can you enter the us on holiday if you have a criminal record?

Question

i had convition,s 27 year,s ago and wondered if these are relivent

Answer 1

Sorry mate I would definately get a visa before you go. Our government shares all the information with US. If they find out you will placed on the next plane home. Don't risk it.

Answer 2

Check the embassy / visa control before leaving. The US are reknowned for turning people round at point of entry. Back a few years ago, before visa restrictions, you would have had to fill in a card during the flight declaring drug use & convictions

Answer 3

You will need a visa.
The US do not accept the 10 year rule as we do in the UK.
If you lie to them, you will be on the first available flight back to the UK.

I remember the case of a guy living in my neck of the woods who tried it on..he did not state on the visa waiver form that he had just done 3 months jail time for GBH.
They told him he would have to get a visa, and he had to get that BEFORE he left the UK.

They had a picture of him in the local paper...he even looked like a thug, cropped hair and tattos..
Needless to say..he blamed everyone bar himself for not having a visa.
Anyway...while his missus and kids was enjoying 3 weeks in Florida....he was sat at home in the UK.

Answer 4

I reckon someone on here should be able to answer this question. You need to give more details though.

The phrase "criminal conviction" could mean anything. You can get a criminal conviction if you are taken to court for dropping litter most criminal convictions involve more serious offences.

I have heard of people convicted of pot smoking being refused entry. So it does not take a massive crime for them to refuse entry.

Answer 5

It depends on the crime and on how the border guard is feeling that day. Short answer: yes, you can be denied entry because of it. Slightly longer answer: it's possible but not certain that you can be denied entry; you should check with an immigration lawyer before you buy your plane ticket.

As an aside, if the conviction was that long ago, you may be eligible for a pardon. Consult a lawyer about the possibility of such, and you may be able to get your conviction erased from the books, thus improving your travel possbilities.

Answer 6

First, if you have a modern UK passport you don't at present requre a visa under the Visa Waiver Programme. http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:qAar6W8b8s4J:travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html+visa+waiver+programme&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us.
Before entering the US one is given a form with all kinds of questions about one's antecedents beginning with "have you ever..." so that they would encompass even spent convictions. I think that it would be a wise precaution to check with the authorities (i.e. the US Embassy) as to whether you really are required to disclose your long spent conviction. As you don't say what it was for, I don't think anyone here can help further than that.

Answer 7

You will most definitely need a visa- you cannot travel without one.

The US Embassy website has comprehensive information on this and note that the rehabilitation of offenders act does not apply under US law!

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/add_crime.html

Answer 8

You will have to apply to the US embassy, Grosvenor Square, London. My dad had a criminal conviction 40 yrs ago and had to do just that. He did get his visa.

Answer 9

I dont think so, check with your local citizens advice before bookin your hol to be on the safe side.

Answer 10

Across our border, yes, any body could come.....they doing it every day if you don't believe me ask the US government, specially the Democrats.