You can be denied entry to Mexico if you have a DUI on your record from the past 10 years. Mexico takes a tough stance against people with DUI offences who try to go to Mexico. Foreigners who have been convicted of drunk driving during the last ten years are typically denied entry to Mexico. This is due to the fact that under the country’s immigration rules, a DUI is considered an indictable crime, comparable to a felony, and felons are not allowed to enter. Whether or not you can enter Mexico with any kind of criminal record is up to the discretion of the border officer. It is possible to travel to Mexico with a DUI, but you could be refused at the border.
However, in general, Mexico is only looking for people with serious records at the border. If your DUI did not result in death, property damage or serious injury, it is less likely that you would be denied entry to Mexico.
Can Mexico see your DUI?
Border officers don’t have access to Canadian criminal records. That may change one day given that Canada and Mexico now have visa-free entry and Canadian border officials are raising concerns about serious criminals attempting to enter the country. In general, the people they are flagging are people with records so serious that their names appear on Interpol.
For the average Mexican or Canadian, the chances that a DUI record would show up at the border are slight. However, Canada and Mexico may one day decide to share their national record databases in order to crack down on people with criminal records coming and going. Canada already has this agreement with the United States.
For Americans, your chances of getting into Mexico with a DUI are slimmer. This is because Mexican officials do have access to US records. However, they may still let you through with a misdemeanor conviction. Just keep in mind that you could be denied.
If you have concerns about your ability to enter Mexico with a DUI, you should check with the Mexican Consulate before travelling.
Can a pardon help you travel to Mexico with a DUI?
There is no obligation for any foreign country to recognize a foreign pardon. However, a pardon is evidence that the person is rehabilitated. This may help sway the discretionary decision of the border officer in your favour.
In Canada, you can apply for a Record Suspension. A Record Suspension seals your record in the national database. We know that the United States can still access Canadian criminal records after they are sealed because they regularly download CPIC and maintain their own database. However, it remains to be seen if the Mexican authorities will go to those lengths if and when Canada and Mexico decide to share records. If you plan to travel to Mexico in the future, it might be worth your while to seal your record today to prevent problems down the road.
A Canadian will normally not require a waiver to enter the United States with a DUI.
If you have any questions about travel with a criminal record or Record Suspensions, contact AllCleared today for a free consultation at 1-866-972-7366.