Visa question.

[nickymitch]

Does anyone know if you need a visa if you have been arrested? My sister in law is travelling to America with her Dad who was arrested about 8yrs ago, he went to court and was fined - but he was never convicted.

[spudqueen]

I'd check out the American Embassy web site. I'm pretty sure that you need a visa if you've ever been arrested, not necessarily convicted. It's better to get it sorted out now than be refused entry to the US when you've flown all that way and are stood in immigration!

[dzug]

??? If he was fined he must have been convicted.

However it's the arrest that counts, whether convicted or not. He needs a visa.

[Buenchico]

If you've been arrested, you need a visa for entry to the US. See the last paragraph, here:
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/arrests_an d_convictions.html

Chris

(PS: If someone has appeared before a criminal court and has been fined, then they must have been convicted of a criminal offence. Your sister-in-law's father must attend an interview in London. See here:
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/interview. html
He will also be required to fill in a form authorising release of the details of his criminal record to US officials).