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Getting into Canada?
Filmguy 13 Reviews 16796 reads
posted

I would like to visit Montreal but am concerned because I have a 5 year old DUI conviction (well past probation).  If I fly in and use my Passport as ID how likely am I to be turned away by Customs?  I don't want to plan a trip, pay for air and hotel and then not get in.

jazz3214531 reads

but I would check with the Canadian consolate first.  Their website would seem to give you hope..

Related Link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/conviction.html

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Filmguy14057 reads

Thanks for the Link, unfortunately it doesn't appear that I can legally get into Canada, although it is more than five years since I was stopped it took a year to work its way through the courts and I then received no jail but 3 years unsupervised probation.  That was done two  years ago, but Canada insists on Five before you can be considered.

I know we have many stupid laws in the US, but this does seem counterproductive to me as I had no intention of driving in Montreal, just spending money, so the question remains if I come in by plane or train with a passport will they really question this?

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quartertone21239 reads

Yes,they will.They may not,but they often do.It happened to me.

The officer that I met with recommended in her report to her superior that I be denied entry,but he decided to grant what they call Discretionary Entry.This gave me permission to remain in the country for 8 days,and I had to pay 200 cn for the priviledge.

Discretionary means just that-he could have denied me entry.If you are stopped it is very important to feign ignorance of the law,as they don't take it kindly if they feel you were trying to sneak by their regulations.

I would say you should try it(Montreal is beautiful and there many great girls available to meet)but be prepared to turn around and head home because it could very well happen.

Hope this helps.

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Filmguy18668 reads

Thanks for sharing your personal experience.  I'm considering my options, but as much as I'd love to visit Montreal the fun trip I want doesn't involve getting turned away.

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quartertone15130 reads

Understandable.I live in Ct only an hour's flight from Mtl.Judging by the locations in your posted reviews you probably have a much longer flight.

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quartertone15494 reads

I've been there twice.The first time I just breezed right through,the second time they stopped me.So who knows...

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minuteman7214218 reads

I have driven across in VT a dozen times since 9/11.  I have never been stopped.

When asked why I'm going to Montreal, I tell them I'm heading to a friend's christening (or a Canadiens game - be sure there's one).  "Are you bringing anything?"  A bottle of champagne as a gift.

It's harder to get back into the US  IMHO

Good luck!!  It's worth the trip.
MM

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completely lost18599 reads

I agree it's very easy to get into Canada. You will be asked who your're going to see, what gifts are you bringing, and how long you will be staying.....No hassles whatsever. On the other hand it's alot harder getting back in the US.

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Filmguy16073 reads

Well, I skipped Montreal on my last trip to NYC, I couldn't risk extending the trip only to get turned away.  Still looking for a grand  mongering journey (but preferably not more that 3-4 days).  Personally not worried about getting back into the  US (even though I did just see "Babel")  they're just bureaucrats who need it to fit into place.  Sounds like the DUI issue isn't raised often at the Canadian boarder, but is that consistent?

I've ruled out Mexico and the DR, Brazil and Thailand are pretty far.  Ant other suggestions?

Filmguy

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