*Updated September 2023
Everyone lives for the holidays! The downtime, the sun, and fun in tropical places like Mexico. As of late, there has been increased media awareness of the dangers of travelling to the United States with a Canadian criminal record after an ever-growing number of Canadians being turned away at the border. Canadians with past convictions need a US Entry Waiver to cross the border for a hassle-free crossing. Which leads many to wonder about Canada’s other NAFTA partner, the one with the beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, gorgeous resorts, and spectacular ruins? Are these also off limits to Canadians with a criminal record? Can a Canadian denied entry to the US also be denied entry to Mexico?
According to Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada,
“Canadians travelling to Mexico with a criminal record might be refused entry and returned to Canada on the next available flight. Canadians in this situation should contact the Mexican Embassy in Ottawa prior to making travel arrangements.”
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Furthermore, since March 1, 2010, Canadian citizens, including those with dual nationality, are required to present a valid passport in order to enter and exit Mexico. Canadians without a valid passport will be refused entry and returned to Canada.”
It’s becoming more and more apparent that any Canadian who has a criminal record should take measures before planning a trip to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, or any other stunning Mexican retreat to avoid getting turned away at the border. Nothing can be worse than having to say goodbye to a well-planned vacation, especially after all the money you’ve spent.
It’s also extremely important to note that even though Mexico has a less stringent screening process than the United States; Canadians with a criminal record face another threat. There are many testimonies of people going to Mexico for a vacation or on business and stopping over in Houston, Los Angeles, or any other US city and having issues. When they lay-over in these American hubs they are questioned and in many cases, have been sent back to Canada due to their criminal record. This is a result of the Information Sharing Acts between Canada and the US. You can read more about these regulations in this article: Stopovers in the US: Will you be turned back?
Can You Travel To Mexico With A Criminal Record?
Travelling to Mexico with a criminal record largely depends on the offense committed. Those charged with minor crimes, such as driving offenses and petty theft are unlikely to be denied access to the country. However, those with a criminal record for serious offenses are more prone to facing problems entering Mexico.
Don’t get turned away from your well-deserved holiday or business trip in Mexico or on your trip through the States. You can start by getting a record suspension (Canadian pardon) to remove your existing criminal record from the CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) database and then apply for a US Entry Waiver and secure that long-awaited and well-planned holiday of your dreams.
If you have any questions or need a FREE consultation, give us a call at 1-866-972-7366, we are here to help.
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly feel this web site needs a
lot more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the information!
Great info. Thanks. I’m just a little confused about something. It was explained to me that once a Canadian pardon was granted, the only benefit was hiding criminal history for job applications…Canadian pardons only help within Canada. Is this true? If so, to be able to travel to the US, someone with a Canadian pardon would still need to get an American waiver which happens to be very, very costly. Please inform!!
Hi Tanya
Officially the United States does not recognize Canadian Pardons. However, if you have never crossed the US border with a criminal record, then the United States will have no record of your offences in their system. Once you receive a Pardon, your Canadian record at CPIC will be cleared. This database is what the United States border guards will check if they decide to run a background check on you when you enter the United States.
What this means is that if you get a Pardon, and your CPIC record is cleared, then your record will come back blank if/when the United States border guards decide to check your criminal record. This will make it appear to them that you have never been charged or convicted for a criminal offence, and they will therefore discover no reason to deny you entry.
My husband received a pardon for a 25 year old possession charge. Once that pardon was granted – it was THEN that he was refused entry into the US. Can you explain that? Before the pardon went through, he had multiple trips to and from the US
This is not a government website. The information is inaccurate. Even with a pardon, you need to apply for and receive a waiver to not be turned back at the border.
Hi GL, Yes that’s true. The comment was made in 2012. However, since then it’s been found that US border guards can still access your records even if you did not try to cross between the time you first had a record and your pardon (Record Suspension.)
Hi, my husband actually obtained a pardon a couple of years ago but needs a waiver to the US as he was turned away from the US border a couple of years ago. He honestly didn’t think he had a criminal record as when he did something stupid at the age of 18, by paying a fine, he thought it was ok to travel to the US. And in fact we had travelled together at least 15 times to the US, either by plane or by car and there never was a problem until a couple of years ago. He did not get the waiver yet as it’s very expensive and only good for a year. We plan to do it in a couple of years for our family trip to Disney. However, next March 2013, we would like to take a trip to Mexico. Is it ok to fly on the plane directly to Mexico from Canada with his pardon or will they see something in the system as he’s been stopped at the US border and doesn’t have his waiver for the US? If the pardon is enough, should he also get a VISA to enter Mexico just in case. I really need to know before we spend all that money for the whole family and can’t go, not to mention what that would do to my children. Thank you.
