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Visiting the United States with a Canadian conviction
Visiting the United States with a Canadian conviction
Canadian passports are in huge demand with forgers and international criminals for a reason. History of foreign aid and peacekeeping, a good perception of Canadians and a record of good international relations offers Canadian passport holders simple entry into other countries than any other passport worldwide. The good news is that the federal government is continually improving security precautions around passports to discourage misuse.
Prior to leaving, travelers will have to speak with the embassies, offices and consulates that represent whatever country they wish to visit to get an understanding of their entry restrictions. Newer passports have a warning and integrated circuits to use your passport as an electric device. However, even with a legitimate Canadian passport, you are still not guaranteed you will be able to get into the country. This is especially true if you have a criminal record and haven’t used any pardons Canada services.
Most people don’t consider how their criminal record will affect their chances of traveling or moving to another country, particularly the United States, once they put the incident behind them. It could be near impossible to get into the US if you are a Canadian with a criminal record depending on the crime you committed and if you even qualify for a Canadian pardon. But, there are a few things you can do if you are likely to be denied entry into the United States.
Crimes That Matter
In theory, there are only specific crimes that would get you denied from entering the US. But, some sources state that since the US Customs and Border Patrol agents carry on some decision making themselves, they can decide who they allow through, therefore, people with criminal records risk getting denied entry. This is including those who had charges dropped or were acquitted and that is the only thing detailed on their file.
Apply for a Waiver
Canadians who have already been denied entry into the United States or believe they will be can fill out an application for a temporary waiver of inadmissibility. It could take up to a year for this process to go through and costs over $500 regardless of the outcome.
If you have a criminal record and are looking to enter the US and you don’t have a visa, you will need to discuss your situation with a person from your local American consulate. They will be able to suggest a waiver as your first step. You will have to apply for it at either a Preclearance office inside Canada or a border crossing.
There is a basic list of documents that you will need, however, you should really check with your local Preclearance office to be certain you have exactly the specific documents you will need in addition to the list of documents below. Typically, the documents you will need include:
- A completed and signed Form l-192 (original copy)
- A United States Fingerprint chart FD-258 ( you will fill this out later)
- A G-325 (completed)
- A copy of all police records
- Proof of Canadian citizenship
- Your state of purpose explaining why you want to enter the US
- Official court record of all crimes you’ve been indicted of
- Your signed statement written out in your own words that explains the situation of your crimes and what types of rehabilitation you have gone through, if any (counseling, restitution, community service and so forth)
Canadian Pardons
With the exception of some crimes, most Canadians are able to get their criminal records expunged or destroyed after a length of time which ranges from 5 months to 10 years. But, when it comes to the US Border Patrol, Canadian pardons can be tricky. If you have ever attempted to enter the United States before and you obtain a pardon, you should be okay, however it’s a good idea that you wait until your record is expunged before you try to enter the United States.
Another scenario is when you have been denied entry into the United States once before. In this case, you can only enter through the US waiver process. Your record still remains in US computer systems even if it’s been deleted in Canada and the US doesn’t recognize Canadian pardons.
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Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Find out why Sand boarding, Diving and Safaris through the desert are included in the Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar.
Qatar is a country of reinvention. Shimmering towerblocks rise against a desert horizon, and maze-like souks thrive next to 21st-century shopping palaces. It’s also one of the more accessible countries of the Arab Gulf, with a welcoming reputation towards visitors and plenty of attractions to keep them coming. Some of the best holiday activities you’ll find in Qatar are the adventurous kind. And these are the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar.
Sunset in Qatar – Photo by wj2012
Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Diving expeditions
The Gulf Sea is famed for its crystal waters and the exuberant marine life which lurks just beneath the surface. Messaid is a good jumping-off point where you’ll find angelfish and barracuda, while those intrigued by underwater wrecks will love the Hall Island dive site at Al-Sharqi, where bright clownfish circle the abandoned boat.
Sand Adventures
Many of the sports here have been adapted from colder climates, so instead of skiing down a mountain piste, try Khor Al Adaid beach to glide down the impressive dunes on a sand-board. Alternatively, race your blo-kart along the sands of Al Wakrah, south of capital Doha, to experience the thrill of wind-sailing on dry land.
Sand Boarding – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by ground zero
Al Jassasiya
The ancient carvings of Al Jassasiya lie to the north near Al Shamal, amid a truly remote landscape of village ruins and limestone. Hire a 4×4 of your own and make the journey to see the 900 petroglyphs which riddle the rocks here. The carvings denote flowers, animals, fleets of shows, or traditional Arab boats, and to this day, their origins remain a mystery.
Sunset Cruise
When the time comes for a more relaxed excursion, you can do no better than a sunset cruise onboard a wooden dhow as you drift past the super-modern Doha seafront of Al-Corniche and the old harbor at Al Khor. If you’re still hankering after some adventure, rent a smaller vessel and go for a fishing trip the following day.
