Travelling to US with a criminal record in the UK

Your situation has been addressed dozens and dozens of times throughout this thread.

You're looking for an absolute answer, it doesn't exist. The pros/cons have been repeated over and over and over.

Roll the dice.

Cheers,
Terry

This is a post that was on the tripadvisor forum this morning interesting

KirstyUK86

Leicester...

posts: 75

reviews: 2

31. Re: Esta/criminal record

yesterday, 22:01

Just to let u know, if u lie on the esta application and tick 'no' to the question about ever being arrested... they will know!!

My bf attempted to do his esta last night... he got a police caution about 10 yrs ago and got arrested 18 months ago for affray and has a court date of this may.

We thought he'd be ok with the esta as affray is not classed as moral turpitude... but we were wrong. We got an instant response of 'travel not authorised' and have now got to go down the visa route.

impending court date is the issue surely

Hi

I have just paid for a holiday to Las Vegas and have only just found out about the ESTA that you have to fill in. Its very embarassing and I was in a bad place of my life but I got caught stealing from Boots a year ago i was not arrested but fined and that was it but I am really worried that i will not be approved for a ESTA. Has any one been in the same situation that can advise me what the out come is likely to be?

thank you so much

My father is american and i've been travelling to the US since i was a child, i used to have an indefinate visa until the changes of 911. I have 2 minor convictions for posession of class b drugs from 1989(£10 fine) & 1995(£80 fine). I never knew anything about esta's as my partner done all the organising for our last 3 trips to florida and she has only gone and ticked "no" for mine, so i have been to the US 3 times on an esta when i should of had a visa, now i have realised the seriousness of it all i fear i may not be able travel to the US or see my father again, i will arrange an appointment at the embassy and try and explain my situation but i fear i'll be refused..

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Dear dan2013 & ppdon,

Neither of your situations are unique and they've been addressed dozens and dozens of times throughout this thread.

Start reading at Reply #22.

Safe travels.

Cheers,
Terry

@Dan2013,

You say you were'nt arrested. Fill in the ESTA you'll likely find that you will be authorised to travel.

@ppdon,

Your situation isn't so black n white, having travelled three times using the ESTA but without, as you say, knowledge of the system due to leaving it to your partner to carry out the travel admin you might find yourself having to answer some awkward questions in the embassy, it's my guess, and only a guess that the officer won't take to lightly to you having travelled before with previous convictions not disclosed. However every situation is unique and they have also been know to appreciate honesty. Mind you there is some comfort in knowing that you have not been declined for travel before where your partner has used the ESTA on your behalf. Your convictions are almost certainly spent and this will be recognised in the UK, unfortunately the USA does not recognise the Rehabilition of Offenders Act 1974 so effectively to the US authorities once a criminal always a criminal. Mind you as I have said before, how on earth you can be compared to a fruit loop maniac on a sick mission to kill innocent Americans I'll never know.

Hey ive applied for a j1 visa and i am currently filling out the DS-160 form.

For this question...

"Have you ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even though subject of a pardon, amnesty, or other similar action?"

Do i out yes or no under these circumstances?... i was issued a reprimand in 2004 i was 14 for disorderly behaviour (rumour of a haunted house, went to investigate whilst i was in school). I had to do a statement at my house however i was never arrested, sent to the police station or had finger prints taken. I have no idea what to put.. is a reprimand even classed as a conviction???

"... however i was never arrested..."

You just answered your own question.

Cheers,
Terry

[ Edit: Edited on 19-Mar-2013, at 21:05 by CheersT ]

Hi , i was going threw this for hours this whole peoples stories and opinions. There were good answers, but I wanted ask and if i could get your opinion on my situation.

I have 3 DUI convictions, latest one were last year Apr. I have received my sentence last month doing community work of 150hrs which i am finishing this weekend. I have nothing else on my criminal record. ( one in 2002, 2005 and last year .DUI).

I have already done the ESTA 2weeks ago and got authorized.
I travelling next month to usa to visit my fiance for a month.

I am a Korean born currently living in NZ for last 23 years with NZ citizenship.

Your opinion would be so much appreciated.

Thank u