Mexico does have similarly stringent requirements as the US and most countries, however they do not necessarily have the same access to our records system that the United States does. Legally, any person with a criminal record is not allowed to enter Mexico or any other country, although some offences may be excepted. To confirm that you would be permitted entry into Mexico, the best option for you and your husband would be to contact a consulate or embassy of Mexico in Canada. They will be able to confirm with you what their requirements surrounding criminal records are. The main embassy is in Ottawa, although there are other consulates in Canada, such as one in Vancouver. Their contact information is available online. In our experience we have found that if a traveler is going for a short period the Mexican authorities will likely not conduct a record check, because it is so onerous for them, and let the person enter.
Be mindful of stopovers in the United States. In terms of actually getting to Mexico, you are correct in choosing to fly direct from Canada to Mexico. If you have layovers in the United States, your husband would likely be denied before boarding the plane.
I hope this is helpful for you and your husband. If you have any questions about this, or about obtaining a US Entry Waiver in the future, don’t hesitate to contact our offices at 1-866-972-7366.
He must have been a dummy and told them about his offence. That’s the only way they can possibly find out. Once you get your pardon, NEVER EVER EVER I repeat NEVER tell ANYONE about your offence! The whole purpose of a pardon is to hide it.
As far as I’m aware the US has pretty well all records of the Canadians information I went to the US in 2014 for a medical trip with my wife then she had to go back in 2017 going through US customs I immediately got taken to the holding area I had every paper on me to prove we where only going for two days and it was a paid medical trip by a Canadian Province.
The US customs officer didn’t want to hear nothing from me he just said you are not going period as you committed fraud by filling out the Esta wrong the last time I went it was filled out by US Customs and there was no problem I tried to explain it was a mistake he even admitted it was confusing after he wrote me up as it is a question in a question and yes I screwed up filling it out not on purpose by accident. I even told him I have my pardon papers on me just in case something like this happened he said it doesn’t matter we don’t recognize a Canadian Pardon so beware of being sucked in to getting a pardon as they know you past affences anyway.
If your a landed Immigrant from England like myself and have a past mine is over 35 years or so the officer had this information in front of him even before he asked me if I’ve been into trouble so go to Calgary and get a Visa started and if one needs to go for emergency reasons you might be able to go if your Visa is in process plus it’s a lot cheaper than a pardon which doesn’t do anything there anyway.
This was a horrible experience he even asked if I was a murderer saying we could be letting anyone in it comes to common sense sometimes I get they have rules but even at the home airport we went to US customs they apologized for the US Customs saying the young guy went to far especially when we heard another female officer say to another person who had a old history like myself say if you had another officer right now looking our way you might not be going take care of this and have a nice trip to Disney Land unreal my wife had a medical appointment just staying two days and she needed me as her escort as she is very ill and there was no problem the first time.
So now he has made it difficult and I have to travel to Calgary and apply for a Visa which explained by the other US officials that it last ten years and takes a year to get not like a Canadian Pardon taking over two years so be ware.
Hi Dean,
Thank you for sharing your story. Yes, you are correct a Canadian pardon will not assist you with crossing the border with an old record. If we can help you with anything, please give us a call.
There has been some recent posts online of people with criminal records being turned away at the Mexican border. Does Mexico now have access to CPIC? And if so, with a pardon will they be able to see after the fact? In your experience is a pardon required for minor convictions to enter Mexico? Thanks for the info
Yes, they do have access to CPIC, the Canadian Police Information Centre which is the national repository of criminal records in Canada. Once your record is sealed on CPIC, no one is able to view it without the express permission of the Minister of Public Safety. Mexican authorities should not be able to view a pardon record. Never the less, you are still inadmissible to Mexico. If you will be travelling through the United States on route to Mexico, you will require an entry waiver. Click here for further information
i have a criminal record from 21 yrs ago will it stop me from going to Mexico I don’t want to pay for the ticket if it will be a waste of money
We don’t really have knowledge about the mexican laws but if you are stopping in the US for a flight transfer, you will need a waiver. If not, we cannot unfortunately answer your question accurately as it is out of our range of expertise.
good luck with your travels!
My husband has a criminal record from when he lived in the states which dates back 28 years ago. He was a Canadian with an alias card and lived there with his family. He also has a criminal record from 11 years ago in Canada. Will he be able to travel to Mexico with a Canadian passport?
