Visa question

[johnson84]

Hi All

Firstly sorry if this thread is in the wrong section but was unsure which section to post in

New to the forum me and five others are planning our first trip from london to Vegas next year and I had a question regarding a visa for one of our group who has previously been arrested.

My friend was arrested for drunk and disorderly in london a couple of years back. He was cautioned, released but issued with a fine and was told he would have no criminal record

Now we have found out that he would need a visa to travel because of the arrest even though he was not convicted etc.

I have heard of people not declaring their arrest and they had no trouble with immigration but apparently the penalties for not declaring are severe if found out. Also I have been told of people who applied for the Visa only to be turned down by the US embassy in London after being arrested for a similar offence

Basically do you think my friend should take a chance and not apply for a visa and travel as normal?

I would be greatful if any members of the forum have any advice or experience with this situation.

Thanks in advance

[Buzzo]

I would say he should apply for the visa.

Otherwise, he will be nervous all the way to Vegas and if US customs finds out, he will be sent back immediately, which will would be a large waste of time and money. On top of that, he could potentially be barred from ever coming again.

Go with the Visa....

I highly doubt that he would bu turned down for a VISA just because of a fight where he got no criminal record.

[Audrieu]

Actually I would recommend looking at the Visa Wavier form. It is specific about what type of arrest needs to be declared. You can find samples on line.

If this does fall under these categories (I cant remember) apply for a visa. Before I immigrated I was over a couple of times a year and depending on the officer you get it can range from easy to a intense question session if they can pick up you are nervous about something - for me it was time I was getting married even tho I was returning with my wife to the UK (well it took her about five weeks to get the visa for the uk, while I waited back in the uk).

[SurfersideB]

D&D

I had a night in the cells for being D&D about 3 years ago and had no trouble heading to new york for one trip and VEgas for another. No trouble with the visa waiver at all but make sure you all have one before you go.

[Guest]

ouch.. I heard euro countries are even more strict then US on D&D...