Entry to USA with criminal record.....and visa question

[bramblina]

Do you know what kind of criminal records are allowed in and what is not? I've tried Googling but I'm not getting anywhere.
Also, what IS a visa? How/where/when and why do I obtain one? We went to USA once while we were in Canda, travelled by car, just filled in a form (I think, it was 10 years ago) at the border, they stuck a wee sheet in our passports which we surrendered on our way out. Probably paid a little bit. But if we are flying from here, when/how do you get one? I've only ever flown package within Europe other than Canada. I just don't quite understand it. In fact, I totally don't get it.

TIA

Cheryl Cole and others seem to enter ok.

uk.usembassy.gov/visas/ineligibilities-and-waivers-2/arrest-caution-conviction/

Useful info on American embassy site

Don't you just need an ESTA? You can do it online.

Depends on the type of conviction but an automatic ESTA won't be possible. There's good adice on both the US Embassy and police websites (google the conviction and "travel to America").

It might be possible to gain entry if you can prove that you are now of good character ("moral turpitude" is the terminology), and I gather that you do this via an interview at the London embassy.

I know this as I've had to research in relation to ds1 .

Normally an interview for a visa at the US embassy is needed if a person has been arrested and or charged.

The visa waiver scheme (that was free) that you describe was replaced by the ESTA some years back.

I believe you will need to have an interview at the US Embassy - they will review your case and if you are accepted they will put a visa in your passport that will allow entry for a period of time

If you are going on holiday, you need an ESTA which you complete and pay for online and a few days later you get confirmation you are ok to travel. Lasts for multiple visits over a year or two. We crossed the border at Toronto airport a few weeks ago - it was a bit hellish and took 3 hours

I have no experience with the conviction thing though....

If you are applying for work visas then it's an application process which includes interview at the embassy

Thank you all, I will look in to all the information you have given me. Much appreciated!