Getting into USA

[willowman]

Will someone with a criminal conviction be able to get into America for a touring holiday?

Also I understand that visitors now have to give an address where they are staying. how can this be done if I am on a touring holiday and just stopping where I feel like?

[spudqueen]

With regards to your holiday I think that if you book just the first night in advance then you can give that address. As to the criminal convicition I think that you have to go to the American Embassy in London to get a visa, but you're best checking out the American Embassy website, I'm sure it has all the details on there.

[Buenchico]

From the US Embassy website:
"I have read that I am now required to provide the address at which I will stay in the United States. Is this correct?

Visitors to the United States have always been required to furnish to U.S. immigration the address at which they will stay in the United States. This information is currently collected from the arrival/departure record card, I-94 or I-94W that the visitor completes and presents to U.S. immigration on arrival in the United States. With the implementation of the Advanced Passenger Information System this data will be collected by the airlines and transmitted electronically to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in advance of the passengers arrival in the United States. Information concerning APIS is available from CBP at www.cbp.gov."

and
"What if I cannot provide an address at which I will stay in the U.S.?

The requirement that a traveler provide a U.S. address applies to all visitors to the United States whether they are traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program or are in possession of a valid visa.

We strongly recommend that you comply with this requirement and provide a U.S address. Should you arrive at the port of entry without any pre-booked accommodation, you will be required to pursue this matter with U.S. immigration. "

Anyone with a criminal conviction (or, indeed, anyone who's ever been arrested even if they were completely innocent) is ineligible to enter the USA without a visa. Appyling for a visa involves scheduling an appointment for interview at the US Embassy in London. (Several ABers have stated that the entire procedure can take up most of a day in the capital). Details are here:
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/ index.html

Chris

[NORMANTHEDOG]

i know of several people with convictions that have had no trouble getting in,but if yours was a serious or drug related charge then id be carefull and get a visa

[willowman]

Many thanks to all. That's pointed me in the right direction.