What charges will not allow you into Canada?

Asked by: Joseph Deckow  |  Last update: March 16, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (21 votes)

Foreign nationals with a criminal record—including many misdemeanors—may be deemed "criminally inadmissible" to Canada, resulting in denied entry at the border. Canada considers the equivalent Canadian law, not the law of the country where the offense occurred; therefore, U.S. felonies and many misdemeanors (even single offenses) can lead to exclusion.

What charges make you inadmissible to Canada?

Examples of such crimes: Assault with a weapon/causing bodily harm, Trafficking in cocaine, heroin; Sexual assault; Uttering a forged document/credit card offences; Break and enter; Fraud/theft over $5,000.

What gets you denied entry to Canada?

You can be denied entry to Canada for reasons like criminality (especially DUI/DWI), security threats, human rights violations, health issues (endangering public health/safety), financial instability, or misrepresentation/fraud in applications, along with not having proper documents or sufficient funds. Any crime, even a misdemeanor like a DUI in the US, can make you inadmissible unless you're approved for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Deemed Rehabilitation. 

Can you go to Canada if you have charges?

Even if the offense was only a misdemeanor, such as a DUI, it can still be a major issue when trying to enter Canada. If a person is inadmissible to Canada due to criminality, the only way he or she can legally visit Canada with a criminal record is by obtaining permission from the Canadian Government.

What felonies stop you from going to Canada?

Persons convicted of a crime that would result in a prison sentence of 10 years or more in Canada fall into the category of serious criminality. Individuals with serious criminality must apply for criminal rehabilitation to enter Canada, no matter how much time that has elapsed since completing their sentence.

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32 related questions found

Does your criminal record show up when your passport is scanned?

No, your criminal record doesn't automatically pop up when your passport is scanned, but the scan accesses linked law enforcement databases, potentially revealing criminal history, warrants, or watch list hits through systems like the NCIC (National Crime Information Center). Border agents see basic data (name, DOB) and can query these national/international databases, triggering flags for further checks, especially for serious offenses, warrants, or security risks, leading to extra questioning or denial of entry. 

How far back does Canada check background?

Canada checks backgrounds extensively, with reliability checks typically looking back 5 years, security clearances 10 years, and border/immigration checks potentially seeing records from decades ago via international data sharing, meaning there's no fixed limit for serious offenses like DUIs, with older records (even 1960s/70s) potentially affecting entry. For employment, standard checks often cover 7 years, but government roles or specific jobs can go further, while discharges have shorter reporting periods (e.g., 1-3 years for conditional/absolute). 

What charges are not allowed in Canada?

Crimes That Can Make You Inadmissible to Canada

  • DUI (including DWI, DWAI, reckless driving, etc.)
  • theft.
  • drug trafficking.
  • drug possession.
  • weapons violations.
  • assault.
  • probation violations.
  • domestic violence.

What felonies disqualify you from getting a passport?

Felonies that often disqualify you from getting a passport involve drug trafficking, terrorism, treason, kidnapping, human trafficking, child sexual abuse material, or certain federal crimes related to fraud or espionage, especially if you are a fugitive or on probation/parole with travel restrictions, but most other felonies don't automatically prevent issuance; other disqualifiers include major child support arrears ($2,500+) or outstanding federal warrants, notes the U.S. Department of State. 

How does Canada know if you have a felony?

If the misdemeanor or felony conviction appears on your FBI police report, you can almost guarantee it will be fully visible to Canada Border Services Agency officers when you attempt to enter Canada.

How can I find out if I'm allowed to go to Canada?

Most travellers entering Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa. Answer a few questions to find out what you will need to visit Canada. It will take just a few minutes. If you need an eTA, you can access the online application form right after you finish the questionnaire.

What makes you not eligible to go to Canada?

human or international rights violations. criminality. serious criminality. organized criminality.

Does a US criminal record show up in Canada?

The Government of Canada has full unlimited access to the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, and consequently the Canadian border can see the criminal history of every visitor from the USA even if their record was deleted, hidden, sealed, or "dropped off" after a period of time.

What countries can you not travel if you have a felony?

Felons face restrictions entering countries like Canada, Australia, Japan, the UK, and China, with rules varying by the country and crime's severity (e.g., Canada denies entry for DUIs; UK blocks sentences over a year). Taiwan also restricts entry for those with criminal records. Always check the specific immigration website for your destination, as policies depend on your record's nature, age, and the country's security concerns. 

Can I go to Canada if I had a DUI 30 years ago?

Many people are shocked to learn that a DWI record from 30 years ago can be problematic at the Canadian border. Some are surprised border agents can even detect a driving history from that long ago, but there is technically no limit to how far back the border can see.

How long does a felony stay on your record in the US?

A felony conviction typically stays on your U.S. criminal record indefinitely, creating a permanent history, but specific states offer remedies like expungement or sealing after waiting periods (often 7+ years) and meeting strict criteria, though serious or violent felonies are often ineligible. Options depend heavily on your state, the crime's severity, and your behavior since, with some "Clean Slate" laws automatically sealing records. 

What felonies prevent you from flying?

Felonies that prevent flying often involve terrorism, serious violent crimes (murder, kidnapping, rape, assault), espionage, treason, and drug/explosive offenses, especially those related to aviation security or controlled substances, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) having specific disqualifying criteria for security-related roles and pilot licenses, though many other felonies might affect hiring for airline jobs or international travel to certain countries.
 

Can a felon go to the Bahamas?

Yes, felons can often go to the Bahamas, but it depends heavily on the type of felony, the time passed, whether they're on probation/parole (requiring court/PO permission!), and if they need a special permit from Bahamian authorities, especially if deported previously; serious violent/drug crimes or pending cases are major hurdles, requiring official approvals and sometimes a police certificate. 

What charges keep you from entering Canada?

Reasons you may be inadmissible to Canada

  • security reasons, including. ...
  • human or international rights violations, including. ...
  • committing a crime, including driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol Footnote 1

What felonies does Canada not allow?

Under Canadian law, individuals with felony convictions are deemed "inadmissible" and will almost certainly be denied entry unless certain steps are taken beforehand. This includes convictions for serious crimes such as: Assault. Drug trafficking.

Can you visit Canada with a criminal record?

If you are refused an eTA because you have committed or been convicted of a criminal offence, you will need to apply for criminal rehabilitation under Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Under this Act, if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you will have to apply for a Visa.

What are red flags on a background check?

Red flags on a background check are discrepancies or concerning findings like criminal records (especially violent, financial, or drug-related), significant inconsistencies in employment/education history, poor credit history (for finance roles), negative references, failed drug tests, or unprofessional social media activity, all raising concerns about a candidate's integrity, judgment, or suitability for a role.
 

Will a misdemeanor affect travel to Canada?

Any US resident or US citizen that has been arrested or convicted of a misdemeanor may be criminally inadmissible to Canada. When it comes to crossing the border, it is not the severity of the crime in the United States that counts, it is the Canadian equivalent of the offense that determines a person's eligibility.

What shows up on a background check in Canada?

About Police Information Checks

Disclosure will include Canada-wide Criminal Record History, Vulnerable Sector Search (if required) and Police History; this includes Local Police Information and Alberta Provincial court records.