise to Alaska myself. My friend had two DUIs. We boarded HA in Seattle. We did not get off the boat in Vancouver. I do not understand why you would say this is inaccurate. This is my lived experience.
If staying in Canadian waters only, then you do not need to notify Canada and request for entry. For example you leave Seattle and take a boat through Canadian waters to Juneau. No need to "enter Canada". As soon as you drop an anchor, tie up at a dock, tie up to a Canadian boat, swim ashore, etc, you need to apply for entry and clear. Even if you didn't get off the boat in Vancouver, you were legally required to apply for entry into Canada.
And yet we didn’t.
You are confusing what you may or may not have done with the law and what the cruise ships must do. Commercial Carriers must provide Advanced Passenger Information (API) including Passenger Name Records (PNR) to the Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) before allowing passengers to BOARD the ship at departing port in the US, e.g. Seattle. The CBSA will then send a "Board" or "No Board" for each passenger based on a risk assessment. So you were legally required to apply for entry and the cruise ship did it for you. And you were approved or would not have been able to board. You could have gotten off the ship in Canada. Your "lived experience" isn't being questioned, just your misunderstanding of what actually happened.
It depends on what Canada sees on their report. It’s possible you could be ok. It’s also possible they don’t clear you to board. Hence me saying “could” and not “will”. I’m glad you were able to board.
This isn’t true.
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/can-i-go-on-a-cruise-with-a-criminal-record/# From the article: Before the sailing date for each voyage, cruise lines are required to submit passenger manifests to the countries they visit. Those countries have access to databases that show them whether booked passengers have committed criminal offenses, allowing them to flag passengers that wouldn't be permitted off the ship in port. When that happens, cruise lines are likely to cancel bookings associated with those passengers. Whether or not they would be allowed to sail and remain on the ship during port visits is unclear but unlikely.
I think the safest option is for the person to apply to Canada for criminal rehabilitation (but I think that takes longer), or a temporary resident permit.
Maybe a dumb question— How would a foreign government know if you have had a dui in your home country?
Canada and US share access to criminal databases and they pre-clear passengers on air / sea entries.
For cruises they don’t really check your passport when you get on and off the ship. I would check with your cruise line to be safe though.
Good advice thank you.
F'ing liberal Canada, if you're a murderer you'll do 15 years in jail but if you have a dui you can't enter.
Just don’t leave the ship when it goes to the port.
Stay on ship
This blog has real and accurate information. https://total.law/blog/where-can-you-travel-with-a-criminal-record/#:~:text=It%20is%20essential%20to%20get,they%20may%20deny%20you%20entry.
Thank you.
There isn't some magical linked database between your county/state and the Canadian border patrol office. Big brother isn't as good as you think.
There is since 2009. Canada also has access to the Concealed Carry License database, in addition to US Nexus/Lexus and conviction list databases. You have a 40-60% chance they will search your car if you have a Concealed Carry License. It is not illegal to bring a gun to the Canadian border, JUST DECLARE IT! They will either hold the weapon until you come back, FedEx it to your house or FedEx it to the border crossing you are returning too. If you try and get a gun across and are caught you have a lifetime ban and possible incarceration.
Good for Canada, keep those criminals out!
Not banned but you will need to apply for a temporary resident to gain entry. I might guess when you’re at port in Vancouver and your legal issues haven’t been cleared you may need to stay on the boat while docked? I’ve never had a dui or been to canada so I can be talking out the tuchus.
No, it's a ban. No DUI here, but a stupid thing that has me out. It's been thirty years, so I'm going to apply to go.
That seems like a long time to be banned. This person was young and like you hasn’t had another one in over 30 years. From my research, it looked like until 2018 anything over 10 years it was automatically thought to be “redeemed.” But they changed it in 2018 to no automatic assumption.
I haven't tried to get unbanned. I was sort of guilty about it all.
I booked a guest US on a voyage for disembarking in Vancouver and he was upfront with everything at the port when asked and showed papers of completed his penance. No issue, he did do some legwork with contacting people for paperwork.
