Entering USA with convictions

[worried38]

Hi,

Does anyone know why the information available on the USA embassy website differs so drastically between countries?

I’m asking because, embarrassingly, I have a drink drive conviction from 2005, and I can’t seem to find any concrete answers on the London US Embassy website regarding this.
However, on the New Zealand US Embassy website there is a very straight forward explanation which leaves DD convicted travelers to the USA, with no doubt whether they qualify for the VWP or not (you can, as long it’s a single dd offense over 3 years old). (see link)
http://newzealand.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html

Surely every country in the VWP program should have to abide by the same rules for entering the USA?

I’m due to travel to the USA in the summer and I’m really worried about the costs and time involved in obtaining a visa with a DD conviction, in case I get the visa declined and will never be able to go to the US ever again.
When I read on various American Law websites (but no thorough explanation on the London US Embassy website!!!) the definition and exceptions of the ‘Moral Turpitude’ question on the ESTA form, I feel that I should be able to truthfully answer NO to the question, and use the ESTA form without worry.

I don’t want to take the risk of traveling on an ESTA without being 100% sure I’m not going to get bumped straight back to UK when I get there.

I would have thought the London US Embassy website would HAVE to give an absolute, definite, black and white explanation of who can and can’t use the ESTA VWP.
This is such an incredibly important decision travelers have to make, it seems incredibly unfair that no information is available without having to make an appointment (and pay) for a visa interview before you can find out.

Many thanks in advance for any help.

[HW tenpin]

As I see it you have no choice, from the 1st Jan 09 you will not be allowed onto a plane to the USA without first getting this visa.

Therefore even in the future you will still need to find out.

Your DD is now into the system and will remain there. Your DD may forbid you hiring a car in the states, but as far as I have heard, one conviction does not prevent you travelling. (providing drugs where not involved)

Best get it over with, one way or the other, it will save you worrying on future planned trips.

Good Luck

[richard214]

http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new...sa_wizard.html


just go to the link