Do you need a visa to visit America?

5rannoch

Can anyone advise as to whether or not I need a visa to enter the US? I have a 10 year UK passport - how do I know whether or not it is the right kind for entry into the US? ???

BlondieE

You have to check whether you have the newer version passport which has barcode on back page.

Also i found out the other day if you have any driving offences/points for speeding etc - the travel agent told me I would need a visa unfortunately.

You would be better to check with the embassy on Visa requirements.

BlondieE

Thanks Robert5988,

I thought it sounded abit harsh, that will make things slightly easier for me now. Travel agent told me speeding offences were classed as 'criminal record' on entering USA!!!!! ???

alanrowell

From http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_web/visa/niv/vwp.htm

Important: Some travelers may not be eligible to enter the United States visa free under the VWP. These include people who have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, those with criminal records, (the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law), certain serious communicable illnesses, those who have been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the United States, or have previously overstayed on the visa waiver program. Such travelers must apply for special restricted visas. If they attempt to travel without a visa, they may be refused entry into the United States.

Note: Travelers with minor traffic offenses which did not result in an arrest and/or conviction for the offense may travel visa free, provided they are otherwise qualified. If the traffic offense occurred while you were in the United States, and you have an outstanding fine against you or your did not attend your court hearing, it is possible there may be a warrant out for your arrest, and you will experience problems when applying for admission into the U.S. Therefore you should resolve the issue before traveling by contacting the court where you were to appear. If you do not know the address of the court then information is available from the Internet at: https://www.refdesk.com.

This http://www.britishairways.com/travel/usawaiver/public/en_gb?source=CF_usawaiver_en_row shows you what your passport should look like

debw_4

If you have been fined and had points on your licence does this mean you have been convicted and thus need a visa to travel to US?

alanrowell

If you have been fined and had points on your licence does this mean you have been convicted and thus need a visa to travel to US?

No, but if you were arrested or had to go to court because of the offence then you do.

talksoccer

Hi all,

Im heading to NYC on the 13th February but i have heard a few problems with the usa visa. Will i need to apply for a visa, i have no criminal convictions or does anyone know how it works.

Also when im booking my flight online now, i have checked the total then proceeded with it and filled my details. Then i check the total and it does not include the tax, will i have to pay the tax now or at the airport as im 18 years old and a student but not sure why it hasnt appeared.

Thank You

alanrowell

Visa Waiver rules

You never pay tax at the airport, so the price you've been quoted is the price you pay - which website is it?

BigNeil_3

Of course if you want to make absolutely sure you can call the US Embassy's "Operator Assisted Visa Information". Only £1.30 a minute!!!!

holiday-spain.biz

As far as I understand (from Policeman) a speeding fine is not a conviction and therefore not an offence. As said before, only if you have been arrested and been to court will it be an issue.

I travelled (have speeding ticket) and got in no problem. There is simply no way that the US authorities could know if you have had a speeding ticket. If the UK Government told them it would be a breach of European Privacy Law

gobbyash

We've booked to go to Seattle in May and are flying into Vancouver (Canada), and then crossing the border to Seattle.

Can someone provide a link or have personal experience.

Much appreciated.

gobbyash