Can a US citizen with a criminal record travel to the UK?
I have a friend with a criminal record who wants to go to London with me and I'm trying to determine if that is actually a possibility.
This friend was convicted of a class A misdemeanor on Dec 14, 2011 for theft. The court disposition was deferred so they weren't sentenced to any jail time (although they were in jail shortly following their initial arrest and prior to their being bonded out). They were, however, placed on probation for two years.
Since they were never actually sentenced to jail time it seems like, per TheInformationHub, that their visiting the UK shouldn't be a problem.
uk us-citizens
edited Jan 1 '17 at 4:47
Giorgio
31.8k964177
asked Jan 1 '17 at 4:15
neubertneubert
5,252114087
add a comment |
I have a friend with a criminal record who wants to go to London with me and I'm trying to determine if that is actually a possibility.
This friend was convicted of a class A misdemeanor on Dec 14, 2011 for theft. The court disposition was deferred so they weren't sentenced to any jail time (although they were in jail shortly following their initial arrest and prior to their being bonded out). They were, however, placed on probation for two years.
Since they were never actually sentenced to jail time it seems like, per TheInformationHub, that their visiting the UK shouldn't be a problem.
uk us-citizens
edited Jan 1 '17 at 4:47
Giorgio
31.8k964177
asked Jan 1 '17 at 4:15
neubertneubert
5,252114087
add a comment |
I have a friend with a criminal record who wants to go to London with me and I'm trying to determine if that is actually a possibility.
This friend was convicted of a class A misdemeanor on Dec 14, 2011 for theft. The court disposition was deferred so they weren't sentenced to any jail time (although they were in jail shortly following their initial arrest and prior to their being bonded out). They were, however, placed on probation for two years.
Since they were never actually sentenced to jail time it seems like, per TheInformationHub, that their visiting the UK shouldn't be a problem.
uk us-citizens
edited Jan 1 '17 at 4:47
Giorgio
31.8k964177
asked Jan 1 '17 at 4:15
neubertneubert
5,252114087
I have a friend with a criminal record who wants to go to London with me and I'm trying to determine if that is actually a possibility.
This friend was convicted of a class A misdemeanor on Dec 14, 2011 for theft. The court disposition was deferred so they weren't sentenced to any jail time (although they were in jail shortly following their initial arrest and prior to their being bonded out). They were, however, placed on probation for two years.
Since they were never actually sentenced to jail time it seems like, per TheInformationHub, that their visiting the UK shouldn't be a problem.
uk us-citizens
uk us-citizens
edited Jan 1 '17 at 4:47
Giorgio
31.8k964177
asked Jan 1 '17 at 4:15
neubertneubert
5,252114087
edited Jan 1 '17 at 4:47
Giorgio
31.8k964177
asked Jan 1 '17 at 4:15
neubertneubert
5,252114087
edited Jan 1 '17 at 4:47
Giorgio
31.8k964177
edited Jan 1 '17 at 4:47
Giorgio
31.8k964177
edited Jan 1 '17 at 4:47
Giorgio
31.8k964177
31.8k964177
asked Jan 1 '17 at 4:15
neubertneubert
5,252114087
asked Jan 1 '17 at 4:15
neubertneubert
5,252114087
asked Jan 1 '17 at 4:15
neubertneubert
5,252114087
5,252114087
add a comment |
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
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The UK Immigration Rules for Visitors state, in relevant part:
V 3.1 This Part applies to all applications for visit visas, leave to enter, and an extension of stay as a visitor except where explicitly stated otherwise.
(As a US citizen, you do not require a visit visa in advance; under the UK immigration rules you will apply for leave to enter by presenting your passport at the UK Border at the airport.)
V 3.4 An application (except for an application for an extension of stay as a visitor) will be refused if the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence for which they have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of:
(a) at least 4 years; or
(b) between 12 months and 4 years, unless at least 10 years have passed since the end of the sentence; or
(c) less than 12 months, unless at least 5 years has passed since the end of the sentence.
