Author Topic: Crossing the border into Canada (Read 1290 times)

Buckskin · « **on:** August 05, 2005, 04:29:20 AM »

We are going for a bear hunt in Ontario this fall and one of the guys going with us and has a DWI from 10 years ago, I hear that its tough to cross with one of those on your record since 9/11. He went thru all the hoops to get permission to cross. He got finger printed at the cop shop, then sent $200 to the FBI for them to ok his record. Unfortunately he sent a personal check, which they don't take. They sent it back 8 weeks later untouched. To late in the game to send it back and processed. Do you guys think he will be able to get through?? Does it make a difference if your hunting or fishing?? Bow hunting or gun hunting??

Thanks

379 Peterbilt · « **Reply #1 on:** August 05, 2005, 07:52:43 AM »

I dont understand why they sent the check back. That is unlike the Canadiens to send back "free" money <grin>. Anyway, I thought that the Can. government considered a person "Rehabilitated" after 10 years. Maybe thats why they sent the check back?

Also, I dont think it matters what you intend to do in Canada ( hunt/fish ) They still view a DUI as a felony....If under 10 years, I believe.

Of course the gun inspection proccess would blow his cover so to speak, so I would call ahead of time to verify the 10 year thing to be safe.

Definately worth a quick google search to get the proper phone # and make the call to find out. Trips like this dont need to be ruined at the border.

upnorth · « **Reply #2 on:** August 06, 2005, 07:43:07 AM »

I cross the border 5 nights a week, and I asked the supervisor that I know at the emerson, MB border this same question. You cannot call ahead for permission. each person is on a case by case basis. basically, it's up to the officer that you deal with. getting cleared by the FBI does nothing for your entry into canada, unless you are looking at getting a pardon, which can take up to 3 years now.It might be worth a weekend trip asap to try to get across the border before your hunting trip. once you have been approved for entry, you should have no further problems. I wouldn't wait until your leaving for your trip. Which port are you planning to cross at??

Buckskin · « **Reply #3 on:** August 08, 2005, 03:38:29 AM »

We are going through International Falls.

the rifleman · « **Reply #4 on:** August 08, 2005, 08:50:01 PM »

What makes you think the subject as to whether your buddy had a DUI offence in the past would even be raised, when crossing into Canada. Do they ask everyone in the vehicle, about prior convictions?

I have never been asked anything other than if I am a citizen, of Canada when travelling through the border :?

Buckskin · « **Reply #5 on:** August 09, 2005, 03:31:58 AM »

I have heard of several instances where people have been not allowed to enter Canada. Everything from a disorderly conduct citation to DUI. I know 2 groups who had to turn around.

upnorth · « **Reply #6 on:** August 10, 2005, 10:32:39 AM »

in answer to the rifleman's question, yes, they do ask any non-resident who enters the country about their criminal past. if you notice, at both the u.s. and canadian borders they snap a picture of your plate as you pull up to the booth. both countries have an intergraded system, so either country has access to the others database in an instant. This was one of the requirements to increase border security for both countries. when a carload of non-residents pulls up, every person must provide a d/l to the officer. they then do a cursory search at the booth.. asking about criminal records etc. If the officer feels that further digging is required, he will send everyone inside to the immigration officers for further checking. as a canadian citizen, they only ask us the basics because they have our info already. that's why I suggested a quick trip before they come for their bear hunt.

DakotaMike · « **Reply #7 on:** August 10, 2005, 01:28:06 PM »

upnorth,
I cross into Saskatchewan from North Dakota at the North Portal about twice a week for my job and I hunt moose at Cumberland House every other year and I have never been asked about any prior convictions even when crossing on a hunting trip. Maybe things are different in the various provinces.
DakotaMike

upnorth · « **Reply #8 on:** August 12, 2005, 12:36:49 PM »

I agree dakotamike, that the rules are not enforced evenly at all the border crossings. portal is a smaller port, so If you cross regularly they get to know you. Buckskin has valid concerns about his buddy with the dui. It's a felony conviction in canada, whereas it's a misdemeanor in the u.s. I've seen lots of fisherman this summer turned back for various convictions. As I said, I'd hate to see a hunting trip ruined for the whole group. that's why I suggested they take a quick trip across the border to find out if his buddy can cross.