Have DUI, can I get off ship in Victoria BC

[Brighton Line]

On all my recent Canada Cruises even the one that we went to Bermuda due to Hurricane we had to fill out a Canadian Customs Immigration Form when we checked in at the Port.

Had Canada's flag on it, looked official.

They were collected before we could board, there was no way they would be processed before the ship sailed.

I'm sure that if the form raised a red flag the ship would be contacted and you would have to be processed upon arrival at the first Canadian port of call. I don't think they stopped anyone from sailing, just getting off the ship in Canada.

[Putterdude]

On all my recent Canada Cruises even the one that we went to Bermuda due to Hurricane we had to fill out a Canadian Customs Immigration Form when we checked in at the Port.

Had Canada's flag on it, looked official.

They were collected before we could board, there was no way they would be processed before the ship sailed.

I'm sure that if the form raised a red flag the ship would be contacted and you would have to be processed upon arrival at the first Canadian port of call. I don't think they stopped anyone from sailing, just getting off the ship in Canada.

 

You are correct, there is no Canadian customs/immigration procedure in a foreign (non-Canadain) port so a person with a criminal record would not be prevented from boarding however could be prevented from leaving the ship in a Canadian port. The customs form you completed really isn't the document that pulls the trigger so to speak. In an earlier post, I pointed our that Canada has no legislation that requires a ship to provide a passenger manifest to the CBSA so what the CBSA has done is said fine, you don't provide us with a manifest we will clear each passenger either on the ship or as they disembark and that could take hours.....needless to the ship's now provide manifests well in advance of the ship's arrival in Canada and a screening is done for non-admissible passengers.

 

Unfortunately even with the 10 year 'deemed rehabilitation' provision for admission you are still at the mercy or whim of the CBSA officer who clears you as he/she has absolute discretion as to gets admitted. My advice would be to bring along all relative paperwork with regard to to offence, you don't have to volunteer that you have a conviction but if asked, answer honestly show the paperwork and if the officer has a problem ask to see the officer in charge,

 

99% of customs/immigration officers are pretty decent and objective people but you do occasionally hit one who can be difficult, it's a matter of being prepared to deal with the 1%.

[notentirelynormal]

99% of customs/immigration officers are pretty decent and objective people but you do occasionally hit one who can be difficult, it's a matter of being prepared to deal with the 1%.

 

Why? Why! Why do I get that 1% so often! I'm a nice person. Dogs, cats and small children like me. I hardly ever smuggle booze. I don't get it. Oh, and eggs and uncooked meat. The new thing. I wouldn't think of it officer.

 

There used to be a woman who worked the Truck Crossing. What a B*****. All the co-workers knew it. When we immigrated back to Canada you get ONE list with your declaration items on it. DH is in one car, I'm right behind him. She insisted I give her the original that he had even though he explained we were together. After a 5 minute lecture she sent me inside as well as him. Thirty seconds inside, a laugh at his co-worker and we were on our way.

 

I agree there are many many good guys. It is those few bad seeds.

[Putterdude]

I had one southbound in the NEXUS lane on Sunday, he was trying to build a case that I was residing in the US until finally his computer caught up....then all was clear to him.

[shawne71]

We have decided that it's not even worth trying to get off the ship in Victoria. We are only there from 7:30-midnight on the last night of the cruise. We are going to see Alaska so it's no biggie to us. My only concern at this point is not being allowed to board in Seattle. We have planned this cruise for months and would be devastated if I were not allowed to board. Again, we are staying on the ship in Victoria. Can someone please ease my mind about boarding? Freaking out here. My DUI was in early 2006.

Edited November 2, 2015 by shawne71

[notentirelynormal]

We have decided that it's not even worth trying to get off the ship in Victoria. We are only there from 7:30-midnight on the last night of the cruise. We are going to see Alaska so it's no biggie to us. My only concern at this point is not being allowed to board in Seattle. We have planned this cruise for months and would be devastated if I were not allowed to board. Again, we are staying on the ship in Victoria. Can someone please ease my mind about boarding? Freaking out here. My DUI was in early 2006.

 

If you are allowed to board, chances are you will be allowed off the ship in Victoria. Chances. No one, and I mean no one, can tell you for sure how it is going to go.

