going to usa with criminal record?

[adamfitch]

I'm Travelling to New York next week, and the person i'm travelling with has a record from 9 years ago for a shoplifting offence. We are travelling with the Visa Waiver scheme hoping we will be ok risking this and have also filled in something called an ESTA form. However we have since heard you have finger prints taken through imigration and they can now check up to see if you are lying about having convictions from up to 72 hours before you travel, is this anything to worry about?

[dzug]

The US do not have routine access to UK databases - only for serious crimes such as drug trafficking, terrorism, paedophilia.

Strictly speaking he needs a visa but it's far too late to get one.

You have nothing to worry about. They do take fingerprints but mainly to check it's the same person leaving as arrived.

[simonruss]

criminal record? is that by Des O Connor?

[LCDMAN]

If you have had a positive reply to your ESTA application telling you that you may travel, then you have no problems, enjoy..........

[adamfitch]

Dont think we have had a reply about the ESTA form. It was however filled in at the travel agents and they havent said anything?

[Dee Sa]

dont trust travel agents.