Fargo, North Dakota June 1, 2007 – Canadian-bound travelers who have previously been convicted of offenses, including misdemeanors and driving while intoxicated (DWI)/driving under the influence (DUI), may be surprised to learn that their records could deny them admission to the United States’ neighbor to the north, according to Cindy Tyo-Browen, one of the owners of Travel Travel Carlson Wagonlit located at 2000 44th St. SW, Suite 103, Fargo, ND. According to recent reports, individuals who may have made prior visits to Canada without any difficulty are now facing greater scrutiny. Tyo-Browen today issued an advisory to area travelers to “Know before you go. Are you criminally inadmissible to Canada?”

 “We have heard several horror stories of travelers who had once made routine visits to Canada, but were now finding themselves being shut out,” stated Tyo-Browen. “Upon further investigation, we’ve learned that while nothing has changed in Canada’s application of its longstanding law regarding admissibility or how it’s applying its rules, the U.S. and Canada are now exchanging substantially more information in their efforts to further secure our borders.” 

Tyo-Browen explained that while most convictions in the U.S. for serious infractions like DUI and DWI are treated as misdemeanors or less, Canada has long considered these offenses as felonies. Tyo-Browen is reminding Red River Valley-area travelers that they may be denied entry if they have ever been convicted of a felony, as that term is defined by Canadian law. A partial list of offenses that may result in denial of entry into Canada includes, but is not limited to the following: · 

• Offenses that may be deemed “misdemeanors” under U.S. law such as shoplifting, theft, assault, possession of an illegal substance, etc.; · 
• Indictable” criminal offenses such as assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc.; or 
• DWI/DUI. 

“If you have a DWI/DUI on your record and are considering travel to Canada, whether by car, air or cruise ship, you must first go through a separate process to gain permission to enter—a process that may take up to six months,” noted Tyo-Browen. “While we are unable to advise whether any particular individual will be denied entry, or whether a particular offense will cause the denial of entry into Canada, we can advise all such travelers to contact their nearest Canadian Consulate handling immigration issues or visit Detroit Consulate General.

 “Fortunately, the vast majority of our customers have clean records and won’t need to worry at all,” stated Tyo-Browen. “But by alerting area travelers who may have spots on their records, they can take these steps to avoid an embarrassing situation at the border.” When your journey from a dream to a great story includes us, you travel better. 

If your plans include travel to or through Canada, our staff will require a signed waiver advising you of the admissibility issues.

To learn more, visit Travel Travel Carlson Wagonlit at 2000 44th St. SW, located in the Multiband Tower or, call 701.492.5000; Toll-Free 800.999.3688 or visit www.ttravel.com.