I bought tickets to see Taylor Swift in Canada, now a mistake I made four years ago may ban me from entry

Like many fans, Mackenzie credits Taylor Swift's music for helping her through some difficult and emotional moments in her life. 

After seeing the pop superstar when she opened her epic tour in Arizona, the 32-year-old and her friend decided to splurge on tickets to one of her final shows in Canada - especially poignant as they were both celebrating their sobriety. 

However, in an unexpected twist, the pair realized that they may not make it into the country because of Canada's strict laws - something they only realized days before their flight was set to leave.

'Of course I realized this after I bought my ticket and booked hotels,' Mackenzie told the DailyMail.com. 'I assumed since my probation ended and fines have been paid long ago it would not be an issue.'

Mackenzie was caught driving under the influence in 2020, but said it wasn't processed in the court system until 2022 due to COVID.

The Sedona-based woman added the singer's music had held a special place in her health journey, so she wanted to see her final concert on the record-breaking tour.

'It is a present to me, from me, for how far I’ve come in my sobriety journey, which Taylor’s music has been super influential during it all,' she explained.

Despite the risks, she said they were still going to try their luck, knowing they may be turned away at the border.

Mackenzie, from Sedona, Arizona, and her friend bought tickets to Taylor Swift's Canada leg of her Eras Tour to celebrate their sobriety 

'I'm still going to try to get in….high risk but high reward,' she reasoned. 'If not, I will unfortunately be forced to sell my ticket and accommodations.' 

Days ahead of the superstar's final three shows at BC Place Stadium, which are set to take place on December 6, 7 and 8, a handful of Swifties were shocked to discover that they may be prohibited from crossing the Canadian border due to a past DUI. 

Offenses that make someone inadmissible to enter Canada, without special entrance permission from the Canadian Government, include a DUI, DWI, reckless driving, theft, drug trafficking, assault, embezzlement, hit and run, stalking, kidnapping and harassment.

According to Canada’s official government website, driving under the influence — the offense of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs — is considered to be an inadmissible offense.

Ultimately, a Canadian immigration officer is responsible for deciding if a traveler can enter the country when they arrive at the border.

In a Facebook discussion group for Swifties traveling to Vancouver, some fans began asking if they would have any trouble entering Canada from the United States with a past felony conviction. 

In response to multiple questions about the same matter, one Facebook user wrote a post urging those concerned with their previous criminal records to consult with 'an immigration lawyer to figure out' their options especially with only a few days left until the shows.

'The more prepared you are, the less likely they are to just turn you away and flag your passport for trying to enter the country with a criminal conviction,' they stated. 'This post is not meant to condone crime, just trying to prevent dreams from being shattered at the border.'

According to Canada’s official government website, driving under the influence is considered to be an inadmissible offense

Days ahead of her final three shows, a handful of Swifties are discovering they or someone in their traveling party might be prohibited from crossing the Canadian border due to a past DUI

 

 

In a Facebook discussion group for Swifties traveling to Vancouver, some fans began asking if they would have any trouble entering Canada from the United States with a past felony conviction

After the discussion post on Facebook went viral, one X user admitted: 'I was today years old when I learned that Americans convicted of DUI can’t enter Canada without special dispensation (found out because thousands of Americans who bought tickets to see Taylor Swift in Vancouver are freaking out).'

Another suggested: 'So many people learning you can’t go to Canada with a dui, if you don’t have tickets go wait at the border to see if anyone gets denied and buy their ticket.' 

'Maybe it was just in the Midwest but we got the fact that you can’t get into Canada if you have a DUI pounded into us our whole life like it was a threat,' a third wrote. 

Another quipped: 'Swifities not realizing they can’t attend the Eras tour in Vancouver due to DUIs was not on my bingo card.' 

Some questioned how eager concertgoers didn't do any research before trying to 'enter another country.' 

'What do you mean you panic bought plane and taylor swift tickets but didn't know you couldn't get into Canada with your DUI?!' one asked.

Will Tao, an immigration lawyer, previously stated that 'entry into Canada is on a case-by-case basis.' 

'In 2019, the driving offence was elevated to one of serious criminality, based on legislative amendments,' he told 1130 NewsRadio. 

He continued: 'Historically, if you were the one performing, or if you had a conference to go to or some important economic event, or perhaps even some important family event, you could convince [them] of that element — the importance of being here would be balanced against your risk to Canada, given you’re coming up.'

Fans are expressing shock after learning that they may not be able to enter Canada for the Eras Tour’s final stop in Vancouver due to the country's strict laws. Swift seen in November

A Facebook group dedicated to her Vancouver shows is filled with stressed American fans unsure if they'll be able to pass through the border 

The Anti Hero hitmaker, who has been on the road since March 2023, will conclude the epic trek in Vancouver, Canada, on December 8. 

Earlier this week, a source told Us Weekly that the performer planned on taking an extended break so she could focus on relaxing and spending time with boyfriend Travis Kelce. 

'She's told her team to give her one year,' the insider revealed. 

Another source said of Taylor's plans for the next few months: 'Taylor plans to stay in and hibernate for a while. They [Taylor and Travis] want to do 'normal things' as a couple.

'Taylor's exhausted. She's excited for some relaxation and downtime.'

The first source added the singer was planning to enjoy a quiet Christmas with family.

Adding that the superstar won't start thinking about recording another album until 2025.