ESTA refused over conviction. Should I bother with VISA application?

Voyager2002

George_Michael wrote: »

Just because you didn't like the place doesn't mean that everyone else won't like it there.
The number of international visitors going to NY increases every year (over 13,000,000 in 2017) and I know people who go there every year and love it so it must have something going for it.

It's not for me as I don't like holidaying in cities but this doesn't mean that the OP and their wife wouldn't like it there.

There is a vast industry promoting the USA as a tourist destination, so it is not surprising that visitor numbers are growing. However, there are plenty of places around the world that offer visitor experiences of comparable or greater quality but are less heavily promoted. So while we can be confident that the OP and his wife would have a good time in New York, it is probable that they would have an equally good time in (say) Vancouver, Sidney or Dubai: we don't know about their tastes or interests, but only someone with very specialised interests would find something uniquely attractive about New York.

Voyager2002

Pantzman wrote: »

Thanks for that.
would you mind explaining the steps involved in applying for a visa?

Before applying for a visa, please check whether you are eligible for one. There is a lifetime ban on people who have ever belonged to a fascist or communist organisation, and I cannot remember whether this extends to people with an interest in illicit substances. Sadly, the US embassy is unlikely to give you accurate advice about this (you might explore the forum at ImmigrationBoards for advice).


I understand that once you have a visa you still need a valid ESTA. At least a US visa lasts a long time (my business visa, issued in 1986, is valid for the rest of my life!).

HogMan

Voyager2002 wrote: »

I understand that once you have a visa you still need a valid ESTA. A).

An ESTA is required to enter under the Visa Waiver Program, if you had a visa you would not be entering under the VWP..

shaun_from_Africa

Voyager2002 wrote: »

I understand that once you have a visa you still need a valid ESTA. At least a US visa lasts a long time (my business visa, issued in 1986, is valid for the rest of my life!).

Both of those statements are incorrect.
If you have a visa then you cannot have an ESTA for the same passport (but you can have both an ESTA and a visa if you have dual nationality with a passport for each)

Indefinite validity visas (both business and tourism) became invalid on the 1st April 2004.

cubegame

Voyager2002 wrote: »

There is a vast industry promoting the USA as a tourist destination, so it is not surprising that visitor numbers are growing. However, there are plenty of places around the world that offer visitor experiences of comparable or greater quality but are less heavily promoted. So while we can be confident that the OP and his wife would have a good time in New York, it is probable that they would have an equally good time in (say) Vancouver, Sidney or Dubai: we don't know about their tastes or interests, but only someone with very specialised interests would find something uniquely attractive about New York.

Just because they won't let you in doesn't mean it's not worth going.

And as for suggesting Dubai as an alternative...... The mind boggles....

Voyager2002

cubegame wrote: »

Just because they won't let you in doesn't mean it's not worth going.

And as for suggesting Dubai as an alternative...... The mind boggles....

Well, some people like Dubai. Personally I don't see the appeal, but this is not about my taste...

George_Michael

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Well, some people like Dubai. Personally I don't see the appeal, but this is not about my taste...

But you made it about your taste when you stated:

Voyager2002 wrote: »

The best advice is not to bother: New York is really not all that special, and IMHO not worth the hassle of getting a visa. (For my last trip there my wife needed a visa and it was a real nuisance, and the rewards of the place do not justify it.)

wazza99

Yes i apply, ive been through the process twice now, both times succesful B2 for 10 years

Doshwaster

Just wait until the EU ETIAS system is in operation and then there are sure to be a lot of cases of British people with "historic" criminal offences having to apply for a full visa and risk being denied a holiday in Spain or stopped going on a business trip to Germany.

Mr_Singleton

Pantzman wrote: »

Just lie, you'll be fine" but that's not in my nature now.

I grant you my Sir Thomas More award.