Desert Safaris
Much of the inland desert in Qatar remains inaccessible on foot, but fortunately, that’s where a 4×4 comes in very handy for a safari trip you won’t easily forget. There are numerous options available from Doha, including day-long excursions, bumping, and rolling to the inland sea at Khor Al Adaid. Or make the trip at dusk for a spot of star-gazing before you settle in Bedouin-style tents for the night.
Desert Safari – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by robertpaulyoung
Most activities can be arranged via a tour company. Although cash has been the predominant payment method in Qatar, this is beginning to change, which is good news for tourists since HSBC offers protection against loss or theft. If you’re planning on taking part in several activities, it can be handy to have some plastic on you to avoid expensive traveler’s cheques, plus credit cards from HSBC and other familiar providers also enable easy access to money at the ATMs. However, it’s wise to exercise caution, using only official bank machines here and sticking with local currency at the market and in smaller shops.
There’s no doubt that Qatar offers some world-class cultural attractions beyond the more energetic highlights, and while you’re in the country, set aside some time for the historic Al Zubarah fort or browse the recreated 19th-century Souk-Waqif, in Doha.
This country has been undervalued in the past but is now coming to the world’s attention. With its desert adventures, ancient sites, and thriving culture, this attention is thoroughly deserved.
This is a travel feature by world traveler, Jose Capelo. He loves exploring the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar and has spent many trips exploring the wild deserts of Qatar.
Bondi is well known for sun, surf, and fun, but what can you do if you find yourself there in the colder months from June to August? Here are a few suggestions for things to do in Sydney’s most popular suburb when the temperature drops.
8 Things to do in Bondi in Winter
1. Go on an art tour
If the weather doesn’t allow for the typical outdoorsy activities Bondi is known for, a tour of some of its first-rate art galleries can be a great way to spend an afternoon. Don’t miss the Cooee Aboriginal Art Gallery, dedicated to promoting Indigenous art, and the Bondi Art Lounge, where you can view works from local artists or even take a beginner class and create a masterpiece of your own.
2. Take a hike
In crisp cool temperatures, a hike along the coastal cliffs with a view of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean below can’t be beaten. One of the most popular hikes is the Bondi to Coogee Walk, which is 6 km and takes you through Sydney’s eastern suburbs and past plenty of cafes, restaurants, and kiosks where you can stop to rest and take in the sights.
3. Head to Bondi Icebergs for some winter swimming
Even during winter, swimming is not entirely out of the question in Bondi. The Oceanside pool at Bondi Icebergs Club is open year-round, and the winter swims every Sunday from May to September have become a time-honored tradition. Although club members must complete at least three winter swims a year to retain their lofty membership title, non-members who are up for the challenge can pay a one-time fee to use the pool and sauna.
4. Strap on your skates and visit the only beachside skating rink in Australia
If winter swimming is a step too far for you, why not skate instead? Bondi has Australia’s only beachside ice rink, and the ocean view in the background makes for a striking contrast. The ice rink is open from June 27 to July 13, and aside from hosting skating sessions that are open to the public, it also features spectacular ice shows from Stars On Ice.
5. Settle in for brunch at one of Bondi’s decadent cafes
Winter wouldn’t be the same without a few indulgences, and after all your skating and hiking, you’ve probably earned a hearty brunch anyway. Fortunately, Bondi is full of great brunch options, from Trio Café with delicacies like poached eggs with truffle oil and char-grilled halloumi; to the rustic Brown Sugar, where you can indulge in classic comfort food like buttermilk pancakes and English muffins with bacon.
6. Join a cooking class, dodge ball game, or salsa lesson
During the winter, it may seem like most people have gone off to hibernate, but if you know where to look, you can still find plenty of social things to do. Start by checking out the Bondi community page on Gumtree. You can find like-minded individuals to explore the area with or even join a group for fun activities like hiking, biking, or cooking.
7. Score some vintage fashion at Bondi Markets
The Bondi Markets, held every Sunday on Bondi Beach, are known in Sydney for being the best place to shop for vintage clothing and accessories and hip new fashions from emerging designers. Aside from style, you can also shop for art, furniture, flowers, books, local produce, and delicious street eats. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great place to do some people-watching and see the Bondi locals in their element.
8. Stop by the Bondi Pavilion
The Bondi Pavilion is one of the suburb’s oldest landmarks dating back to 1928 when it first opened, featuring grand dining rooms, a lounge, a ballroom, and the Turkish and Hot Sea Water Baths. Today, it’s used as an art and cultural center and is home to a theatre group, recording studio, and art gallery. There’s always something going on here, from pottery classes to festivals to open-air cinemas, so check it out if you have a chance.
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
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