Crossing The Border With A DUI

hey jonniegross  I went through the whole trip thing 10 years ago and yes it is a chore going through all the hoops letters to consulates, letters of recommendation, fbi report, finger prints etc.  But since it was 28 years ago, I would suggest your buddy contact my Canadian lawyer and ask about it.  Mitch Jessiman 204-488-6350

28 years ago is pretty far back tbh and Canadian border usually focuses on more recent convictions. Most people with older single DUIs cross without issue but it genuinely depends on how the charge was classified at the time. Used DUI attorney Stan Wruble for my own DUI situation and they were straightforward about long term implications from day one. Free consultation worth it just to get clarity before booking flights.

28 years.....no issue

28 years ago?? It's not going to be a problem. Go to Canada and enjoy!! I've been north of the border many times with people that had DUI's years back and it has never been mentioned by the border guards.

Here is a link to frequently asked questions from Cohen Immigration Law based in Canada. I used them many years ago and long story short they charged me $500 to write a letter saying I was "deemed rehabilitated" from a DUI that was over 30 years old. I have crossed the border several years in a row now and have never had to present the letter.

Canada’s driving under the influence (DUI) laws changed in December of 2018. As a result, a DUI is now considered serious criminality.
Under the previous law, any DUI conviction was removed from a visitor’s record 10 years after the completion of their sentence, allowing them to be deemed rehabilitated to enter Canada. However, at this time it is not possible. If you have received a DUI after December 18, 2018, then you will always need to apply for clearance into Canada prior to entering the country.


You may qualify to be deemed rehabilitated if you have been convicted outside Canada of an act such as DUI, that if committed in Canada, would be equivalent to an indictable offence punishable by a sentence of less than ten years, and if you meet the following requirements:
Ten years have elapsed since the completion of your sentence;
You have not been convicted of any indictable offence or summary offence in Canada in the last ten years, or more than one summary conviction in the ten years before that;
and You have not been convicted outside Canada of an offence in the last ten years that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an indictable offence, or of more than one summary conviction in the ten years before that.

Huntfish, that thought is false. Driving or not, if you have a bad record your not getting in. I know 2 crews that tried that trick and got turned around. If you have any questions just call the border office and ask. 

Just don't be the driver going across the border.

Years ago I remember reading that the guides and outfitters in Canada were putting pressure on the authorities to relax the rules on U.S. citizens with DUI's. It was obviously affecting their businesses.
I think it was about $200 to get a "pass," and they would look the other way. Wink-wink.

Personally, with a DUI over 20 years ago, I said screw you Canada. I paid my dues.
I told my buddies I'd rather go to Baja Mexico. Wisconsin has the same fish as Canada anyway. 

I would definitely check with the proper provincial authorities to find out for certain.

I believe the rule of thumb up there is, as long as it was 10 years or more with no other DUI you will be fine. If he has more than one, then I'd get the paperwork. The first time I crossed mine was 10 years old. I have never had any trouble crossing and now it's been 22 years since I had it. I know a lot of people that cross with one as long as it was 10 years old or older. He should be fine. Always have a plan b just in case. If his record is long he might have trouble. You could always call the border office where you are going to cross and ask questions about it. 

Liebe-  Yes, the whole DUI issue is complicated with no black/white answers. Your buddy is correct and Canada has a Rehabilitation process which requires a bunch of paperwork and working with a Canadian lawyer. A DUI is a felony in Canada so they take the offense more seriously. From what I understand the individual Border Patrol agents also can use their own discretion and allow/deny folks in.  One of my buddies had a DUI back in the late 1980's and he has been over the border numerous times with no questions or issues. Have seen similar reports of guys being allowed across the border on other fishing websites but have also seen reports of guys getting stopped. Maybe someone else will chime in with more definitive information. Good luck..