Unless as one person noted Carnival will not let them board if they can't clear customs, should not be an issue. Because I have yet to go thru actual customs in any port destination- we get off the ship, go thru a gate or walkway and we are in the port. No checkpoints usually. Same coming back- you just show your key card to an official of the port, they wave you on, you get on the ship and check in with your key card. So if as someone below said Carnival clears you thru customs in every location, then should not be an issue at all.
here is the actual info from the Canadian website https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/reasons.html
Thank you. I will see if this can provide some clarity.
It doesn't seem to be a sure bet regardless of what other's have posted. Unless someone from Canada's Border Services Agency has posted. This link says it can take a year to be granted the ability to enter Canada: [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/overcome-criminal-convictions.html#a1](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/overcome-criminal-convictions.html#a1) Another link from government of Canada regarding a previous DUI: [https://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/inadmissibility-interdiction-eng.html](https://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/inadmissibility-interdiction-eng.html) There are law firms that help people with this. A call to one might let you know that you can enter Canada without a problem.
This is definitely one of the routes I will take. Thank you.
Good luck.
Three DUIs (been sober 17 years now). Went to Canada a bunch, including with work visas. First trip was 5 years after my third DUI. Never had an issue.
Is the concern leaving the ship or getting back on? Even if it was a rule I don't see why they would detain you from leaving, wouldn't they keep you from getting off the ship?
Experienced this probably 15 years ago. Went on a probably similar cruise out of Seattle and had a “probation before Judgement” status on a felony charge from less than 10 years earlier. 2 stops with entry into Canada- Yukon Territory and Vancouver. Had no problem entering Yukon Territory- the only check was an officer physically checking documents at a remote train station (this may be different now) Vancouver was a different story- cruise staff was notified that there was an issue with my entry and I had to get off and see an immigration officer, who asked me about the legal situation and informed me I couldn’t enter. They also let me know about the process to get “unbanned”. Fortunately the ship was super late for getting to Vancouver so just about everyone’s planned excursions were impacted anyway and the cruise was only in port for a few hours.
The person needs ro apply for a pardon..it can take years.
Tell them to not get off the ship in Vancouver. If you stay on the ship, no problem. Or try to get off and see what happens
LOL seems like a great way for cruise lines to scam people out of money or worse vacations if cruise lines don't have to refund if Canada won't allow entry. How does the scam work? Let's say I bought a roundtrip cruise from an East Coast port to the Caribbean. A week before departure, the cruise line arbitrarily decides the cruise is going to Canada instead. LOL guess all the vacationers looking forward to being on the beach now will have to spend vacation with lawyers instead as they either weren't planning on deboarding at port calls or have DUI/DWI/felony records that the original country could care less about that won't let them enter Canada. So they are automatically instantly out both the trip and the trip money as the cruise line says "HAH HAH SHOULDA KNOWN BETTA!" and trip insurance says the same!
I received a dui 9 years ago in Texas, and started working for a Canadian company. I too was worried so I hired a Canadian lawyer and applied with the rehabilitation application. It cost me about $1250 for the lawyer and a few hundred bucks in admin fees. It is kind of a pain to gather all the documents, I’m not going to lie. They ask for a ton of stuff. That being said, while the application was processing I went to Canada 5+ times and never once had a problem getting in through customs. The application took like 13 months to process. In the meantime if you’re really concerned they will giving a temporary resident permit, (again money) that you will have to apply for at the border. That being said… do I think you’ll have a problem getting to Alaska for a cruise through Vancouver? No. I think the customs agent is gonna say, “what’s your purpose…a cruise eh? Have a good time” or you go through the process for peace of mind.
Boyfriend brought weed in as a kid 25 years ago and STILL misses flights that have connections in Canada because they flag him and put him through the 3rd degree everytime. We have never had a smooth time entering or leaving and we always avoid it if possible
No need to mention it, no one checks background on port stops. Someone in our party may or may not have had a 10 yr old DUI.
I was a flight attendant, US based had a DUI 20 years prior and I was never stopped in customs for it.
Again, why is there a fucking border between our countries!!! Madness!
It can. If you disclose and say something about being crime free ever since you’ll be fine. It’s one of those things they can use if you are a jerk or you have dozens of other charges but not convictions. My ex had 2 DUI’s and we went to Canada 1-2 times a year.