Visiting America with minor record

[117 M34]

Asking for a friend, obviously.

If they wanted to visit America for a holiday and had a minor criminal record from 20 years ago, would that mean they need to apply for a visa or risk being turned away or can they just go through with no problem?

Criminal record was for entering a football ground when drunk, when alcohol was very much needed at the time due to the terrible football on show.

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

Asking for a friend, obviously.

If they wanted to visit America for a holiday and had a minor criminal record from 20 years ago, would that mean they need to apply for a visa or risk being turned away or can they just go through with no problem?

Criminal record was for entering a football ground when drunk, when alcohol was very much needed at the time due to the terrible football on show.

I suspect most summary only offences wouldn’t count. Presumably it was a fine? Or was it a caution? Seems a ridiculous thing to prosecute someone for.

 

[Kompany Car]

Asking for a friend, obviously.

If they wanted to visit America for a holiday and had a minor criminal record from 20 years ago, would that mean they need to apply for a visa or risk being turned away or can they just go through with no problem?

Criminal record was for entering a football ground when drunk, when alcohol was very much needed at the time due to the terrible football on show.

You'd know when you apply for your ESTA which you do in advance of travel and is valid for 2 years. Just tell them to get it applied for now, normally only takes around 72hrs to get a response.

 

[Kompany Car]

This gives a run down of what they are interested in...

https://esta-center.com/en/criminal-record/index.html

 

[117 M34]

I suspect most summary only offences wouldn’t count. Presumably it was a fine? Or was it a caution? Seems a ridiculous thing to prosecute someone for.

A 6 month conditional discharge and £35 in court costs.

Didn't even know it was a criminal offence until it happened.
Not even drunk and disorderly because nothing wrong was actually done other than having had one too many beers before a match.

 

[Phil1]

I can get you a new passport under a different name if that helps? Just to be on the safe side. :-)

 

[117 M34]

This gives a run down of what they are interested in...

https://esta-center.com/en/criminal-record/index.html

Thanks. That's helpful.
Interesting that you won't be allowed an Esta if you have been on holiday to Cuba recently.
Imagine quite a lot of people would go on holiday to Cuba and want to go to USA a couple of years later.

 

[Nightmare Walking]

You will be fine on an ESTA.

 

[Damocles]

I can get you a new passport under a different name if that helps? Just to be on the safe side. :-)

For his mate, you mean

 

[Phil1]

For his mate, you mean

I’ll do a BOGOF for a fellow blue.