To not even book a trip to the USA because of spent convictions?

[streetface]

We have been planning a large family holiday to USA but one of the party has spent criminal convictions for carrying a weapon, drugs and violence dating back to teens and twenties. In forties now, model citizen, hard working lovely family man but I have a feeling that all of that will be irrelevant and he will be denied entry?

I don't think it is worth taking the risk spending thousands on a holiday to be turfed away last minute. He won't get his money back either will he?

Lottie you are 100% correct the US don't like any crimes under moral turpitude. But to risk spending all that money on the holiday without going through the appropriate process and being denied access for whatever reason at the other side is a big risk. I know a lot of folk do it, I suppose it's up to OPs family to decide if it's a risk worth taking.

Basically he has two options... apply with an ESTA and wing it.. risk not getting in

Or

Go to embassy and waste money only to be told no anyway.

Worst case scenario he would just be refused entry and put on the next plane home.

I don't think they are as strict as they like to make out.

I know a woman who went to prison for GBH and theft. She served a 4 yr prison term and is now back and forwards to Florida all the time.

Florida yes you're right it is a risk but I wouldn't say a big one. As I said when he gets to immigration they won't know he has a criminal record unless he tells them. As long as he gives them no reason to investigate him further (smelling of alcohol or acting drunk / giving strange answers to their questions) he will be totally fine.

lennielala exactly. I'd go with your first option every single time. As long as you're sensible the risk is minimal.

I don't think he's got a hope in hell if he tells them.

What they don't know won't hurt them. He's turned out to be a rather cracking chap after all :)

serin yes but did she declare it to the US authorities, or just say she had no record?

Go to Cancún! Mexico is amazing and you won't regret it :)

I'd be worried about his/others in the group body language giving the game away.

The immigration people are scary.

Streetface

The ESTA scheme is the electronic travel visa waiver scheme operated by the US to members of certain countries.

It is also up to the immigration officer whether you are allowed entry or not even with an ESTA in hand. All passengers (I think its now over the age of 12) are fingerprinted and photographed at the immigration booth. Given the US's harder nosed attitude these days towards travellers to their nation I would not chance any aspect of this at all.

This individual will not be able to apply under the ESTA scheme but will instead need to apply for a visa. This will also entail him having an interview at one of the branches of the US embassy. He could well be refused entry at any stage of the process and they do not either have to tell him why.

For goodness sake, OP, have an amazing holiday in the states! You'll all be fine.

Might be an idea to fly via Ireland
Can't remember which airport but you can clear US customs at one of the Irish Airports and so not have to when you arrive in The US
Sounds crazy but look it up, I'm sure it's true

attila what's being photographed and having your photo taken at immigration got to do with anything?
You're being a bit dramatic. Just don't rock up to immigration drunk or acting like an idiot and answer their questions, you'll be fine.

It's Dublin @hoppinggreen

hopping yes that is true I'm sure. Not sure if it applies with certain airlines only? Air Lingus?

They DONT share our convictions/ database with the US & likewise
Only canada & america share stuff
In Canada if you have a DUI that's enough to refuse you entry
If they wanted to check with the UK they have to request it this takes time / days even
Both myself and my husband have been to the states with convictions for more than your relative and my brother in law has been numerous times he even got married in Vegas lol
And he did 4 years in prison for drug offences
The main thing is to to tick no on the ESTA and gave a machine readable passport
Your more likely to get refused entry for your passport not being machine readable than for convictions that were 20 years ago

They are bringing in pre clearance for the state in manchester I think next year as well

Lottie I'm sure that aer lingus only fly to North America? Not sure where OP is planning to go. But I'm pretty sure you're right there.

Drugs and Abh?
Apply for visa. If he s denied fine. If for some reason he's chosen for extra checks then that's going to be much more unpleasant.

Do the Esta now. You don't need to have booked anything to get it. It's costs £10. If you aren't eligible (and when I did one recently many of the questions had changed so be careful about relying on others anecdotal experience) then speak to Embassy and try for Visa. If you get one go and book - if not well at least you'll only have wasted a bit of time and a couple hundred quid than £1000s

I think it's Shannon airport that lets you do the U.S. immigration stuff, not Dublin.

To derail slightly does anyone know if you have to have a certain amount of unexpired time on your passport if traveling to the U.S. on holiday? We're thinking of going for a week in early July and my 3 year old's passport expires late August. Where can we find out about whether this is ok?

goldfish I think you mean ESTA (visa waiver) not Visa?

He looks scary. Someone walked right up to him on holiday and asked him of he'd 'dome time' because of the way he looks. So if they do 'extra checks' what could this entail?

Also for goodness sake don't lie on the Esta. They find out you're unlikely ever to be allowed in,

Arboreal I think you might need six months on a passport, I could be wrong tho. Defo check it out however.