Travelling from the UK to the USA with a criminal record

[joustmaster]

Has anyone gone to The USA from the UK with a community resolution and had any problems? I picked one up for theft earlier in the year and travel to Florida end of July just wondering if there’s anything I need to do?

Dude, read the post three above yours. Just say no.

Also, don't be posting your real name on forums when your planning on lying

And you'll soon be laying on the beaches of Florida surrounded by koala bears and all your wildest dreams.

 

[Foughtfulthinka]

I might have done the dumbest thing and said yes to question 3 on the etsa "have you ever been arrested for possession ..... illegal drugs"

After reading so many threads, this is a great one I made an account, im in limbo in what to do.

Ive been in trouble regarding cannabis and everything is spent.

Do i reapply? Call them say I made a mistake? Go for a visa???

Dammmmm

 

[1927]

I might have done the dumbest thing and said yes to question 3 on the etsa "have you ever been arrested for possession ..... illegal drugs"

After reading so many threads, this is a great one I made an account, im in limbo in what to do.

Ive been in trouble regarding cannabis and everything is spent.

Do i reapply? Call them say I made a mistake? Go for a visa???

Dammmmm

If you have answered yes, they will refuse your ESTA, simples.

If they have granted the ESTAI wouldn't worry.

Last time I applied for ESTAS for 4 of us, only 3 were granted, I had inadvertently answered YES to one of the questions, namely the one about indulging in terrorist activity! luckily it was my sons ESTA application. I emailed homeland security and within 2 days they had cleared the record and I could apply again!

ETA:By the way, convictions are NEVER spent in the eyes of US Immigration.

 

[Foughtfulthinka]

If you have answered yes, they will refuse your ESTA, simples.

If they have granted the ESTAI wouldn't worry.

Last time I applied for ESTAS for 4 of us, only 3 were granted, I had inadvertently answered YES to one of the questions, namely the one about indulging in terrorist activity! luckily it was my sons ESTA application. I emailed homeland security and within 2 days they had cleared the record and I could apply again!

ETA:By the way, convictions are NEVER spent in the eyes of US Immigration.

Yes thats it i ticked yes for this old possession charge. Wish i had read up on it before doing it.

How long are the estas valid for before you have to reapply?

Im thinking i might have to bite the bullet and go for a Visa.

 

[Foughtfulthinka]

Shall I email them to say I made a mistake and lie and hope for the best??

 

[nogojones]

Shall I email them to say I made a mistake and lie and hope for the best??

Yes. Tell them you meant to tick the terrorist box instead










Sorry - nothing helpful to add

 

[existentialist]

Shall I email them to say I made a mistake and lie and hope for the best??

TBH, I think you're in fairly uncharted territory here.

If I were a particularly suspicious immigration official, and someone contacted me to say "whoops, I ticked the box to say I'm Howard Marks, but actually I'm really not, and I meant to tick the box to say I'm Marks & Spencer", I'd be going "hmm, perhaps we do need to just check and see if this person is Howard Marks".

I don't know whether that is even feasible for them to do, but the point is that you've put yourself on the radar now, and it all gets a bit uncertain. For all I know, the threshold at which they decide to actually check the truth of what you declare might be quite high, but you're not really going to know. And the problem is that getting caught lying seems to be a dealbreaker.

I guess it depends if you want to take the risk. But the least-risk option probably is to say "oops, ticked the wrong box, here's my corrected form" and see what happens.

 

[Foughtfulthinka]

Yes. Tell them you meant to tick the terrorist box instead










Sorry - nothing helpful to add

That certainly would make it more interesting

 

[Foughtfulthinka]

TBH, I think you're in fairly uncharted territory here.

If I were a particularly suspicious immigration official, and someone contacted me to say "whoops, I ticked the box to say I'm Howard Marks, but actually I'm really not, and I meant to tick the box to say I'm Marks & Spencer", I'd be going "hmm, perhaps we do need to just check and see if this person is Howard Marks".