Hi Norma,
In reference to a comment below: Mexico does have similarly stringent requirements as the US and most countries, however they do not necessarily have the same access to our records system that the United States does. Legally, any person with a criminal record is not allowed to enter Mexico or any other country, although some offences may be excepted. To confirm that you would be permitted entry into Mexico, the best option for you and your husband would be to contact a consulate or embassy of Mexico in Canada. They will be able to confirm with you what their requirements surrounding criminal records are. The main embassy is in Ottawa, although there are other consulates in Canada, such as one in Vancouver. Their contact information is available online. In our experience we have found that if a traveller is going for a short period the Mexican authorities will likely not conduct a record check, because it is so onerous for them, and let the person enter.
Be mindful of stopovers in the United States. If you have layovers in the United States, your husband would likely be denied before boarding the plane. If you have any further questions about this, please don’t hesitate to contact our offices at 1-866-972-7366.
Hi. Thank you for your answer. I have contacted the Mexican embassy and they didn’t give me any definitive answer. The asked what the offence was and said it would be up to the officer when we arrive. I told them we had no problem in Cuba or Costa Rica. They told me to look at the questions they would be asking upon entry and they same to be the normal questions asked at any point of arrival. Does this mean that when they scan your passport, your passport does not automatically show that you have a criminal record. I am wondering if this would only be a problem if you wanted to stay in Mexico for a longer period of time, rather than arriving on an all inclusive charter.
Hi Norma,
To clarify from before, Mexico does not have the same access to Canadian records as the US does, and therefore does not have information on Canadian citizens with their passports. So just as it was when you travelled to Cuba and Costa Rica, you should have no issue travelling south to Mexico so long as you don’t have a stop-over in the US. We hope that helps!
I am planning a trip to Mexico next March 2017 with my family. I have a criminal record from 10 years ago. We are planning a direct flight from Canada to Cancun. As everyone else has asked, will I be allowed in? Will the immigration officers in Mexico see my record when they scan my passport? I have never tried to cross the US boarder with my record, and I applied for a US travel waiver back in December. I know this has been asked, but I am just wondering if there are any new laws or screening procedures that have come into play in the last little while. Also, if I leave Canada, after they scan my passport and it shows my record,will that information be sent down to Mexico?
Any information would be appreciated, as I don’t want to waste money if I can’t get in!
Hi Kris, Thank you for your question. Flying to Mexico should be OK, as long as you do not land in the US. There is always a risk of an emergency landing in the US so a waiver is a good idea. There haven’t been any major updates to how Mexican border officials flag travellers. We recommend contacting the Consulate before you travel. It’s possible that the border guards could discover your record through CPIC.
I have read all of the above, I am leaving this weekend to Cancun, it’s a family trip flying direct from Canada to Cancun. I had a dui 10 years ago and am now so worried I will be turned away. Any advice or suggestions would be so appreciated.
Hi P. Stanfield, Thanks for your question. I found this information on the Mexico Consulate in Toronto website. http://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/toronto/index.php/en/faq/259 It would appear that immigration officials are more concerned about serious offences. If they do happen to question you on your record, I would just suggest being honest and saying it is in the past. Please, update us if you decide to go as this is a question with a lot of interest.
My husband called The Foreign Affairs office in the U.S. He was told that a DUI is considered a misdemeanor in the U.S. Therefore it’s not a criminal offense. Would it be the same in Mexico and would they turn people away for a misdemeanor?
Hi Twyla, Thank you for your question. According to Wikipedia, Mexico considers a DUI to be indictable (similar to a felony) and says you could be denied at the border for a DUI.
Hello I got a questions, I wanna travelled to Mexico but I got a record in the past, but my record is been revoked. I want to know is going to affect me travelling anyahere. Thanks i need some answers
Hello Im from Canada I got a questions, I wanna travelled to Mexico but I got a record in the past, but my record is been revoked. I want to know is going to affect me travelling anyahere. Thanks i need some answers
Hi Nora, Thank you for your question. If your record has been revoked due to a record suspension or a discharge, you can let the Consulate know. Anecdotally we have heard that entering Mexico with a record is not a problem, but we recommend confirming with the Consulate before you travel.
Hello … my husband has a new criminal record. He got 6 months for (wilfully resisting or obstructing peace officer). His 6 months of probation is up Oct 15,2016. We have been invited to Cabo Mexico for two weeks in Feb 2017 with friends. Do you think mu husband would be a problem entering Mexico? Our flight would be Canada to Mexico. ( no Stops)
Hi Ann, Thank you for your question. There are anecdotal stories about people entering and people being denied entry to Mexico with a criminal record. The only way to determine if your husband will be allowed to enter is to contact the Mexican embassy in your area.
