NW Question | Canada's rules on visitors with DUI conviction

Q: Recently a friend of mine faced a challenging experience crossing the U.S.-Canadian border (he does so five to six times each year). He was denied entry into Canada because some computer found evidence of a DUI conviction. It did not matter that the conviction occurred over 20 years ago and that he had long ago completed all sentencing requirements.

It is sad but true that many people did stupid things resulting in DUI or other convictions. Can you give me a list that describes who may and may not cross the border? I cannot find the answer online. Thanks.

— George Vinho, Seattle

A: Yes, even a DUI from long ago can come back to haunt travelers to Canada. A drunken-driving conviction is treated under Canadian immigration law like a felony offense, making travelers inadmissible to Canada. People with DUI convictions have been turned back more frequently in recent years as border security has been tightened with more jurisdictions sharing computerized information on travelers — and turning up long-ago offenses.

Americans with DUI convictions who want to visit Canada can apply for what's called a "Minister's Approval of Rehabilitaton," which will give them permission to enter. You can get details on the Web page of the Canadian Consulate General in Seattle on what makes visitors inadmissible to Canada and what to do about it:

http://geo.international.gc.ca/can-am/seattle/visas/inadmissible-en.asp.

— Kristin Jackson / Seattle Times

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