Visa to the US

[BelEng]

I'm planning to travel to the US next month to visit my girlfriend. I've only just noticed that if you have ever been arrested or have a criminal record that you need a visa to get in the US.

Just under a year a go I was arrested and went to court for harassment and fraud, didn't go to prison, got 12 months suspended sentence and community service and a restraining order.

I read so many different stories online that I don't really know what to do, get a visa or just answer NO to the question if I ever been arrested.

One more thing, these things happened in the UK, but I have a Belgian passport. Does anyone know if the US border control can see information about being arrested or sentenced in court?

Thank you very much

[NORMANTHEDOG]

read the 1000s of relating questions to this matter,it comes up every day.

[Dee Sa]

they probably cannot, are Belgian passport holders allowed to use the waiver programme like the Brits ? if not you will need more than a month to get a visa unless you use a professional visa service, my husband holds a Portugese passport and they obtained him a 10yr visa in 48 hrs but it wasnt cheap.good luck.

[Dee Sa]

forgot to say he had to produce a letter from his employers to say they expected him back and would vouch for him.
I would not mention you are planning to visit your girl friend they may check her out and also they may think you intend to overstay, better to say you are a tourist.

[BelEng]

Yes, Belgium is part of the Visa Waiver program