Travelling from the UK to the USA with a criminal record

[1%er]

I think you are reading to much into the changes.

One closes a loophole at no cost to the USA and a 10 uk pound cost to the traveler on their first trip.

If the USA could buy in the services of the Disclosure and Barring Service (doing away with ESTA), they could just issue visas via the web and that visa could well be a multi-year visa.

For example: a Brazilian who can not travel with an ESTA needs to apply for a visa, in almost all the cases I know of, if the visa was granted it was a 10 year visa (with the usual restrictions on working etc).

 

[1%er]

ETA: Unless you can provide a source for your so far baseless assertions, I don't think there's much point in discussing it!

LOL, I am not saying this is fact (you are reading to much into it).

I'll edit my above post to ensure no-one reads my comments as fact

 

[1%er]

trashpony Out of interest, how many times have to traveled to the USA since the security changes brought in because of 9/11 and the nightmare that is the TSA have become over the last few years?

 

[trashpony]

trashpony Out of interest, how many times have to traveled to the USA since the security changes brought in because of 9/11 and the nightmare that is the TSA have become over the last few years?

Only twice tbf although I've not heard anything to suggest it's got a lot more difficult. What do you mean by nightmare?

 

[1%er]

I think if you search here you'll see stuff from many americans about the TSA, I think I've also read stuff from people traveling there on here from the UK.

Even with the ESTA you need to have your finger prints taken, I've has all ten taken at least 5 times, most times its just one. They have a list of questions they have to tick box answer, some info on the ESTA, passport and other documents but they have to find it, they then ask you loads of questions. I have had "the address" on the landing card checked almost every other visit, this can take more than 10 minutes.

I don't watch the USA news much but can access CNN and a couple of other channels and whenever they are on there is a story about flying in the USA or the TSA.

It isn't because I'm traveling from South America as I have had the same treatment when traveling there direct from Europe. I traveled a lot a couple of years ago and the USA was always the worst place to go and I had a multi-entry visa

The TSA is full of people who want to be cops but could pass the test, almost anyone could get a job at the TSA it was set up 2 month after 9/11 and has been a fuck up ever since, in my view.

iirc I think @yuppiewomen (sp) is American and has had a few things to say about the TSA

 

[TruXta]

I think if you search here you'll see stuff from many americans about the TSA, I think I've also read stuff from people traveling there on here from the UK.

Even with the ESTA you need to have your finger prints taken, I've has all ten taken at least 5 times, most times its just one. They have a list of questions they have to tick box answer, some info on the ESTA, passport and other documents but they have to find it, they then ask you loads of questions. I have had "the address" on the landing card checked almost every other visit, this can take more than 10 minutes.

I don't watch the USA news much but can access CNN and a couple of other channels and whenever they are on there is a story about flying in the USA or the TSA.

It isn't because I'm traveling from South America as I have had the same treatment when traveling there direct from Europe. I traveled a lot a couple of years ago and the USA was always the worst place to go and I had a multi-entry visa

The TSA is full of people who want to be cops but could pass the test, almost anyone could get a job at the TSA it was set up 2 month after 9/11 and has been a fuck up ever since, in my view.

iirc I think @yuppiewomen (sp) is American and has had a few things to say about the TSA

I've been a few times over the last few years and it's not really been all that bad.

 

[1%er]

I've been a few times over the last few years and it's not really been all that bad.

That suggests it was bad though, I guess the degree of "badness" is subjective

Anyway I don't need to go anymore, so it doesn't really bother me that much.

I'm reminded the Uk have newish laws re visas, there is a thread about it I think, that boxer was refused a visa. Maybe they (the UK, USA and other) will have a reciprocal arrangement where by they can buy-in the servives of other countries police computers for the issue of visas, just like private business can for employees.

 

[TruXta]

My last trip I entered in Las Vegas, the immigration guy even cracked jokes. I was astounded.

 

[Onket]

I'd like to go while it's still possible to lie. I will make sure I PM trashpony beforehand though, of course.

 

[1%er]

This could all be made a lot easier with the sharing of information, but that may not be a good thing.

Funny thing is most security involves holding up people who are just going about their lawful business, but you get 90 of the worlds leaders in one place and with all those security services with all their access and some bloke who according the press here has an unbelievable record of involvement with police and criminal activity and there he is standing next to all these people who cost billions to secure. And he is standing there taking the piss, you couldn't fucking make it up.

 

[Wilf]

I'd like to go while it's still possible to lie. I will make sure I PM trashpony beforehand though, of course.

I've only got a caution, but don't want to go to America. You could go in my place.

