Another ESTA / VWP and Criminal Record question

shaun_from_Africa

heatherw_01 wrote: »

An ESTA is a visa waiver

cubegame wrote: »

Nope.

The visa waiver is what you're granted by the immigration officer on entry. You can get a visa waiver without an ESTA.

Such as when arriving in the USA from Mexico or Canada and using a land crossing.
If you are eligible for the visa waiver program and you arrive this way, the waiver will be granted without having an ESTA as ESTA's are only required when arriving by air or sea.

headpin

An ESTA is just an authorisation to travel. The US do not (in general terms, potential terrorism excepted) have access to our criminal or other records. The questions rely on the honesty of the applicant. So the chances of being challenged on a very old conviction are pretty much zero. I would answer no to the question and take the chance that nothing will occur at the port of entry.

Voyager2002

NoodleDoodleMan wrote: »

Why not contact the US Embassy direct for guidance ?

The US embassy always answer this kind of enquiry by telling the person to get a visa. Cynics say that this is because they keep the visa fee.

sysadmin

Thanks for the replies so far

koalakoala

At this late stage your only option is to apply for an ESTA and hope for the best !