Got a Felony? Your Travel May Be Affected.

If you have a felony in your past or the person or persons traveling with you have a felony, we have news for you.

As a general rule, Canada does not allow persons with DUI’s to enter their country. Canada will also turn away anyone with a felony in the system, although travelers who require in-depth information regarding the process of applying for a waiver or other admissibility questions can reach the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) during regular business hours, Monday to Friday (08:00 – 16:00 local time, except holidays) by calling either (506)636-5064 or (204)983-3500.

For interliners coming to the USA, a single DUI conviction is not grounds to deny entry into the U.S; however, multiple DUI convictions or a DUI conviction in combination with other misdemeanor offenses can make a person inadmissible and require a waiver prior to entering the United States.   A crime of moral turpitude (CIMT) may be grounds to deny entry to the U.S.

Cruise Lines are starting to check the national criminal databases and if they find certain crimes they will turn away the passenger.

For example we know of at least 2 cases where people with a sex offender violation in the background were denied boarding on Royal Caribbean before they even left home.

Be forewarned if you have any sort of criminal conviction or deferred adjudication on record. Royal Caribbean is running background checks on all prospective passengers and will deny boarding if one does not answer their questions or if they are not satisfied with the answers. They don’t factor in if you’ve previously cruised with them and are an Emerald or Diamond member either.

We don’t know if they’re looking at all felonies/misdemeanors or mainly targeting people listed in the sex offender registry. Our advice is to complete your set sail pass well in advance so you’re not surprised by this a few days before your cruise. Get your attorney involved if you have one. Possibly contact Royal Caribbean about your background before they contact you about it to show good faith.

Expect other cruise lines to possibly follow Royal Caribbean in doing these background checks prior to embarkation.

We are also seeing more and more denials into countries for prior criminal convictions. You may be denied entry into your chosen destination as a result of any prior criminal convictions. It is your responsibility to check with the appropriate embassy to assess your situation.