I don't know whether that is even feasible for them to do, but the point is that you've put yourself on the radar now, and it all gets a bit uncertain. For all I know, the threshold at which they decide to actually check the truth of what you declare might be quite high, but you're not really going to know. And the problem is that getting caught lying seems to be a dealbreaker.

I guess it depends if you want to take the risk. But the least-risk option probably is to say "oops, ticked the wrong box, here's my corrected form" and see what happens.

Thanks, yes I fully understand that and won't be doing that.

How long is an ESTA valid for?

 

[TruXta]

Thanks, yes I fully understand that and won't be doing that.

How long is an ESTA valid for?

Two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

 

[anguskhan]

Hi recently i got an caution for getting caught with cannabis i am going to Las Vegas in September i went their last year for 1st time got my finger prints done just wondering will the check the records and see my caution or should i tick the no button on my estaform i just worried that uk and usa might now share information on stuff like this thanks in advance

 

[existentialist]

Hi recently i got an caution for getting caught with cannabis i am going to Las Vegas in September i went their last year for 1st time got my finger prints done just wondering will the check the records and see my caution or should i tick the no button on my estaform i just worried that uk and usa might now share information on stuff like this thanks in advance

Have you read any of this thread?

I suggest scanning through the last 10 pages, and then see if you can guess what we'll say. We'll tell you if you guess right

 

[anguskhan]

i read not to declare it and just answer no on esta i just worried about the finger prints bit if they share information

 

[existentialist]

i read not to declare it and just answer no on esta i just worried about the finger prints bit if they share information

They're not going to share information. Answer "no" and have a good holiday.

 

[Kanu]

MAJOR CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

Guys, I have read through the whole thread (literally started at the beginning, missed some of the older years incase legislation/rules have changed) and I KNOW, select 'no' on the forms. But hear me out.

I want to go to America with my partner after saving up and we want to travel and at one point I want to see America, we both have major criminal records.

Partners record: Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (or something along those lines). Served 4 years in prison (has to do half his sentence and had time added on for obtaining a new passport when his was in custody) and has been out since 2015. Clean as a whistle now, his licence just ended this year (2018).

My record: Conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. Which resulted in a suspended sentence. (I also have an arrest for assault from when I was a teenager with a caution a lot more minor than the other charge).

Both our convictions were high profile cases, his in the media, mine not but a very large scale investigation for both of us.

Are we still going ahead with ticking no?

We will probably fly out from Manchester. Will the UK question us? Will the US question us? Shall we stick to saying nope, never done anything illegal? What about the UK they definitely know about our records? I know 100% if we go through the 'legit' route they will take one look at us at interview and tell us to be on our way.

WE'RE NOT WANTED AS FAR AS IM AWARE?!?! SHOULD NOT BE ON THE MOST WANTED LIST OR ANYTHING. WE PAID OUR DUES AND NOW WE LIVE LIKE ANY OTHER 'NORMAL' COUPLE.

Please dont kill me with the sarcasm, all i'm finding is minor (ok obviously not minor but sense what I mean) convictions- DUIs, assaults, possession of a bag of weed etc.

 

[TruXta]

MAJOR CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

Guys, I have read through the whole thread (literally started at the beginning, missed some of the older years incase legislation/rules have changed) and I KNOW, select 'no' on the forms. But hear me out.

I want to go to America with my partner after saving up and we want to travel and at one point I want to see America, we both have major criminal records.

Partners record: Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (or something along those lines). Served 4 years in prison (has to do half his sentence and had time added on for obtaining a new passport when his was in custody) and has been out since 2015. Clean as a whistle now, his licence just ended this year (2018).

My record: Conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. Which resulted in a suspended sentence. (I also have an arrest for assault from when I was a teenager with a caution a lot more minor than the other charge).

Both our convictions were high profile cases, his in the media, mine not but a very large scale investigation for both of us.

Are we still going ahead with ticking no?

We will probably fly out from Manchester. Will the UK question us? Will the US question us? Shall we stick to saying nope, never done anything illegal? What about the UK they definitely know about our records? I know 100% if we go through the 'legit' route they will take one look at us at interview and tell us to be on our way.

