theForum

Using an ESTA with a criminal conviction


https://forum.unlock.org.uk/Topic35814.aspx

By UKboxer - 15 Dec 25 4:35 PM

Hi I have always wanted to go to America and I have a family holiday booked in may 2026, I have one previous conviction for stalking in June 2020, because of this when I done my esta visa form recently I put no on the do you have any criminal convictions question. My ESTA visa got approved in about 1 hour and it looks all good.

However my brother is concerned that they will still find out about my record and deny me entry is there still a good chance for them to find out about my record by looking on the internet about me for example or am I very likely to get through if I act normal at the immigration desk when flying. Any advice would be appreciated as I also know they take fingerprints at the immigration desk.
By CB Root - 5 May 26 9:45 PM

Stersco83 - 5 May 26 4:58 PM
DanPom1900 - 8 Mar 26 7:42 PM
Hey, so I got arrested in 2018 but not convicted, I filled out an esta when I traveled to America in February 2023 I filled out my esta and said no to an arrest/conviction I didn’t get stopped but when I went to Philadelphia they flagged me and took me to a different part of the passport control and they asked me about my arrest and I told them. So it really depends, obviously you got a conviction but I didn’t so it depends on what they say at the time

Wait you mean you said nothing to anyone about any arrest, and US authorities were alerted nonetheless?

That's parallel to what happened to me (cancellation of Global Entry within 11 days of arrest).