It may seem a stupid question as I reckon could of happened to many people before but if I have the same name as some body with a warrant out for an arrest will I be stopped at border patrol on returning back to the uk? I’ve had problems with the said person from having the same name in school and growing up in the same area any help would be appreciated
If I have the same name
I've not heard of this being an issue with the UK border force.
The US on the other hand... my friend has a pretty ordinary name which matches someone on a watch list, and he always has trouble. They suggested he get a visa rather than travelling on a visa waiver. He did this and I gather he still has trouble.
> if I have the same name as some body with a warrant out for an arrest will I be stopped at border patrol on returning back to the uk?
It is possible though how likely it is depends on many factors, including how common your name is.
I know someone who has been stopped at US Customs (= UK border control) several times because he has the same (fairly common) name as someone who's on the US watch list.
But if it does happen it's nothing to get stressed or worried about. There is no way your biometrics can be the same as the other person so even if you are taken aside for secondary questioning it'll quickly become clear that you're not the person they thought you might be. Just stay calm, answer questions politely and honestly and you'll soon be on your way. :-)
[ Edit: Edited on 7 Dec 2022, 19:12 GMT by leics2 ]
Interesting that Andy also knows someone who gets regularly stopped at US Customs.
The person I know has long had a visa but it doesn't make any difference...nor do the biometrics. US border officers appear to be compelled to act on the name alone! I don't think UK border officers are under the same compulsion.
Thanks for the replies it’s a reassurance, I was just hoping it would only flash up if DOB and address etc all matched. I’ve had problems before as were roughly same age and didn’t live far from here but yea it is a common name so I guess it happens a lot
> I was just hoping it would only flash up if DOB and address etc all matched
Addresses are often changed so they're not really relevant,tbh.
No-one here or anywhere else can tell you the chances of you being stopped (such things aren't in the public domain). Best advice is just be open to the possibility and, if it does happen, stay calm and pleasant because it'll very quickly get sorted out. :-)
Yes I’m sure it will be fine as long as they ask questions first and don’t just whisk me down to the station that’s my main concern lol but I’m sure it will fine thanks for your help
I'm confident they would ask questions and it would quickly be sorted out.
Leics, there's always the possibility we know the same person, as my friend does live in Leicestershire. Initials MS. Surely not? 
>Surely not?
Indeed not, Andy. My friend has never lived in Leics nor are his initials MS. US Customs obviously have an extensive 'watch' list but apparently don't trust their own biometric scanning! 
[ Edit: Edited on 7 Dec 2022, 20:06 GMT by leics2 ]