Travelling uder the Visa Waiver Programme do we need a visa?

[Catwales2003]

Hi all,


I'm wondering if anyone can help.......

My dad is planning on coming to Orlando with us in September, however has spent criminal convictions from over 20 years ago. I've taken a look at the US embassy and it indicates we need to apply or a Visa. He's travelled to the US many times but has never gotten a visa. I'm thinking with the new ESTA system it may be best to apply for one but we don't want to spend all that money if we don't have to.

Any help or experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[MrRomance]

Hi all,


I'm wondering if anyone can help.......

My dad is planning on coming to Orlando with us in September, however has spent criminal convictions from over 20 years ago. I've taken a look at the US embassy and it indicates we need to apply or a Visa. He's travelled to the US many times but has never gotten a visa. I'm thinking with the new ESTA system it may be best to apply for one but we don't want to spend all that money if we don't have to.

Any help or experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks

If your dad has any criminal convictions he needs a visa. If you travelling in September, I would call and get his visa appointment ASAP because there has been a lot of information recently that there are significant delays with the visa process. When I applied for my visa (not this year) there were no appointments at the London US Embassy or the Belfast US Embassy for 6 months. I ended up having to fly to the US Embassy in Dublin for my interview.

As the recent news has shown the US and UK are in cahoots these days sharing information etc.

The reason I need a visa is different, but they are VERY strict and will question him quite vigorously. My advice would be to take a copy of his criminal record (obtainable from the police) to show that his convictions were a long time ago. They don't give visas out easily these days, so it will be on your dad to convince them that he should be allowed entry.

Good Luck

 

[Catwales2003]

Just thought id give am update....

My dad got a visa without any problems at the embassy in Belfast. He managed to do a day trip and was only in the building for a matter of 20 minutes.

Were all smiles now. Thanks for the advice.

 

[MrRomance]

Just thought id give am update....

My dad got a visa without any problems at the embassy in Belfast. He managed to do a day trip and was only in the building for a matter of 20 minutes.

Were all smiles now. Thanks for the advice.

That's great news!

 

[bex7583]

If your dad has any criminal convictions he needs a visa. If you travelling in September, I would call and get his visa appointment ASAP because there has been a lot of information recently that there are significant delays with the visa process. When I applied for my visa (not this year) there were no appointments at the London US Embassy or the Belfast US Embassy for 6 months. I ended up having to fly to the US Embassy in Dublin for my interview.

As the recent news has shown the US and UK are in cahoots these days sharing information etc.

The reason I need a visa is different, but they are VERY strict and will question him quite vigorously. My advice would be to take a copy of his criminal record (obtainable from the police) to show that his convictions were a long time ago. They don't give visas out easily these days, so it will be on your dad to convince them that he should be allowed entry.

Good Luck

what was the recent news that the data is now shared ?? we are travelling with only a esta and my dh has driving convictions from when he was a teenager