I don't qualify for ESTA in US because of their absurd rules about arrests (have to declare being arrested even if never charged). Guessing Canada will be similar then.
No you dont mate, trust me done loads for people. You notify them if you’ve been charged for crimes of moral turpitude, if your going to bomb the place and if your going to carry a kilo of coke up yer arse. If you weren’t charged you’re alright.
Are you sure mate? I'm almost certain that when I looked it stated that if you've ever been arrested then you have to apply full visa. I've got minor convictions too anyway and they don't recognise the concept of spent. Seem to recall they mention any drug things too.
https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-waiver-program/non-immigrant-visa-waiver-program-vwp/ "Travelers who have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, those with criminal records, (the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law)... are not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program;"
They don’t have access to uk or eu databases or they didn’t 12 months ago. However amount of stuff put in online papers can cause issues if people have been charged. A lot of local ones have court pages. Also if you’ve previously applied and previously admitted to anything then you won’t get one. the question in the actual esta used to be have you been arrested and charged with crimes of moral turpitude. Now I’m sure it’s more specific to things like fraud, vandalism (against government property), drugs etc.
Off to play golf today with my son. He's making all sorts of bets so is going to be competitive. Will have to grind him into the grass I think. A nice afternoon away from the females.
If it was me I wouldn't tell them. Genuinely mate, that's as long as you've never declared it before, say nowt otherwise. Long as you can prove where you are staying and you have sufficient funds to support that stay.
Bit of a risk though. I know someone who tried that and got put straight back onto a plane. Cost him thousands for nothing basically. I'm not that arsed about US anyway tbh but Canada would interest me.
I’d look at the consulate website mate. I have a feeling they’re stricter over Canada. I’ve got driving convictions that’s a ban and a fine over here that would land you 5 years over there.
I suppose my first thought would be, what would show up on an enhanced check and how long ago. Have they ever declared anything previously. All else I can say is sometimes we worry too much, but yeah it's a risk. I've been to the US **** loads of times, although not in the last 10 years, all I can think is the person you know must have done something really bad, or was just very unlucky, or the US have gone all daft in the last 10 years. Anyway, this is two copy and pastes from online... It's important to note that having a criminal record does not automatically bar you from travelling to the USA. Anybody travelling to the US for less than 90 days will be able to travel under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). The next bit... If you have a criminal record, you may not be eligible to travel under the VWP. The ESTA form asks applicants for the following information: Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person, or government authority? Note the use of the word 'serious' twice, even if you fell into that category, how is that measured, an enhanced check will not say what the level of damage or harm caused, it will just say the crime, but even that could be differently worded to how you imagine. But you are right, it's always a risk. I don't know why but I thought you use to work for the NHS?...that would have involved an enhanced check.
I know it doesn't automatically bar you from a visa but it does appear to from an ESTA as per the quote from the US Embassy page I linked earlier. Yeah I used to work for the NHS but that check would be different as the US doesn't recognise the concept of spent convictions. Still think it's bollocks that they judge on purely an arrest even if not charged. Land of the free eh? Yeah I noticed the serious bit too but as you say it's all a bit wooly definition wise. Same as crimes of 'moral turpitude'. Though I'm fairly sure one of my arrests (never charged) would prob come under that.
I was just having a read of the ESTA, you can apply before booking flights, although you may need an address of residence where you will be staying - depends if you can work around that framework of the application.
Estas last 2years. Stick down disneys contemporary resort, Walt Disney world, Orlando, Florida and jobs a good un
Had another read only $21 to apply as well, and generally a response in an hour (upto 72hrs), and as you say, valid for 2 years. I still wouldn't admit to anything though, to clarify I would not say yes to criminal convictions. It appears the biggest mistakes on ESTA are typos, so just double check everything you enter, such as passport number, so they do not need to take closer looks.
