Visa for Florida

[asher2007]

I am going to Florida in 4 weeks time and I am now worried because I have a conviction from 4 years ago which was for Disorderly behaviour which was for swearing at a policeman.
Will I have a problem getting into the USA? should I say yes to having a criminal conviction on my form which you fill out on the plane.
Please someone give me advice and try put my mind at ease!

Travelbag never asked whether I had a conviction or not, surely you would have thought they'd ask that question?

[Buenchico]

If you answer 'Yes' to the question on the form, you'll be admitting that you're ineligible to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program and therefore you'll be refused entry.

You haven't got time to apply for a visa, so you'll have no alternative than to 'forget' about your conviction when it comes to filling in the form.

The US authorities have no direct access to any criminal records, other than those of the USA and Canada. So they won't know about your conviction.

Travel firms accept bookings to many different countries, from citizens of dozens of countries. They can't be expected to sort out individual passport or visa problems. It's always up to the individual traveller to check that he/she meets the entry requirements of the country he/she wishes to travel to, before making any travel arrangements.

Chris

[mermaid83]

am in the same position as you but im actually 2 scared to apply for a visa incase they ban me for life. I cant risk being banned from america i love it there to much.

[asher2007]

It really is a nightmare, you'd think that it would be ok to visit America, i'm not exactly a risk to the USA. I'm going there for a 2 week break with my boyfriend. not there to be a threat to the country. I have spoken to many people who have said it really should not be a problem getting in. At the end of the day there are many people out there that have a conviction for drink driving, disorderly. where do you draw the line!

[jno]

on the plane you get to fill out a visa waiver form (for those people who haven't gone ahead and got a visa anyway). I think this is it:

http://amsterdam.usconsulate.gov/uploads/image s/n27a8u5IJKZnyI3zjJJC0Q/I-94_back.jpg

You haven't been arrested for a crime involving moral turpitude, so you tick the box for No. And that's it. As Chris says, they're not going to be ploughing through your old parking tickets to check. Have a great holiday.

[munchie63]

you'll be fine.
Just tick the 'no' box on the visa waiver form on the plane.
I actually have a visa, and while queueing at customs I looked around me - everyone else had the green waiver form.

the US cuatoms really aren't interested in you having a drink and saying something silly 4 years ago.

if you tick the box and say you DO Have a conviction, you'll be on the first plane home. Just smile, and answer the three questions they'll ask - where are you satying, how long, purpose of your visit. Have fun.

[asher2007]

Thanks for the advice, it's only just under two weeks until I go and I am crapping myself! at the end of the day there are so many people out there that have been arrested for petty things such as theft, being drink in a public place etc, why would the USA want to stop all these people coming in for doing something so minor, it really is such a worry for a lot of people going to the USA for a family holiday, what do the USA think we are going to do?

Has anyone been to the USA recently and have a criminal record? tell me what is it like going through customs? i am so nervous.

[gem69a]

im having the same trouble as you because the travel agent asked me ifiv ever been arrested and i was a bit of a **** when i was younger and got arrestd a few times and iv been twice no problem i was there last october my partner also with arrests and he had no problem dont worry you will be fine have a brill time let us know how it goes gem

[BBWCHATT]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_turpitude

If you go to the above link and find the word "web site" after US State department's - I think this link gives the definitive answer on what is considered to be moral turpitude:

Interpretation of Moral Turpitude
The actual definition of moral turpitude is a lot narrower than many people think, and there is a full definition available for immigration purposes from the US State department's web site. The following is based mainly on material from that source.

[munchie63]

okay, here goes.
you'll wait in the customs hall with everyone else from your flight. Those with/without visas all stay in the same Q's.
If another flight comes in, they'll just line up alongside you.
After a while (probably a good 30mins), you'll get near the front of the Q.
Stay behind the line until called.
When it's your turn, your family can go up together.
Hand over your documents, smile, answer the questions (don't make jokes unless they do....after a few hours of doing their job, you'd get miserable too). As your passports are opened and stamped, the official will take a quick photo, and scan a finger.
3 questions.....why are you in US, where are you staying, how long.......'enjoy your trip'

job done and you're away.
Have Fun!!