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USA - ESTA question

7 replies

VioletVictoria · 07/10/2024 09:50

We are contemplating a big family holiday to celebrate a family member's big birthday next year. They would like to go to the USA.

One family member got a police caution in 2015; is this likely to be a hassle as regards getting an ESTA?

The family member had an issue with alcohol - they could go weeks / months without drinking, but if they started drinking on a night out they didn't know when to stop.

Quite a few years ago, maybe around 2012, they got very drunk and separated from their friends on a night out. They were picked up by the police who kindly drove them home. As far as we know there's no record of this.

They got very drunk on a night out in 2015, were again picked up by the police, but this time were put in a cell in the police station overnight and accepted a caution. I'm not sure exactly what the charge was.

It was a huge wake up call, and they haven't been drunk since.

How can we find out if this police caution will create problems getting an ESTA? We don't want to start planning a big holiday to the USA and then realise it won't be feasible.

OP posts:
Changingplace · 07/10/2024 09:53

I’m not sure you can really know for sure until you apply for the ESTA, once you apply it’s valid for a few years so could they apply before you book and get the outcome so at least you know up front.

VioletVictoria · 07/10/2024 09:55

I didn't realise you could apply for an ESTA without having a travel date.

OP posts:
Kapalika · 07/10/2024 15:54

You can contact the police to find out whether it’s on record.

EffortlesslyInelegant · 07/10/2024 18:56

Do the US Police/Immigration have access to UK records? I don't think so but ready to be corrected.

NoOneKnowsWhoYouAre · 07/10/2024 19:09

EffortlesslyInelegant · 07/10/2024 18:56

Do the US Police/Immigration have access to UK records? I don't think so but ready to be corrected.

No they don't. I know someone who just lied for years and were fine. also USA they recently changed the questions so that a caution probably won't need declaring.

NoOneKnowsWhoYouAre · 07/10/2024 19:10

NoOneKnowsWhoYouAre · 07/10/2024 19:09

No they don't. I know someone who just lied for years and were fine. also USA they recently changed the questions so that a caution probably won't need declaring.

I am not recommending lying!! Just saying due to GDPR they don't know unless it is a terrorism offence.

Ilovelifeverymuch · 07/10/2024 19:43

VioletVictoria · 07/10/2024 09:55

I didn't realise you could apply for an ESTA without having a travel date.

Yes you can apply for the esta without a travel date. And I think he should be fine with the esta based on the Information you have shared given he was not formally charged so I wouldn't disclose

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