Important Due to Covid-19, processing times for passports are taking longer than normal for both standard and expedited services.

Can I visit Canada if I have an old drug felony?

by David
(Thousand Oaks, Ca)

Question: I have a valid passport but I have a 13-year-old drug felony. Will Canada let me enter there country?


Answer: The authority to allow or deny entry into Canada belongs to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Criminal inadmissibility is defined by the CBSA as "a person who will not be allowed to visit or stay in Canada because they have committed or been convicted of a crime in, or outside of, Canada."

Those who are considered inadmissible due to being convicted of a crime may apply for rehabilitation. The objective is to prove that "you lead a stable life and that you are unlikely to be involved in any further criminal activity." Apparently, a request for rehabilitation can only be made five years after the end of the sentence imposed.

The request must be submitted at a Canada visa office in the United States and can take up to a year to process. There is a fee for this which can be either $200 or $1000 (Canadian dollars). The amount depends on the seriousness of the crime and whether it is necessary to obtain authority from the Minister. For more information, click the link below.

Visiting Canada: Overcoming Criminal Inadmissibility

Comments for Can I visit Canada if I have an old drug felony?

Click here to add your own comments

Access into CA with Drug Felony
by: HipHopAnonymous

So in regards to this, my drug felony is now four years old. I have tried several times getting across the border via car and airplane. In a car I was denied entering in at the Vancouver entry, three years ago. That same year via car I was allowed in at the much smaller Cartwright entry. I was allowed temporary visitation as well for 6 days for work 2 years ago traveling into Edmonton via air. So reason I decided to write this was because as most legal laws and limitations go not everything is as black and white as they like to think. If you want to go try it but at a smaller entry point. But I will say you won't be able to get full passport book until you take care of said legal issue. However, you should still be able to get passport card.

Felony
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a very old felony. Will i have a problem going to Niagara Falls?a

Answer: Canada has stringent rules covering travelers with criminal records. Please contact the Canada Border Service Agency to find out if you will be allowed into their country.

If you are staying in the U.S. side of the falls, you should have no issues.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Passport for Travel to Canada.

Click for fast expedited courier service

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

UPDATE: Mailing delays and high demand are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility.

Standard service may take between 10 and 13 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Expedited service takes from 7 to 9 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.

Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.

Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 3 business days.

If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment.

For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.

If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC.

A registered expedited passport courier can often assist in obtaining a passport as quickly as the same day. You can learn more about this service here.

Latest Passport & Travel Updates

Getting a Passport Expedited at a Post Office
Requesting express service at post offices and other facilities that accept application forms from U.S. citizens.

Applying at a Regional Passport Agency
Where processing centers are located. How to schedule an appointment. What documents to take with you.

Using a Registered Courier Service
How to pick a legitimate courier service company to assist in getting your passport quickly.

Routine vs. Expedited Passport Service: How to Choose
Guide to help you decide if standard or fast track processing is the best option for your situation.

10 Benefits of Expediters
What are the advantages of employing the services a qualified expediter?

How to Renew a U.S. Passport Fast
Learn to expedite passport renewals as quickly as the same day. Where and how to renew passport in a hurry.

Passport Renewal Videos
Watch step-by-step instructional passport videos of how to renew a passport in 3 steps.

Make Your Own Passport Photos
Use the online Passport Photo Wizard tool to make your own passport photos in minutes. Save money and time.

Travel Warnings
The latest alerts to help you prepare for a safe and secure trip abroad.

Travel Documents
List of the most important travel documents and information about how and where to get them.

Travel Safety
Discover practical advice on how to keep safe during international trips.

23 International Travel Tips to Save Money on Transportation, Lodging & More
Cool ways to make your money stretch farther on travel expenses so that you can go more often and stay longer.

Expedite Your Passport Now!