As a border state, it is not uncommon for some Minnesota residents to travel across the border to our northern neighbor every now and again. However, many do not realize that having a DWI conviction can make it tough to get into Canada. The common belief is that if they have a passport, they will be allowed into the country. The truth is that Canadian law allows border officials to turn away anybody who has been convicted of a any crime – not just a DWI. When traveling to Canada after a Minnesota DWI, there is some important information to consider first.
Ask any Minnesota State Trooper and he will tell you that if a person tries to cross the Canadian border, a Canada Border Services Agency Officer might ask whether that individual has ever been fingerprinted, arrested, or appeared in court. DWI is considered a serious offense in Canada, so that alone is more than enough to allow that officer to prohibit a person from stepping foot into the country.
It does not matter if the conviction was as serious as a felony or as minor as a misdemeanor. Travelers can be denied entry regardless of the severity. Even if the convicted individual is a passenger with no plans to get behind the wheel, he or she can be turned away at the border. …show more content…
Refusal is considered a criminal offense in Minnesota, so that also creates difficulties for travelers. Sometimes the refusal charge will have been dismissed and the individual instead pleaded guilty to reckless driving. Either way, both of these circumstances are enough reason for an officer to deny entry. Similarly, anyone who has charges pending against them or an outstanding warrant might not be allowed to cross into Canada simply because they are facing charges. Even without a DWI conviction specifically, there are several situations where someone could be stopped at the
Ask any Minnesota State Trooper and he will tell you that if a person tries to cross the Canadian border, a Canada Border Services Agency Officer might ask whether that individual has ever been fingerprinted, arrested, or appeared in court. DWI is considered a serious offense in Canada, so that alone is more than enough to allow that officer to prohibit a person from stepping foot into the country.
It does not matter if the conviction was as serious as a felony or as minor as a misdemeanor. Travelers can be denied entry regardless of the severity. Even if the convicted individual is a passenger with no plans to get behind the wheel, he or she can be turned away at the border. …show more content…
Refusal is considered a criminal offense in Minnesota, so that also creates difficulties for travelers. Sometimes the refusal charge will have been dismissed and the individual instead pleaded guilty to reckless driving. Either way, both of these circumstances are enough reason for an officer to deny entry. Similarly, anyone who has charges pending against them or an outstanding warrant might not be allowed to cross into Canada simply because they are facing charges. Even without a DWI conviction specifically, there are several situations where someone could be stopped at the