Anyone been asked this

[squitty]

Hi

My SIL has just booked with TCD for Sept 03. While she was on the phone, they asked her did she or any of her party have a criminal record, to which she replied no.
Then today her documents arrived along with a leaflet repeating if she or any of her party has a criminal record or certain driving offences they have to tell or they may not be allowed into the US.
I think I can remember this subject being discussed before, but I cant find anything about it.
We were in FL April gone and we weren't asked anything like this. Is it just TCD that is doing this now.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Peebee]

I think you're right - I seem to remember someone on the board was due to go at the end of last year (November/December time?) and had to cancel at the last minute as a member of their party had a criminal record from a few years ago. Apparently this disallows you from the visa waiver programme and there can be a lengthy wait to get a visa from the US embassy.

Well done to TCD for making people aware of this kind of problem ahead of time - i've not heard of other firms doing anything similar.

Paul

 

[UK Valerie]

The 'criminal record' section is and always has been on the back of the Green Visa Waiver form, Michelle.
They reserve the right to refuse entry where a criminal record exists.

 

[squitty]

Hi

I know it has always existed, but I have never been asked this when booking any of our holidays in the past or been sent anything with our documents.
I have filled in numerous VW forms and know about it.
I just wanted to know if anybody who has booked recently has had the same questions asked while booking.

Thanks for all your reply's

 

[UK Valerie]

Maybe they're just enforcing their rules more due to heightened security and taking no chances.

 

[BevS97]

I;ve never been asked it at booking, but I think it is a good idea for the travel agents to ask it, as it could cause massive problems if they didn't make their customers aware and they were turned away at immigration.
Maybe they have had a problem with a customer being turned away, so they are now trying to cover themselves?

Bev

 

[neilybealy]

i'm pretty sure i've read somewhere that even if you're arrested but then released without being charged in the UK you need to apply for a visa

 

[floridalol]

Originally posted by neilybealy
i'm pretty sure i've read somewhere that even if you're arrested but then released without being charged in the UK you need to apply for a visa

I am no legal expert but I would have thought this was highly unlikely as no official charge would be registered against you.

Best wishes

FloridaLol

 

[neilybealy]

yes it does seem strange doesn't it

 

[Lobey]

Yes, it does seem strange - and unfair IMHO - but according the the US Embassy London Web site:

Under United States visa law people who have been arrested are required to declare the arrest when applying for a visa. If the arrest resulted in a conviction, the individual may be permanently ineligible to receive a visa. In order to travel, a waiver of the permanent ineligibility is required. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to United States visa law. Therefore, even travelers with a spent conviction are required to declare the arrest and/or conviction.

As FloridaLol says, I don't know how they can tell if you've been arrested and released. But I suspect that if you don't declare it and are later found out your chances of ever getting in to the States would be nil.

Paul

 

[Minniespal]

I've never been asked it but have seen it on the back of the US Waver form that you fill in whilst on the plane.

JMHO but I think this added security measure is a great thing.

 

[floridalol]

If they ever make speeding a criminal offence that will outlaw most people going to Florida!

I'm sure all us DISers are upstanding citizens but wouldn't it be awful if someone was arrested through mistaken identity, released and then was refused a visa by declaring this information?

Best wishes

FloridaLol

 

[kazzie]

We might all be upstanding citizens but it doesn't automatically mean someone with a criminal record isn't

It's perfectly possible to have offenses from many years ago in younger more foolish years and/or for minor things too,and voila you have a criminal record.