[LeftcoastBC]

We have decided that it's not even worth trying to get off the ship in Victoria. We are only there from 7:30-midnight on the last night of the cruise. We are going to see Alaska so it's no biggie to us. My only concern at this point is not being allowed to board in Seattle. We have planned this cruise for months and would be devastated if I were not allowed to board. Again, we are staying on the ship in Victoria. Can someone please ease my mind about boarding? Freaking out here. My DUI was in early 2006.

 

If the cruise line has taken your money and if you only have the DUI they will take you. You may or may not be allowed off in Victoria.

But be advised that there is just as much to see and do in Victoria between 730 and sailing as any Port in Ak. Minus the odd glacier and closeup mountains :)

No need to freak out.

[broberts]

If the DUI is a misdemeanour offence in your state then there is no issue as it won't be on your record. ...

 

 

This is perhaps a little misleading. A misdemeanor may not come to the attention of Canadian authorities. However, an offense such as DUI, regardless of its classification where committed is a serious criminal offense in Canada and may make one inadmissible.

 

One of the real difficulties when dealing with border authorities is that their questions are asked in the context of the country being entered. A misdemeanor offense in one jurisdiction can be a criminal offense in another.

Edited November 2, 2015 by broberts

[shawne71]

Hi, I am back and all went well. NO PROBLEM getting on in Seattle at all. The day before we were scheduled to arrive in Victoria BC I got a letter delivered to my cabin. The letter stated that a hand selected people were selected by the Canada Border patrol for a second interview before entering the country. The letter stated that a list was emailed to the ship of selected people and I was to report to the front desk 2pm sharp just prior to getting off ship. I called the front desk, they said even if i planned on staying on the ship, it was mandatory I show up. Well, I did, along with about 30 people including some crew members. We waited for border patrol over an hour. they took us ashore before everyone else and took us to a holding area and one by one they took us to the side. They out in out just asked me if I was ever in trouble with the law. I told them my dui story. He had it all in front of him, exactly what I was saying. SO DONT LIE! He said to me, Im sorry but even though I had a minor case, I was not permitted to enter the country. Made me sign a form and I was escorted back on ship. Just cannot go into Victoria. I did ask him, what if I was entering via Vancouver? The officer said, I would not have been able to board the ship. Hope this is helpful.

 

It's great to read that somebody has actually done this and was able to board in Seattle with no problems! This has eased my mind a a lot. Hope you had a great cruise. We can not wait to go!

[theriac]

In 2008 I was arrested and charged with 9 felonies and 8 misdemeanors. In 2009 when I had my first appearance I plead not guilty. I never plead guilty or found guilty as well as never plead no contest. I only made a plea of not guilty. The court gave me an option of PTI (pre trial intervention) and once completed my case would be dismissed, and charges sealed. All of these charges were for possession so enough to keep me out of Canada. I finished the PTI and within 23 days I was on a plane for Europe where I was questioned getting in England. After they verified my case was dismissed I was given entry. 5 days later going into Amsterdam(a 22 year old guy can't miss Amsterdam on a celebratory trip to Europe ;) ) and the same thing. Again same for Switzerland and back into France from Switzerland(the whole EU thing). All of them let me through after verifying my story. I say this because on my cruise to Alaska(June of this year) the same issue never crossed my mind sunce it was all 6-7 years ago so certainly not fresh on my mind and definitely no trouble since (at least that I've been caught for). Sure enough I got told to come to GS on the day in Victoria and after explaining the case being dismissed I was granted access.

 

I say all this because from what I've experienced they can still F with you based on just being arrested whether or not you were ever found guilty.

 

Good luck to everyone. I know I have a unique situation but I hope my story could help in some way someone who is concerned about their visit.

 

My biggest issue was a Visa into China since you only have an application you mail in, but after a few months I finally was given my work visa to that beautiful country!

Edited November 11, 2015 by theriac

[m41475]

FYI....husband had a DUI in 2010. We went on an Alaska round trip Seattle in 2014. We stopped in Victoria got on and off with no issue. Honestly I'm glad we had no idea about this because I'm sure we would not have gotten off. I think it's a shame there are people on this board scaring people.

[Urban trekker]

"I think it's a shame there are people on this board scaring people."

 

Care to explain how answering a question about admissibility to Canada if one has a DUI or other criminal conviction is scaring people.

 

Cheers!

 

Dennis

[notentirelynormal]

"I think it's a shame there are people on this board scaring people."

