Will a US citizen with a felony conviction be allowed to travel to the UK?

Question

I have am a US citizen with a valid passport and have travelled to the UK many times but several years ago was convicted of a felony. Does the US share it's database of felons with the UK and would that mean I would be turned back at Heathrow?

Answer 1

The UK visa website states,

"26.5 - Refusal on grounds of criminal conviction
Paragraph 320(18) of the Rules states that an application should normally be refused if that person has been convicted of an offence in any country which, if committed in the UK , would be punishable by imprisonment of 12 months or more. If you are not sure whether the offence would attract such a sentence, you must defer the application and seek advice from Policy Section, UKvisas.

If there are compassionate or exceptional circumstances involved, it may be possible for entry clearance to be issued on authority from the Home Office on a discretionary basis. Applications falling within this category must be referred to the ICD for a decision. Any case involving an urgent need to travel should be sperately notified to UKvisas ECO support at the earliest possible opportunity."

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1035898747816#point%20five


If your offence falls under this category, you should contact the British Embassy or Consulate nearest to you for further Consular advice. Always follow the rules on these issues rather than trying to weasel around it - deportation isn't a fun experience!

Incidentally, you should also take your legal paperwork with you, showing the penalty for your crime and that you discharged it fully.

Good luck with your trip!

Answer 2

when you're not any further in a position to do the Visa Waiver then there's a project. in many cases you fill out the visa waiver style electronically and it tells you convinced or no in about seventy 2 hours. once you should bypass to an appointment then there is an concern that customs want to address formally earlier they arrive to a decision for you. From reminiscence i imagine the U. S. gained't enable someone into the country if it got here about below 10 years in the past or maybe after that it would want to nonetheless reason issues.

Answer 3

I'm in the same boat, and I know that Pete Rose and George Steinbrenner have been to the UK since thier convictions. A friend tells me that Triple A (AAA) Canada can get US convicted felons passports rather quickly. My geuss is that you'd have to depart from Toronto. A good question though. Why oh why should 2 drunk driving convictions within 12 years (IA) (Class D Felony), prevent a person from traveling to the UK? Homeland Security could screw things up though. Thanks for posting that question.

Answer 4

I should think there will be no problems with travelling to the UK your criminal record is not on thier police database and it would be practically impossible to keep a check anyway. Everyone deserves a second chance.
However if you committ a crime in the UK then you will be subject to thier laws as I would if I committed a crime in the US.
Go enjoy it forget about your past (if possible) don't tell anyone and have a good time.

Answer 5

US government and UK government have close relationship and exchange infomration. however, it should not stop you to travel to UK. if you convict to a crime and go the punishment, you should be free to visit the place you like as long as it is legal.

UK government only ask for the pasport, adn they never ask you if you were a good citizen or not, and they have no right to judge your past and you are not committed in any crime that casuse a major harm in the Uk.

so, feel free to visit UK. if not, you should report the public how UK governmetn treat you!

Answer 6

no