short stopover in america

debsdiamonds | 22:13 Tue 27th Nov 2007 | Travel

7 Answers

traveling to los angeles as a stop over on the way home from new zealand,cook islands,is it true that if you have been previously arrested for minor crime but not charged ,and under 18 you need a visa to enter the usa?as we have travelled to new york and never been asked for one b4??!

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Metal in toes

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Buenchico

Is it true? Yes.

Quote:
"Important: Some travelers may not be eligible to enter the United States visa free under the VWP. These include people who have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, those with criminal records, (the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law), certain serious communicable illnesses, those who have been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the United States, or have previously overstayed on the VWP. Such travelers must apply for special restricted visas. If they attempt to travel without a visa, they may be refused entry into the United States."

Source:
http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/niv/ vwp.html

Does it matter? No. Simply 'forget' about the arrest and you'll get in. (The US authorities don't have any direct access to UK records of arrests and convictions).

Chris

debsdiamonds

Question Author

ok thanks!
still a little confused as he was allowed entry into new york and i would say thats the most difficult airport to enter into?

JonnoGenie

1) Don't panic too much about Chris, he likes to lay it on a bit thick. Then tell you you're guilty, but meanwhile suggest you go and break the law again.

2) The crime involved is important, and you do not say what it is

3) being under 18 at the time can be very relevant, depends what was done.

4) NY is one of the easiest airports to get through if you have 'concerns'.

NORMANTHEDOG

the us customs have no access to our records.

Reverandfunk

Well said Norm, how many times has this question been asked lol

-- answer removed --

JonnoGenie

Does someone want to compile links to the last 20 times it has been asked into one post, and then we can then just point people to it?

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