america

[holden1968]

i want to go to orlando but i got in some bother and want to now will it stop me geting through customes when i land or will i have to go back home.

[Buenchico]

The website of the US embassy states that anyone who has ever been arrested (even if totally innocent) or convicted of any offence is ineligible to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program. So (officially) you must apply for a visa. It can be a lengthy process. (I've seen a post, here on AB, from someone who waited 6 months for a decision, only to be turned down).

However, the US authorities have no direct access to UK criminal records. US immigration staff will know about specific individuals, where the UK has passed on information, such as suspected terrorists, drug-traffickers and child-sex tourists. They won't know about the vast majority of offences committed in the UK. So, if you simply lie on the form, which you complete on the plane, you should have no problems entering the USA.


Chris

[squarebear]

However, if you lie and get found out then you will be sent straight back on the next plane. It's a gamble.

[fredpuli47]

Depends what the 'bother' was. The US is hot on refusing people who have been convicted of crimes involving what they term 'moral turpitude' but they don't refuse entry simply because someone has been convicted of an offence. They won't be fussed about one careless driving conviction, for example. This subject has been raised on AB recently. A little hunting in 'search' above should find you our wonderfully deep and interesting answers but, more relevantly, links to US official sites. The site for the USA embassy should lead you to their requirements, with any luck, anyway. :)

[fredpuli47]

I see you've tried the Embassy website. Hmm.It must be in there somewhere !. You could always try ringing them using a false name !

[steandtracey]

i have just returned from usa and i have recent conviction for public order i didnt have a visa and used the vwp ticking no to the question about morel turpitude which was in my case correct i got in without any problems