Advice - Crossing to Montreal for Getaway

[Stockton]

You like repeat this in each post you made.

I think the Border Patrol doesn't care about the $ the inadmissible US citizen is spending. They don't want a former drunk driver to possibly drive in Canada.

of course that guy doesn't care, it doesn't mean he shouldn't. people who operate purely from fear are idiots.

if the law/rule is that you don't let someone with a DUI drive into Canada, that's fine. but it's dumb to not let them fly/bus/rail either. the law should be to not let them rent cars after they get here not keep them out completely.

 

[saltydog]

I guy I know was just denied entry for two years because of a DWI. Sometimes at the border it can take years for your customs to catch you, then it is generally a two year ban. They don't care if you are the driver or not. Just my experience.

 

[bl3ujay07]

daydreamer41: Having a DUI sucks and I don't blame them for wanting to keep people with DUIs/OWIs but I think a lot of people go through dumb periods of their life. I believe in second chances. Besides a DUI, I have nothing else on my record.

There are so many stories from both sides about people getting in and people who are rejected. I have been doing some reading and it is possible to apply for a TRP at the border office if I am turned away at the Windsor Tunnel (and the fee MAY be waived). I will be in Detroit anyways so the Windsor Tunnel isn't to far. I'de like to try my luck and be able to apply at the border if necessary, even if I had to pay the $200 instead of it being waived. If I get rejected this time, i'll for sure wait the 10 years because I'll be moving back to the west coast and the likelyhood of crossing (or trying to cross) is very little.

Stockton: I agree. Again, in December of 2014, i had planned out my Montreal Trip only to cancel it the night before because I stumbled upon information regarding being rejected and detained or forced to fly out immediately. I lost $400 in non refundable hotel and lost another $200 to change my ticket to fly back to California instead. I wish they were a little more lenient about flying in. I wouldn't even mind having to take a metro system or cabs for the duration of the flight.

saltydog: I have been seeking people who attempt to cross. Would you be willing to share with me your personal experience (PM would be great or you can share here) at the border crossing? What questions are frequently ask and do they inquire about a criminal history often?

I don't intend to lie if they ask, i'd just like to know how frequent it is brought up. I've have already started planning my Plan B trip in case I get turned away.

 

[daydreamer41]

bl3ujay07, I was not making a judgement on your offense. I just know that the CBP and the Canadian government is really anti-DUI.

 

[Sol Tee Nutz]

I go into the US on occasion and have had various charges in the past ( 25 years ago and never tried for the first 6 or 7 ), never have any issues, not sure why, could be my age. When flying I always let my companion/group know that if I get stopped I will attempt a drive across but never had to resort to that. Driving also not an issue as I go into Vermont at least once a year now. From what I heard a long time ago is that if you apply for a pardon in Canada the US may not accept it and if you apply in the US it puts them on alert that you may be crossing in the near future, again, heard that a long time ago.
For the DUI comments, it does not matter that it is a DUI, it is a criminal offence just like shoplifting, get caught you have a record, you have a record you may not be granted access to the US.