Glossary
Updated 20 May 2026
BUI (Boating Under the Influence) is a criminal offence related to operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, posing a danger to water safety.
In Canada, this behaviour is considered a serious violation and can lead to criminal inadmissibility, causing an individual to be refused entry at the border, whether arriving by land, air, or sea.
Under Canadian law, BUI is treated similarly to driving under the influence (DUI, DWI), and if the act is equivalent to an offence with a maximum sentence of at least ten years in Canada, it is classified as a serious crime.
A person convicted of BUI abroad, after completing their sentence at least five years prior, may apply for criminal rehabilitation to resolve their inadmissibility to Canada. This process requires submitting a criminal record, court documents, and a processing fee of $1,148.87 CAD for serious crimes.
Processing time is typically 6 to 12 months. In the meantime, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) may be considered if they have a significant reason for entry, such as work or family. BUI highlights the importance of safety on all modes of transport.
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