Travel restrictions with a DUI

On Behalf of | Sep 28, 2017 | Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol poses numerous threats. In 2015 alone, over 2,000 people in Minnesota suffered injuries as a result of alcohol-related crashes. That data comes from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

There are numerous consequences to receiving a DWI conviction, from license suspension to jail time. However, one setback many people overlook is the ability to travel to other countries. People usually do not face restrictions for going to other states, but vacations planned for the future may not be possible after a DUI.

Canada

Whether a DUI conviction was a misdemeanor or a felony, the person typically faces restrictions when trying to enter Canada. The reason is that the country views a DUI as an indictable act, so even if a person has a passport, he or she cannot simply cross the border. People with a DUI on their records can still enter, but they need to apply for a temporary resident permit beforehand, indicating the person has a valid reason for entering the country. Criminal rehabilitation is also an option.

Mexico

Anyone attempting to cross the U.S./Mexico border with a DUI conviction will not have a lot of luck. Foreigners with criminal convictions within the last decade cannot cross. Therefore, if a person’s DUI is a felony, then entry into the country would probably receive a denial. If it was a misdemeanor, it would be another story.

Qatar

Simply visiting Qatar may not be a big deal, but for those hoping to move permanently to the country, they will need to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate. This document proves the person has a clean criminal record, and it is essential for people wanting to do business in the country.

There are plenty of countries that do not mind if a person has a DUI conviction. For example, any country within the European Union will not bat an eye.