 

[ashdonny]

Hi all, i have a tough one for you and could use some help.

i am due to travel to New York on 18th January 2014 and have only just been told about the Visa that i am going to need, i applied for the Visa Waiver Programme and having a criminal record i ticked "yes" on the question involving "morale tourpitude" and was denied a visa.

since then i have applied for an actual visa and after the long process and having to pay the $160 fee they have gave me an appointment for 28th January 2014 which is after the date i am due to travel.. SHIT

i have made contact both via email and phone and they say there i nothing they can do.

i was wondering that if i was to say that i have lost my passport and go and get a new one and reapply via the ESTA (with my new passport number) would i be accepted and would there be any way the the US boarder control would know once i arrived?

if not i stand to lose quite abit of money..

any other advice would be welcome..

thanks

 

[1%er]

Would you get a new passport number or just a replacement passport with the same number?

Your other details may well give the game away, same name, date of birth ect.

If it is really important fly into Mexico and cross the land boarder with the USA

 

[ashdonny]

Would you get a new passport number or just a replacement passport with the same number?

Your other details may well give the game away, same name, date of birth ect.

If it is really important fly into Mexico and cross the land boarder with the USA

you definitely get a new passport number as i have had a look at my last one and it is different, also i only thought of this as an option becausei was reading on an old thread that if you was to lose your passport and you had a valid visa inside you had to re-apply for a new visa using your new passport..

so i thought surely they wont know?

and yes obviously name etc will be the same but whats that matter to them? im sure its just the passport number that matters?

 

[Onket]

Would be interesting to see if it works.

I doubt anyone on here will be able to tell you 100% if it will or won't.

 

[ashdonny]

Would be interesting to see if it works.

I doubt anyone on here will be able to tell you 100% if it will or won't.

yes it would be interesting, however im afraid to be the "guinea pig" but really what other choices do i have? if i was to re-apply using my current passport and just change the particular question to "no" they would most certainly cotton on to that.. right?

 

[Onket]

I don't know the answer.

 

[1%er]

you definitely get a new passport number as i have had a look at my last one and it is different, also i only thought of this as an option becausei was reading on an old thread that .. if you was to lose your passport and you had a valid visa inside you had to re-apply for a new visa using your new passport

so i thought surely they wont know?

and yes obviously name etc will be the same but whats that matter to them? im sure its just the passport number that matters?

You get a new passport number when you renew your old passport, that is for sure, but if it is lost or stolen you are applying for a replacement passport and I'm not 100% that would have a new number.

if you was to lose your passport and you had a valid visa inside you had to re-apply for a new visa using your new passport

This may be the case if you are requesting a replacement passport (I have never had to do that), but in my personal experience this isn't the case with a renewed passport. I just had to take my expired passport (that had a copy of my active visa) as well as my new passport and was granted entry.

A visa does not expire with the passport.

When you say "matters to them", it is a computer reading this information not a person and if the same names and date of birth come up it may trigger something, so a real person does looks at it. They may notice that your passport is brand new (by the issue/expire date) and put 2 and 2 together. You may pass the ESTA but then be stopped on the other side in the USA, if something comes up when they check the passenger manifest.

I think ESTA looks at more than a passport number, what would it be checking that number against other than their own database of refused visas? If it only check passport numbers, every time someone renewed their passport the database would not recognize them, making the system redundant very quickly

 

[ashdonny]

You get a new passport number when you renew your old passport, that is for sure, but if it is lost or stolen you are applying for a replacement passport and I'm not 100% that would have a new number.


This may be the case if you are requesting a replacement passport (I have never had to do that), but in my personal experience this isn't the case with a renewed passport. I just had to take my expired passport (that had a copy of my active visa) as well as my new passport and was granted entry.

A visa does not expire with the passport.

When you say "matters to them", it is a computer reading this information not a person and if the same names and date of birth come up it may trigger something, so a real person does looks at it. They may notice that your passport is brand new (by the issue/expire date) and put 2 and 2 together. You may pass the ESTA but then be stopped on the other side in the USA, if something comes up when they check the passenger manifest.

I think ESTA looks at more than a passport number, what would it be checking that number against other than their own database of refused visas? If it only check passport numbers, every time someone renewed their passport the database would not recognize them, making the system redundant very quickly

well yes that is what i have been reading online, whenever somebodies passport has expired they have had to re-apply for a visa via esta. however since then i have managed to get an appointment at Belfast for 30th December, i think im just going to have to fly to belfast and have the interview and hope that my passport comes back intime for the 18th January.. does anyone know if the interviewer will need to see proof of my criminal convictions?or with it being a petty crime and me only travelling for 7 days with a return ticket, should i be alright?