Hi i am permanent resident here in canada and a chinese passport holder. I have a criminal record drug related 6yrs ago. Im planning to travel cancun or cuba for 1week only with direct flight. Can they allow me enter mexico? Ive contacted the embassy and they ddidnt give me definitive answers. Please help.
Hi Lee, Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, these countries are not very clear on whether they will allow people with criminal records to enter. Anecdotally, many people have said they entered with a criminal record. It would be at the discretion at the border guard. You will have to be prepared to be turned away and possibly lose the money you spent on the trip. Keep in mind that Mexico has a serious drug trafficking problem and could treat your offence very seriously depending on the circumstances. However, usually border guards cannot access your criminal record information. (This is not true for the US, which shares information with Canada). Also keep in mind that there are other ways they could find out that you have a record, so lying about it would not help. Applying for a Record Suspension can improve your chances of being allowed entry to foreign countries (but not the US).
I’ve been to Dominican numerous times with a criminal record with no issues (drug related over 10 years ago). Anyone travelling there, I would say would not have a issue. I would like to travel to bunch of places including Mexico. Just worried they would turn me away. There’s no new technology they have with determining our records?
Hi Mike,
The main new thing that Canadians with records should be concerned about is the lifting of visa requirements between Canada and Mexico. Like Canada and the United States, security officials are asking for improved access to information in order to facilitate this agreement. According to this article it doesn’t seem like this is in place yet, but it could be coming soon. http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mexico-visa-restrictions-lifting-three-amigos-1.3648757
Hi:
I have been charged with 2 counts both back in Feb 2014 (Driving under the Influence and refusal to breathalyzer). In Dec 2015 I was convicted with the both 2 counts. I have appealed the refusal charge and it was stayed in Nov 2016. Does this mean I only have single conviction? I also landed as PR Jan 2017, immigration overturned my convictions. Can I travel to the US by car? or to Cuba (direct flight from Canada). Multiple post indicated that DUI doesn’t count as serious felony. please advice
Hi Moe,
Thank you for your question. If your appeal was successful than you don’t have a record for the second charge. The US does not usually care about DUI, so you should have no problem crossing the border. The Cuban border officers have discretion not to allow people to enter the country. However, anecdotal reports say that a DUI would probably not be a big deal for them either. They are more concerned about trafficking or anything that could pose a major safety risk to their country.
Hi ,
Just a few words on this subject from my experience . I have a Canadian criminal record involving dui and possession dating back to 1995 , as previously mentioned the United States does not recognize a Canadian pardon , although I am in the process of applying for one for other reasons . I do have a U.S. waiver card which I have used twice to enter the States ,both times were excruciating in the sense that once you show the card border officials make the experience as miserable as possible for you .I will also mention that the waiver is not a guarantee that you will be admitted to the U.S. , as written on the card it clearly states that entry is to be determined by the inspecting officer at the port of entry.
I have flown direct to Mexico many times in the last twenty years and have never had a problem entering the country ( just got back from 6 weeks in Baja ) you can stay up to 180 days with a simple entry visa .From what I can gather you may run into problems with a criminal record if you apply for a temporary visa or a permenente .
Hi Steve, Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s definitely a question that a lot of people want answers to. A person who wants to apply for a visa beyond the basic 180 days might consider getting a Record Suspension, which would allow them to present a clean record check to the Mexican consulate. The Record Suspension will not, however, allow them to enter the United States.
Hi, my husband was recently denied entry into the US for a mischief charge from when he was 18 years old (he’s now 40). Now that he’s been flagged, will the Mexican border patrol also see that he was flagged by the US? I understand the waiver process and that we should call the consulate prior to travelling to Mexico but just curious if they will see the flag the US has put on his file and know that he was denied entry to that country?
Hi Sara,
Thanks for your question. It’s not likely that the US would share that kind of information with Mexico. Did they put any stamp in his passport? Considering how long ago it happened, it shouldn’t be a major concern.
Thanks for your reply. No they didn’t stamp his passport or provide us with any paperwork. We are in the process of getting a US waiver and pardon but just gathering the documents needed at this point. We are hoping to travel to Mexico in January 2018 so am hoping it won’t be an issue with him getting in. Do you think we should still call the consulate given it happened so long ago and was a minor offense (although still considered criminal)?
Currently on their website, the Mexican embassy only lists serious crimes as making a person ineligible to enter. Mischief is not listed. https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/canada/index.php/en/notices/11506-entryrequirements