Why can't felons go to Canada?
Asked by: Emiliano Gottlieb | Last update: January 13, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (44 votes)
Felons who attempt to cross the international border between Canada and the United States of America may risk being denied entry due to criminal inadmissibility, even if their criminal conviction happened 20 or 30 years ago.
Can I visit Canada if I have a felony?
Felons can have trouble getting into Canada regardless of how they arrive at a Port of Entry. Canada's admissibility laws are consistent across all border stations, so felons are equally at risk of being turned away at all land border crossings, Canadian airports, and even when arriving by ship.
What felonies keep you out of 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.
How does Canada check for felonies?
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.
What convictions stop you from entering Canada?
- war crimes.
- crimes against humanity.
- being a senior official in a government engaged in gross human rights violations or subject to international sanctions.
The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record
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.
Why would you be denied entry into Canada?
There are different reasons you may not be let into Canada, such as security, criminal, or medical reasons. Normally, if you're inadmissible to Canada, you won't be allowed to enter the country.
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.
Do they run background checks at the Canadian border?
Yes, Canada conducts background checks at its borders. One of the primary goals of border checks is to ensure Canada's safety by identifying potential security risks at the port of entry. During the initial screening process, officers may deem individuals criminally inadmissible to Canada from past criminal offenses.
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.
Who cannot travel to Canada?
Not all criminal offenses are disqualifying for a US citizen who wishes to enter Canada. Disturbing the peace, underage possession of alcohol, open container, and simple possession of marijuana (less than 30 grams) are examples of crimes that will not necessary render an American ineligible to access Canada.
What are felonies called in Canada?
In Canada, the term misdemeanor or felony is not used. Instead, there are summary or indictable offenses. A summary offense in Canada is similar to an American misdemeanor, while an indictable offense in Canada is similar to an American felony.
Can I go to Canada with a DUI?
You can go to Canada if you have a DUI conviction by acquiring a Temporary Resident Permit entry waiver or becoming rehabilitated through an appropriate government office or border station. If a person has several DUIs, however, applying for a TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation may be onerous.
What felonies are not allowed in Canada?
The Immigration Act specifically bars felons from entry to Canada. Other offenses that can keep a person from being able to enter Canada include reckless driving, misdemeanor drug possession, any type of felony, domestic violence and shoplifting.
Can a felon go to Mexico?
Mexico Law: Convicted Felons Can Be Denied Entry
If you have ANY KIND of criminal record, you may not be allowed into Mexico, even with a valid passport.
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.
How long after a felony can you go to Canada?
You can be “deemed rehabilitated” if enough time has passed since your conviction, or since all conditions of your sentence have been met. The standard amount of time is 10 years. So if it has been 10 years or more since you committed a crime or completed a sentence for a crime, you may be able to enter Canada.
How does Canada know you have a felony?
The Canadian border has full access to all the criminal record databases in the United States, so anyone who has been convicted of a felony will very likely be flagged at the border.
Can Border Patrol see your criminal record?
Border control could access other national and international databases to check your personal, criminal, and other information. Often, border control will access the National Crime Information Center, a database the FBI uses. It contains criminal justice information.
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).
Can a convicted felon own a gun?
California Penal Code 29800 PC imposes a lifetime ban on gun ownership or control by convicted felons. It applies to anyone convicted of a felony in any state or country.
Can a felon join the military?
Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.
What disqualifies you from entering Canada?
Foreign nationals can be refused entry to Canada if they were convicted of a crime stemming from a misdemeanor arrest or for more serious crimes, such as felony convictions.
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.
Who is not allowed to travel to Canada?
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.