US Waiver Program

[shanley]

I was cautioned 4 years ago for something, I did not appear in court or get fined or charged, I am due to go to the US in October for the first time, can anybody tell me if I can get in under the US Waiver Program? or do I need to get a Visa?

[paulz]

Shanley - I�d get a visa if I were you. See this site http://littleurl.com/?019r or if this doesn�t work copy & paste this one: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_web/visa/niv/vwp.htm Or Phone the Embassy 0207 499 9000

[Pinotage]

You do not say where you were cautioned. If it was in the US and they have a record of it, get a visa.

The actual question on the Visa Waiver form starts

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation involving a controlled substance ....

To get Visa information and to make an appointment with an official to apply for a visa you have to call a �1.30 per minute number 09055-444-546 to make an appointment.

There are many other pleasant places in the world that welcome visitors....

[Pinotage]

PS - the Visa costs �60 and does not guarantee you entry. Plus the cost of a day spent in London at the embassy, travel there and the �1.30 per minute phone call.

Welcome to the US. Have a nice day.

[Pickle]

You'll need a special visa, details here: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_web/visa/niv/add_crime.htm Apparently it takes 14-16 weeks for an application to go through so you'll have to get your skates on!

[shanley]

I was cautioned in the UK.

[Jamie Lewis]

You'll be fine. I was cautioned in the UK a few years ago for drunk and disorderly and urinating in a public place. I've just come back from a 3 week trip to NY, Las Vegas, Hawaii and San Francisco on the VWP and all they asked me when I first arrived in NY was 'have you got any fruit and veg to declare?'

[shanley]

Its a massive chance to take, weren't you worried? could you please email me at [Email address removed as per site policy. - AB Editor] and tell me what actually happens when you get to a US airport? and so worried I would be frogmarched to a side room & escorted back to the UK without a holiday? thanks.

[shanley]

Sorry Jamie, were you actually arrested and cautioned or just cautioned?

[Jamie Lewis]

I was arrested and cautioned and spent the night in the cells. To be honest it didn't even cross my mind that they might not let me in to the US. I expect I just ticked the 'no' box on the form anyway.

[shanley]

Hi Jamie, was it over 5 years ago? as I think your record get wiped after that.

[Jamie Lewis]

Now I come to think about it it must have been about 6 years ago. But I wouldn't worry about your caution - just tick all the correct boxes (no) and try not to look like you've got something to hide. Otherwise before you know it you'll be bent over a table listening to the sound of latex snapping against the wrist of a big hairy American. In all seriousness though just don't worry about it - you'll be fine. Look if you do get turned back when you get there, then blame me and say Jamie said it would be OK and if you don't - send me a postcard!

[shanley]

You've instilled me with confidence now Jamie, thanks for that. Love the answer by the way!!

[Jamie Lewis]

Have good trip!