 

Care to explain how answering a question about admissibility to Canada if one has a DUI or other criminal conviction is scaring people.

 

Cheers!

 

Dennis

 

Ya, I thought that was funny too. Seriously, it a law. Just because you don't get caught speeding doesn't mean you won't or that you shouldn't warn people that you might.

[LeftcoastBC]

People need not be scared at all. IFyour cruise line will take YOU out of Seattle the only hardship you MIGHT face would be if you booked a non refundable tour in Victoria and Canadian authorities would not let you off the ship.

 

Wait I just thought of something else IF you were taking one of the tours into Canada say from Skagway ......they MIGHT not let you in there either.

 

But information is king.

[m41475]

Pure speculation about what may happen without a fact based experience In my opinion is not helpful. No big deal. Just thought I'd share an actual e oriented.

[broberts]

Pure speculation about what may happen without a fact based experience In my opinion is not helpful. No big deal. Just thought I'd share an actual e oriented.

 

First hand accounts are useful. There are several other threads with personal accounts that differ from your experience. But the best place for information is http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/. Specifically http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp and if it may apply, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/inadmissibility/index.asp.

[notentirelynormal]

First hand accounts are useful. There are several other threads with personal accounts that differ from your experience. But the best place for information is http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/. Specifically http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp and if it may apply, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/inadmissibility/index.asp.

 

 

Why would you give proof or provide the legal information? Are you trying to instill fear in cruisers that they might be denied just because it is the law? Shameful LOL!

 

m41475 - just because it worked for you doesn't mean it will work for everyone and to tell them it will is a horrible thing to do. There is the distinct possibility that they will be denied boarding and their cruise dream finished for them and/or their family after traveling across the country for a vacation. To continue to tell them it won't happen is .... well, ..... you have to live with yourself.

[FrogCruiser]

I have a situation about the DWI issue with Canada I haven't seen addressed here, perhaps someone can share an experience.

I have purchased tickets for later this year for a cruise leaving Seattle, later stops in Victoria and disembarking in Vancouver.

I have purchased the tickets and air fare, and now find out about this issue.

I've been told by the TA that getting on the ship will not be an issue, but she can't answer my follow up. What happens in Vancouver? Since this is the end of the cruise we have to disembark.... I understand if we had flown into the airport in Vancouver, the agents may not allow us to enter and would then accompany us to the ticket agent and stay with us to ensure we get on the plane back to USA.... So if we get off the ship in Vancouver do they accompany us to YVR (free police taxi escort?) which is exactly where we want to go anyway?

 

I did talk to an attorney today who suggests a temporary resident permit but the total cost of that is over 1700 dollars with no guarantee it will be issued.

I guess perhaps if they don't let us off the ship we could stay onboard (cruise ship willing) and extend the trip for the next cruise on that ship - 10 days to Hawaii.

Perhaps we should cancel the cruise and head for a European cruise instead.

Has anyone experienced this dilema.... boarding in SEA and disebarking in Canada with a DWI?

Thanks for any comments...

[martincath]

I have a situation about the DWI issue with Canada I haven't seen addressed here, perhaps someone can share an experience.

I have purchased tickets for later this year for a cruise leaving Seattle, later stops in Victoria and disembarking in Vancouver.

I have purchased the tickets and air fare, and now find out about this issue.

I've been told by the TA that getting on the ship will not be an issue, but she can't answer my follow up. What happens in Vancouver? Since this is the end of the cruise we have to disembark.... I understand if we had flown into the airport in Vancouver, the agents may not allow us to enter and would then accompany us to the ticket agent and stay with us to ensure we get on the plane back to USA.... So if we get off the ship in Vancouver do they accompany us to YVR (free police taxi escort?) which is exactly where we want to go anyway?

 

I did talk to an attorney today who suggests a temporary resident permit but the total cost of that is over 1700 dollars with no guarantee it will be issued.

I guess perhaps if they don't let us off the ship we could stay onboard (cruise ship willing) and extend the trip for the next cruise on that ship - 10 days to Hawaii.

Perhaps we should cancel the cruise and head for a European cruise instead.

Has anyone experienced this dilema.... boarding in SEA and disebarking in Canada with a DWI?

Thanks for any comments...

Unfortunately your travel agent is in error. On a CLOSED LOOP you'd probably be just fine boarding the ship, with worst-case scenario an interview with CBSA onboard at Victoria and being forbidden to disembark.