 

[1%er]

You do not "apply for a visa via ESTA", you only apply for authorization to travel.

If you are having a face to face interview on the 30th Dec, you should take "all" your documentation and just give then what they ask for, if they don't ask for a copy of your criminal record don't give them one.

I wish you good luck

You asked "Should I be alright", the only person who can answer that is the person who will grant your visa, or not as the case may be. If you tell us what the conviction and penalty were, someone may be able to have an educated guess.

Please let us know the outcome as others may be able to benefit from your experience.

 

[ashdonny]

the conviction was theft from a motor vehicle and it was about 12 months ago, i think i have been in contact with ACPO to receive my criminal record information and they are closed now until the new year, so i am just going to have to chance it and hope they grant me a visa.

 

[1%er]

ashdonny Any update from your interview?

 

[jtam]

Hi I am having the same issue, 2 years ago my partner applied for Esta and answered yes to the criminal conviction question, it denied him and advised him to go to the embassy we then decided against going to the US for our holiday so didn't take this any further. this year we are going for a family holiday to Florida, do you think if he applies and selects no to that question that it will flag up? He is due a new passport next month so should be a new passport number and his conviction is from over 6 years ago, most of the party travelling go to the US on holiday every year, What's his chances, do you think that the Esta will flag up he has applied previously ? As these only last for 2 years anyway?
Any advice appreciated
Thanks

 

[Maurice Picarda]

Usual advice here is to go to Canada and tunnel under the border. The information link between HMCTS and the US is pretty seamless now.

E2A Weird - that was in new posts, but it's a week old.

 

[Gooner24]

Heya all,

so met a woman from the USA, problems arising as I know about my convictions and she's wanting me to go over soon,so have been doing a bit of investigating and came across this forum and topic

So, Ill list everything here
1 GBH Section 18 (With Intent) - 4 years in prison + 2 year Extended Licence
3 Carrying an offensive weapon
3 Criminal Damage
1 Possession of 26 Ecstacy Tablets
3 Drunk and Disorderlys
2 Threatening Behaviour
All of the above combined involved Probation, Attendance Centre and Fines

All of it was 2002 and earlier, so all at least 11 years ago and the GBH being the last offense, if you dont include my dog biting another dog last year but went to court and was withdrawn as we sorted it out with compensation but its on my subject access lol
So, Im guessing Im pretty fucked if I apply for a Visa or Visa Waiver?
If so, reckon I could just keep quiet and Ill be okay, cos obv I dont want to admit all that and try to explain, but at the same time, dont want to risk it and easily get caught and spend the next 2 months in some Texan Jail getting raped up the arse lol.
So just wanna know if I would definatly get refused and what the chances are of lying about it
Ty all, btw am from the UK but just got granted a Belgian Visa even with that huge list of convictions as they only wanted the last 5 years and they are also one of a few countries that want a Police Certificate, US being another but Belgium granted me right to stay

Ty for ur advice all (if any lol)

 

[TruXta]

Same as before, if you wanna play nice apply for a visa and likely get rejected, don't play nice, apply for an ESTA, take your chances at the US border control.

BTW if you do get caught the worst that will happen is they send you back home on the first flight and you're barred from entering the US for the foreseeable.

 

[ddraig]

what answer do you want that hasn't been given Gooner24 ?

"yes yes it will all be fine, sure they know you are a good boy now"
then blame some people on the internet if you get caught out?

 

[pseudonarcissus]

I think the American lady should have that list of naughtiness before inviting you in the house.

 

[Gooner24]

Same as before, if you wanna play nice apply for a visa and likely get rejected, don't play nice, apply for an ESTA, take your chances at the US border control.

BTW if you do get caught the worst that will happen is they send you back home on the first flight and you're barred from entering the US for the foreseeable.

Ty, probably gonna have to take my chances, this topic was made like 6/7 year ago so not sure how much the USA have gone into background checks since. Dont mind getting deported asap, be in the same boat is if I got rejected in the first place, just the thought of spending time in a US Jail worries me.

Ty for ur advice

 

[TruXta]

Ty, probably gonna have to take my chances, this topic was made like 6/7 year ago so not sure how much the USA have gone into background checks since. Dont mind getting deported asap, be in the same boat is if I got rejected in the first place, just the thought of spending time in a US Jail worries me.

Ty for ur advice

Not heard of people spending jail-time in the US for trying to blag entry.