An arrest in your past? Canada may turn you away at the border

U.S. citizens and other with a conviction for drunk driving or another offense -- even one in the distant past and considered minor in the USA -- may be turned away at the Canadian border when trying to enter the country. Members of inadmissible classes include those who have been convicted of offenses including shoplifting, theft, assault, dangerous driving, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of illegal substances, etc., or of indictable criminal offenses (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc.). As well, those who have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) are considered members of an inadmissible class.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is regarded as an extremely serious offense in Canada, which makes anyone with a conviction ineligible to enter the country.

Those who have received traffic violations including parking/speeding tickets, etc., and other minor violations (i.e. littering, etc.) most likely will not be prohibited from entering Canada. Similarly, those with juvenile convictions (those committed while under age 18) most likely will not be prohibited from entering Canada unless they could have been tried as an adult for their offenses.

In recent years, with more sophisticated sharing of computer records, would-be visitors with criminal have been turned away with greater frequency. Americans who wish to visit Canada can apply for what is termed a "Minister's Approval of Rehabilitation," which may give them permission to enter.