You must apply for an ESTA online to enter the USA after 12 Jan 2009

HGLTsuperstar

I applied for mine this afternoon - just put in the basic info i.e. passport number, not been up for war crimes etc then waited for response... 20 seconds felt like a fortnight. I was actually feeling panicky and guilty for some reason.. and that's before the "friendly" welcome at JFK.
BTW I "got in" and its an easy but nervewracking procedure.

omelette451

whatusername wrote: »

It was a proper visa, he went to London for an interview and declared it then.

In that case he really ought to do the same thing this time. The conviction will definitely be on their records, and it would be leaving it to chance to arrive hoping to be permitted under the VWP. If he's had a visa before and has caused no trouble to the authorities since there should be no problem getting another one, other than the hassle of going to the consulate, of course. He could always ask the consular staff during his interview whether he would be allowed to travel under the VWP in the future to (potentially) save hassle the next time.

Nobjocki

Do you need an online visa waiver if you're transiting through a US airport ?

hansi

Yes, you do.

amiga1

Travelled to Texas on the 29 January and was given the green Visa Waiver form on the plane and was told to fill it in even though we had registered with ESTA. At passport control we had to hand them in and get them stamped.

With reference to people with cautions travelling to the States; the US authorities do not have full access to UK criminal files and it's highly unlikely that they ever will. The UK authorities are only required to pass on information about anyone who is regarded as a major threat. The US is not interested in petty offenders. Anyone worried about travelling should ask at the Public Protection Office of their local police station, these people have to keep tabs on certain individuals (sex offenders etc) and know the rules about travelling abroad with a conviction.

Marty_J

omelette451 wrote: »

In that case he really ought to do the same thing this time. The conviction will definitely be on their records

Not necessarily; the issuance of visas falls under the remit of the US Department of State, whereas POE inspection is administered by Customs and Border Protection. One agency doesn't necessarily know what another does, nor is inter-agency communication quite as thorough as one might imagine.

Your advice is good though, and I'd certainly follow it if I found myself in such a situation.

Marty_J

amiga1 wrote: »

With reference to people with cautions travelling to the States; the US authorities do not have full access to UK criminal files and it's highly unlikely that they ever will. The UK authorities are only required to pass on information about anyone who is regarded as a major threat. The US is not interested in petty offenders. Anyone worried about travelling should ask at the Public Protection Office of their local police station, these people have to keep tabs on certain individuals (sex offenders etc) and know the rules about travelling abroad with a conviction.

Unfortunately, it's not up to your local police officers whether or not you're eligible for entry into the US; that is determined by the CBP officers at the point of entry.

If you have "ever been arrested or convicted for an offence or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance or been arrested or convicted for two or more offences for which the aggregate sentence to confinement was five years," then you need a visa.

If asked by a POE officer if you have ever been arrested or have a criminal conviction, don't lie. Doing so is likely to be much more serious than trying to enter the US with a criminal record.

Daddyto3

Hi,

We have booked to go to LA in August, and are preparing to apply for Esta's etc.

But having read, and re-read, and tripled read, i have a query that i would like opinions on.

In the early 80's while at a football match, (during the 2 yr alchol ban at football grounds after hillsborough) I was caught in possesion of ONE can of lager.
I was arrested and charged with comsuming alcohol in an alcohol-free zone.
I was sent home the same day, and had to go to court, were i was fined about £100.

NOW, after reading all the links on Moral Turpitude. I believe that theoffence would fall into the Liquer Violation, and this falls under the section of crimes NOT involving Moral Turpitude.

But after reading countless horror stories about people having entry to USA denied when they land.
I am confused as to whther it would be safe enough to to tick the no box, and just proceed with applying for my esta.

Thanks in advance.

M4RKM

it isn't a crime of moral turpiude, just tick the box that says no, and you'll be absolutely fine!

omelette451

Daddyto3 wrote: »

In the early 80's while at a football match, (during the 2 yr alchol ban at football grounds after hillsborough) I was caught in possesion of ONE can of lager.
I was arrested and charged with comsuming alcohol in an alcohol-free zone.
I was sent home the same day, and had to go to court, were i was fined about £100.

Why emphasise the 'ONE' so much? I agree it shouldn't be considered 'moral turpitude' and you obviously accepted your punishment humbly, but the fact is that you broke the law, which was there for a very good reason. It wouldn't have mattered if you had one or twenty cans, the result would and should have been the same, and I suggest you accept that and move on, rather than try to put up a defence so many years later.

Having said that, I don't think you'll have a problem, and I hope you enjoy your holiday.