Originally Posted by
cohnemus
Hi,
So in 5 weeks I'll be going to Japan. I recently was going over the Canadian boarder and I was denied for something that happened 3 years ago when I was a lot younger. This came as a shock to me and I was upset since I've passed through the border multiple times since. This being said I'm not allowed in Canada for another 2.5 years. So my question is, If I have a connecting flight from Seattle in Vancouver with Japan being my final destination will that be allowed? I'm planning on talking with the Canadian Customs again since I wasn't given a clear answer before.
Thanks for any input.
My first instinct here is to tell you to change your plans and fly direct from the US to Japan , that is, provided you qualify to enter Japan.
Crossing the Canada-US border is very different now from the good old pre 9-11 days.
Based upon your statement that you were previously denied entry and have since crossed the border into Canada multiple times yet are still not allowed to enter for another 2.5 years, you now not only have to contend with whatever caused you to be denied entry previously, but you have openly admitted to entering Canada illegally.
From the sound of your description you were banned for a set period of time (five years perhaps?) at the time you were first refused entry. Were you served with an Exclusion Order, and if so, for what period of time?
Whether or not you would be allowed to transit Canada en route to Japan is questionable at best and fraught with danger. For your own sake and anyone you may be travelling with, rethink your plans.
In addition to all the above, are you aware that on the Japan entry declaration you must admit to any criminal convictions in any country? Also, Japan is a country that requires APIS screening and this info is also available to both Canadian and US officials.
Transiting any country is no longer the simple process it used to be
.