 

But since this is not a loop, but a cruise to Canada, if you are refused entry you are supposed to get straight back on the same mode of transportation you arrived on (and they can charge you whatever they choose I guess, assuming they have room for you!) If the cruiseline is aware that you have this offence on your record, there's a very good chance they will forbid you to board so they don't have to risk being stuck with you in Vancouver...

 

CBSA do have a lot of discretion - showing tickets to immediately fly out again might well result in them assessing you as low enough risk to be allowed to pass through town (if they escorted you they might also bill you!) The only way to guarantee you can get onboard, is to be fully compliant with Canadian rules on immigration, but depending when the offence occurred and when any sentence was completed, you might be effectively Deemed Rehabilitated.

 

The fact you asked an attorney already, I would assume if they are remotely competent means you do not meet the criteria for this - but since the attorney said it would cost $1700 (USD?) and the actual charge is CAD$200 for a TRP, I'd be inclined to double-check the criteria myself as the attorney is either charging an awful lot for completing some forms on your behalf or is ignorant of the actual cost for the process so perhaps not the ideal person to work on your behalf in this scenario...

 

Regardless, until you either arrive at a port of entry or apply for a TRP, you CANNOT verify that you will be allowed in. CBSA simply will not say one way or another in advance, ever; you have to pull the proverbial trigger. So if you want an absolute guarantee Yea or Nay, your only option pre-cruise is to apply for the TRP and hope it comes through (well, I guess you could also try for a full Pardon but that's going to be an even longer and pricier process).

[FrogCruiser]

Thanks for the reply... the attorney fee was 1500 to complete the application... the 200 canadian was 140 something in addition... I rounded it up to 1700 to avoid doing the conversion... Yea I agree it's somewhat risky, but the canadian source says it's up to the discretion of the officer whether to issue a TRP.

Somewhere I read the ship doesn't turn in the manifest to Canadian authorities until 96 hours prior to docking in a Canadian port.

Looks like worse case is the cruise line doesn't let us board, and we have a Seattle vacation and eat the return airfare from YVR.

[Racer70]

You didn't state when the DUI conviction was. I assume it was a recent conviction?

 

As you have found out, nobody including TA's, attorneys, cruise personnel or the CBSA will or can give you a definite answer. So I guess unless you are willing to cancel your booked trip, like many others, you can "roll the dice" and hope you slip under the radar like many on cruise ships do or ask for mercy or ask to be allowed to apply for the TPR should you be questioned at some point before entering Canada.

 

Should you go forward with the trip, please come back and tell us the outcome and your experience because it helps everybody to have knowledge from different scenarios regarding this interesting and confusing topic.

[Earl Rosebery]

When you get to Vancouver, the border guy has a lot of discretion. When you mention that you are going directly to the airport s/he is hardly going to deny you a few hours in beautiful Vancouver. Don't volunteer your history but don't lie about it if asked.

[notentirelynormal]

When you get to Vancouver, the border guy has a lot of discretion. When you mention that you are going directly to the airport s/he is hardly going to deny you a few hours in beautiful Vancouver. Don't volunteer your history but don't lie about it if asked.

 

This might be a great idea but what if they aren't allowed to board the ship? You assume that when they scan their passport the DUI won't be attached. Do we really know what is on those little scan strips.

[broberts]

When you get to Vancouver, the border guy has a lot of discretion. When you mention that you are going directly to the airport s/he is hardly going to deny you a few hours in beautiful Vancouver. Don't volunteer your history but don't lie about it if asked.

 

By all accounts, border protection on both sides of the border routinely access various police databases based on passport data.

 

Their interest is protecting the country and enforcing border protection laws and regulations. I would not count on them ignoring such to facilitate a foreigners travel plans.

[superstressn]

I am taking a closed loop cruise on the Celebrity Solstice to Alaska that boards in Seattle summer 2016. I have a reckless driving conviction from 5 years ago. I am fine with staying on the ship during the stop in Victoria, BC. However, I was informed that Celebrity Cruise line's security may not let me board in Seattle. Ultimately, is it up to Canada or the cruise line? Does anyone know how Celebrity, specifically, works or the protocol for the security team of the cruise line works regarding DUI? Has anybody really been prevented from boarding in Seattle over a DUI 5 years old or newer?