Help with visa waiver question??????

[neilsalop]

A friend of ours is going in October for split stay (cruise and hotel). The problem is their son (19) wants to go with them, but when he was 14 he was caught with some cannabis and charged. He's never been in any trouble since, but he's concerned about whether the visa waiver will be adequate or if he should apply for a visa. They don't want to get to Florida and have him turned back, but equally they don't want to bring it to the attention of the US authorities if it is a spent conviction and irrelevent as he was a juvenile at the time. Also would he be able to land when the ship docks in the carribean as different countries would have different rules.

Any advice from here would be gratefully recieved.

 

[knicola]

u would probably be best ringing london embassy then you know for sure. Butdo it asap as if he has to go for appointment it usually is 4 weeks ish from when you call. then you have to wait a few weeks to see can you get a visa.

 

[amberandolly]

In the eyes of our good freinds in the US, a conviction is never "spent" but I'm (pretty) sure that juvenile minor convictions are not included so he can enter on the vwp - just make sure he ticks No on all the questions.
If he doesn't want to chance it then he could always do the esta application when the new website opens in August - that will tell him almost immediately if he needs a visa.

 

[Lizzybear]

Since he was a minor when the offense was committed I think this post will be useful:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26190952&postcount=3
It seems that it depends on if the maximum sentence for the crime exceeded a year and/or if the minor was imprisoned for more than 6 months.

 

[neilsalop]

Thanks. It seems that he should be OK to go then, but I think I'll tell him to go on the new online system ASAP to make sure.

 

[edenlee]

I would always contact the US embassy about things like this - although other people may be well meaning , there is no guarantee their advice is either correct or legal!

 

[dc1964]

if you contact the US embassy and they say no then his details will be recorded and you will always need a visa. The last poster is correct of course but i think people are giving advice based on their experience. I doubt your son will be on any watch list or even on the police national computer so they would not be able to check.
If you want to know if the conviction is recorded with the police then go to the main police station in your town and collect a form for a criminal records bureau check, think it cost £10. If nothing shows up then there is nothing to worry about.

 

[Lizzybear]

The embassy pretty much imply that if you're in doubt then you should apply so i'm not sure if ringing to ask them is the best idea. I hate to say it but the vistor visas are a nice money spinner for them..! I sometimes wonder how many poor Brits pay out and go through the stress of getting a visa for things like speeding because someone at the embassy has told them they 'need' one..

 

[orlandothebeagle]

I have been reading this thread, what a pain over something so little, my friend had all this hassle because he was, wait for it, drum roll, prosocuted for having his lorry illegaly loaded, it was a criminal offence!