Or any more about it, not that I have a conviction or am going to America, just wondering!!
You are right to ask. It depends on the conviction!
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If it is a drug conviction, it's a real no no. But if you visit the US embassy before you go, and declare what your conviction was, then they will probably grant you a visa. If you do not declare the conviction beforehand and turn up in the USA they will deport you back if they find the conviction on the computer records. Including some driving offences.
This must mean that Britain has handed over police records to the US government, otherwise, how could they know.
I suspect the man in question was unaware of this rule.
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yes if you have any conviction you have to declare it before hand. My mum got a driving ban a few years ago and she had to go to london to visit the US embassy, otherwise she would have been removed on arrival.
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Entering the US nowadays can be a nightmare . Not surprised that there's been a decline in UK arrivals to the US by 11% in recent years.
Even without a criminal record they can call you for further questioning when you arrive if they feel like. I think this is what the visa waiver entitles them to do. They don't even have to give you a reason .This is what most people find frustrating.
You've probably just spent over 10 or so hours on the plane , you're tired ,hungry and desperate to get to your final destination so the last thing you need is some interrogation or worse still to be sent on the next plane back home.
I'd say if anyone ever has to face the questioning on arrival - be CALM, POLITE and let things run its course.
I've seen people ( business travelers and tourists) held for hours for making things worse by getting into heated arguments with the officials and sometimes sent right back home .
So like Rolzysmum you either just don't bother going ( I’m not sure the US needs our tourist dollars anyways) but if you MUST go , and if you are called for questioning , remember it's only a small part of your trip and a reflection of the world we live in .
You'll probably end up having a fantastic time there anyway .
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I had a problem entering Florida and was held at immigration control a few years ago as their records said I had not left the country two years previously when we last visited. My answer was how come I had just got off a jumbo jet which had just arrived from Manchester.
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