WE'RE NOT WANTED AS FAR AS IM AWARE?!?! SHOULD NOT BE ON THE MOST WANTED LIST OR ANYTHING. WE PAID OUR DUES AND NOW WE LIVE LIKE ANY OTHER 'NORMAL' COUPLE.

Please dont kill me with the sarcasm, all i'm finding is minor (ok obviously not minor but sense what I mean) convictions- DUIs, assaults, possession of a bag of weed etc.

Best guess is that you should still tick no on ESTA. If they know they know and you'll get sent home at the border. Or you can fly from Ireland, they do pre-clearance there US Preclearance Guide | Dublin Airport. At least then it won't be far home should you be denied entry.

 

[Teaboy]

MAJOR CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

Guys, I have read through the whole thread (literally started at the beginning, missed some of the older years incase legislation/rules have changed) and I KNOW, select 'no' on the forms. But hear me out.

I want to go to America with my partner after saving up and we want to travel and at one point I want to see America, we both have major criminal records.

Partners record: Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (or something along those lines). Served 4 years in prison (has to do half his sentence and had time added on for obtaining a new passport when his was in custody) and has been out since 2015. Clean as a whistle now, his licence just ended this year (2018).

My record: Conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. Which resulted in a suspended sentence. (I also have an arrest for assault from when I was a teenager with a caution a lot more minor than the other charge).

Both our convictions were high profile cases, his in the media, mine not but a very large scale investigation for both of us.

Are we still going ahead with ticking no?

We will probably fly out from Manchester. Will the UK question us? Will the US question us? Shall we stick to saying nope, never done anything illegal? What about the UK they definitely know about our records? I know 100% if we go through the 'legit' route they will take one look at us at interview and tell us to be on our way.

WE'RE NOT WANTED AS FAR AS IM AWARE?!?! SHOULD NOT BE ON THE MOST WANTED LIST OR ANYTHING. WE PAID OUR DUES AND NOW WE LIVE LIKE ANY OTHER 'NORMAL' COUPLE.

Please dont kill me with the sarcasm, all i'm finding is minor (ok obviously not minor but sense what I mean) convictions- DUIs, assaults, possession of a bag of weed etc.

You say both cases were quite high profile. Is it all really easy to find on google? If so I'd work at that stuff first using the 'right to be forgotten' route. If you can get most of that cleared up then less chance of being found out.

 

[Kanu]

Best guess is that you should still tick no on ESTA. If they know they know and you'll get sent home at the border. Or you can fly from Ireland, they do pre-clearance there US Preclearance Guide | Dublin Airport. At least then it won't be far home should you be denied entry.

I think this is really valuable advice. You're right, the travel from Ireland won't be as bad to get back to Manchester rather than flying from America! Thanks!

 

[Kanu]

You say both cases were quite high profile. Is it all really easy to find on google? If so I'd work at that stuff first using the 'right to be forgotten' route. If you can get most of that cleared up then less chance of being found out.

Luckily for me as a female the case was kept out of the media and no google search brings back anything however for him just typing in his name on google brings up an endless list of articles. I think I will look into his online 'trail', what would you suggest I do to get the ball rolling for right to be forgotten? I've never heard of it! Thanks for your help really appreciated.

 

[joustmaster]

Luckily for me as a female the case was kept out of the media and no google search brings back anything however for him just typing in his name on google brings up an endless list of articles. I think I will look into his online 'trail', what would you suggest I do to get the ball rolling for right to be forgotten? I've never heard of it! Thanks for your help really appreciated.

Do/Can you both look like "respectable" boring holiday makers?
They will only find out if they go out of their way to find out by googling. And if you give them no reason to, you will be fine.

 

[2hats]

Or you can fly from Ireland, they do pre-clearance there

I should point out that routing through Ireland, you are not guaranteed to undergo processing there. Sometimes, due to operational reasons, flights leave with just boarding/passport/have-you-got-a-VISA-or-ESTA checks (as per flights direct from the UK) and they conduct screening on arrival in the US, as they do for all other flights (note: same deal with routing via Canada).

