Can I travel to Canada with a felony conviction?
Asked by: Vernon O'Reilly | Last update: July 16, 2025Score: 5/5 (59 votes)
Even if a felon has a passport, Canada's border officers can deny entrance. While a valid American passport can allow a person to fly into Canada, a felony conviction in their past can result in them getting blocked at the border and flown back home.
Can a U.S. convicted felon travel to Canada?
Any American that has a felony conviction on their criminal record may not be permitted entry into Canada unless they have received special permission from the Canadian Government.
What convictions stop entry to Canada?
- war crimes.
- crimes against humanity.
- being a senior official in a government engaged in gross human rights violations or subject to international sanctions.
What felonies keep you out of Canada?
- DUI (including DWI, DWAI, reckless driving, etc.)
- theft.
- drug trafficking.
- drug possession.
- weapons violations.
- assault.
- probation violations.
- domestic violence.
Does Canada check U.S. criminal records?
Canadian border agents have full access to U.S. criminal records, including FBI background checks, so they are likely to flag anyone with an arrest or a felony charge. In effect, YOU are going to have the burden to prove that you are admissible.
The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record
How does Canada know you're a felon?
Canadian Immigration Background Check Procedures
A border agent can access parts of a US citizen's history, including the FBI criminal database, through a passport screening. During this screening, border officers may deny entry for various past convictions.
How far back does a criminal background check go in Canada?
There's no limit to how far back a Canadian criminal record check goes, but the type of offence determines how long it stays on your record.
What will Canada deny entry for?
If you've committed or been convicted of a crime
If you drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including cannabis, you may be inadmissible for serious criminality. This means you won't be able to enter or stay in Canada unless we issue you a temporary resident permit.
Can a felon get a passport after 7 years?
For some crimes like drug trafficking, a 5-10 year waiting period may be required before getting a passport. This allows for a “cooling off” period to elapse. Other felony convictions don't have defined waiting periods. But typically, the longer it's been since finishing your sentence, the better chances of approval.
What criminal records are not allowed in Canada?
Almost all convictions (including DUI, DWI, reckless driving, negligent driving, misdemeanor drug possession, all felonies, shoplifting, theft, etc.) make a person inadmissible to Canada, regardless of how long ago they occurred.
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in Canada?
It's a common misconception. And the question is, does your criminal record in Canada clear after seven years? Unfortunately, the answer is, it does not magically disappear.
Why is Canada refusing visitor visas?
Personal Assets: Not having assets such as a house, cars or businesses back home may affect your ability to prove ties to your home country. 12. Host in Canada financial situation: Lack of supporting documentation from the Canadian host, may also be the reason for refusal of your visa application.
How do you know if you are flagged by customs?
Extended questioning can be a sign that you've been flagged for further inspection. Secondary Inspection: If you're directed to secondary inspection upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, it could indicate that you've been flagged for additional scrutiny.
Can a felon go on a cruise?
Cruise Line Background Checks
As a result, you could be denied boarding if you are a sex offender or have a violent felony conviction on your record, such as for armed robbery.
Does a passport show a criminal record?
Passports do not list information about a person's criminal record, including charges for driving under the influence (DUI). They typically only display personal information such as a person's name, date of birth, photograph, and passport number.
How to get a waiver to enter Canada?
This usually requires convincing reference letters from reputable persons with knowledge of the offense or offenses, and other evidence of the person's good character. The government will also consider the seriousness of the offenses and the reason the person needs to travel to Canada.
Can you go to Canada if you have a felony?
If a felon gets approved for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation (CR), they can be allowed in Canada. Otherwise, if an American citizen has a criminal record that renders them inadmissible, they will usually not be allowed to visit even if they do not have any recent arrests.
Can you go to the Bahamas with a felony?
The Bahamas does not accept Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) for entry. All U.S. Nationals who are currently on community supervision cannot enter the Bahamas, but can seek entry once their sentence is completed.
Can you fly with a felony charge?
Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).
How far back does Canada check background?
Understanding Border Checks
Canadian border officials can access criminal record databases from the USA. This means there is no limit to how far back they can look when assessing a traveler's background.
How to remove a 5 year ban from Canada?
If you want to return to Canada before the 5-year ban is up, you will need to apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC). An ARC is a document issued by the IRCC that will give you permission to enter Canada. However, an ARC is not necessary for everyone.
Can I go to Canada with a DUI?
In general, travel to Canada with DUI on your record is possible as long as you have obtained special permission to enter or are not classified as inadmissible.
Do background checks go back 20 years?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.
What shows up in a Canadian background check?
Checks are completed in the RCMP 's Canadian Police Information Centre ( CPIC ) system. They consist of a check of the National Repository of Criminal Records based on a person's name and date of birth. It may also include searches of other national and local databases.
Will my criminal record follow me to Canada?
This means that anyone with multiple misdemeanors or a single felony on their criminal record can be considered inadmissible to Canada even 30 or 40 years later unless they have been given special approval for entry.