 

[TruXta]

I should point out that routing through Ireland, you are not guaranteed to undergo processing there. Sometimes, due to operational reasons, flights leave with just boarding/passport/have-you-got-a-VISA-or-ESTA checks (as per flights direct from the UK) and they conduct screening on arrival in the US, as they do for all other flights (note: same deal with routing via Canada).

Cheers didn't know that.

 

[River Plate]

Hi Guys

I too have read the entire thread as I don't want to ask for advice and have my head bitten off.

As far as I can see my question has not yet been covered or advised upon so here goes.

My partner and I are going to the states in October but I have a criminal record although nothing for 11 years.

Until 2007 it was just juvenile petty stuff but back in that year I was charged with burgling a dwelling. The whole thing was a farce. My ex-Brother in law ran a nightclub and he allowed me to try and get a small business going in there operating a fun casino in there using a roulette wheel. To cut a long story short he allowed it just as long as I donated £50 each weekend to him to donate to charity.

Nine month passed and I contacted the charity to ask for a certificate for the money I had raised that he had paid to them only to be told he hadn't!!
A month later I was in the club on a night it was open and talking to the manger in and around the office after after work at the end of the night. He went to cash up a till and I basically took £440 out of the tills already in there, exactly the amount I had raised and given to my brother in-law. He involved the Police and I was arrested.

The court went in his favour but I was unhappy by the way my solicitor presented the case and the court found me guilty. I wasn't expecting burglary though, theft yes but the magistrates thought the property was closed when I carried out what I did. I was just told to pay it back, no prison sentence, just probation, community service and the amount to be repaid in full.

Cutting to the chase I have booked a two week holiday in 9 weeks twin centre in USA via BA. It's all paid for, as are Amtrak tickets to travel between tht two cities, baseball tickets and American football!!

On the booking confirmation email we have to update our details including passport and Esta numbers so here is my question.

No doubt BA share this information with American Airlines and USA immigration, and will send all of this data to them well before we travel, giving them plenty of time to do checks. Will anything even flag up with BA themselves?

Is this likely to happen? I should be happier than I am, I was excited before I booked it but now it's real I have niggling worries in the back of my mind.

I have been on the same holiday before in 2002 but for my partner it is a first and I would be devastated for her if I was turned away.

I have my Esta, granted by saying 'no'

Many thanks in advance and apologies for the long post.

 

[not-bono-ever]

usual answer applies here - specifics about the conviction not really relevant. enjoy your holibobs

 

[1927]

Which bit about your story hasn't been covered on this thread previously?

 

[existentialist]

Which bit about your story hasn't been covered on this thread previously?

I'm guessing that it was the bit about how he was blameless. Sympathies, etc, but the naivety is touching. Just not to immigration officials.

 

[River Plate]

I'm guessing that it was the bit about how he was blameless. Sympathies, etc, but the naivety is touching. Just not to immigration officials.

Sorry I should have said that although the booking has been made with BA, the flight over is actually with American Airlines so I should have asked are they likely to do more stringent checks than what a non-American carrier would?

Pardon my naivity but I just wasn't sure if booking online with BA would have brought about more questions and further passenger information requests than what would have been the case booking via a travel agent.

 

[Supine]

The thread that keeps on giving

 

[joustmaster]

Sorry I should have said that although the booking has been made with BA, the flight over is actually with American Airlines so I should have asked are they likely to do more stringent checks than what a non-American carrier would?

Pardon my naivity but I just wasn't sure if booking online with BA would have brought about more questions and further passenger information requests than what would have been the case booking via a travel agent.

It's alright. BA don't have access to police records. That'd be mental

 

[River Plate]

I'm guessing that it was the bit about how he was blameless. Sympathies, etc, but the naivety is touching. Just not to immigration officials.

Not looking for sympathies mate, there seems to be a hell a lot of expertise and good advice on this page and I was just hoping to ease my mind from some of it.