Where this paragraph applies, it will only be in exceptional circumstances that the public interest in maintaining refusal will be outweighed by compelling factors.
...
V 3.5 An application will normally be refused if:
(a) within the period of 12 months before the application is decided, the applicant has been convicted of or admitted an offence for which they received a non-custodial sentence or out of court disposal that is recorded on their criminal record (except for an application for an extension of stay as a visitor); or
(b) in the view of the Secretary of State the applicant’s offending has caused serious harm; or
(c) in the view of the Secretary of State the applicant is a persistent offender who shows a particular disregard for the law.
So, your friend should be fine to travel to the UK, if at least 12 months have passed since his probation ended.
Be aware, though, that:
- Your friend should be aware that when they visit the UK, they might be delayed at immigration for an extended interview. People can find this very stressful, but he should just try to relax and play it straight.
- Your friend should not attempt to conceal his criminal record at the UK border. There's no reason to do so, and lying to an immigration officer is also a great way to get refused entry.
answered Jan 1 '17 at 6:43
Michael HamptonMichael Hampton
34k278158
2
Do UK immigration officers routinely ask about criminal convictions? Or would it show up on their computer screen because of the Five Eyes treaty?
– JonathanReez♦
Jan 1 '17 at 9:31
3
It is a good question what the UK knows about Americans. I know the US and Canada share their criminal records databases with each other, but this only started not too many years ago and they are closer to each other than the UK. I also know that UK Registered Travellers (Canadians at least) will get kicked out of that program if they have something as minor as a customs violation at home, so the UK gets even very trivial information for (at least) that subset of people. They might not have access to US criminal records but I wouldn't bet on it.
– Dennis
Jan 1 '17 at 23:40
add a comment |
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1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
The UK Immigration Rules for Visitors state, in relevant part:
V 3.1 This Part applies to all applications for visit visas, leave to enter, and an extension of stay as a visitor except where explicitly stated otherwise.
(As a US citizen, you do not require a visit visa in advance; under the UK immigration rules you will apply for leave to enter by presenting your passport at the UK Border at the airport.)
V 3.4 An application (except for an application for an extension of stay as a visitor) will be refused if the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence for which they have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of:
(a) at least 4 years; or
(b) between 12 months and 4 years, unless at least 10 years have passed since the end of the sentence; or
(c) less than 12 months, unless at least 5 years has passed since the end of the sentence.
Where this paragraph applies, it will only be in exceptional circumstances that the public interest in maintaining refusal will be outweighed by compelling factors.
...
V 3.5 An application will normally be refused if:
(a) within the period of 12 months before the application is decided, the applicant has been convicted of or admitted an offence for which they received a non-custodial sentence or out of court disposal that is recorded on their criminal record (except for an application for an extension of stay as a visitor); or
(b) in the view of the Secretary of State the applicant’s offending has caused serious harm; or
(c) in the view of the Secretary of State the applicant is a persistent offender who shows a particular disregard for the law.
So, your friend should be fine to travel to the UK, if at least 12 months have passed since his probation ended.
Be aware, though, that:
- Your friend should be aware that when they visit the UK, they might be delayed at immigration for an extended interview. People can find this very stressful, but he should just try to relax and play it straight.
- Your friend should not attempt to conceal his criminal record at the UK border. There's no reason to do so, and lying to an immigration officer is also a great way to get refused entry.
answered Jan 1 '17 at 6:43
Michael HamptonMichael Hampton
34k278158
2
Do UK immigration officers routinely ask about criminal convictions? Or would it show up on their computer screen because of the Five Eyes treaty?
– JonathanReez♦
Jan 1 '17 at 9:31
3
It is a good question what the UK knows about Americans. I know the US and Canada share their criminal records databases with each other, but this only started not too many years ago and they are closer to each other than the UK. I also know that UK Registered Travellers (Canadians at least) will get kicked out of that program if they have something as minor as a customs violation at home, so the UK gets even very trivial information for (at least) that subset of people. They might not have access to US criminal records but I wouldn't bet on it.
– Dennis
Jan 1 '17 at 23:40
add a comment |
The UK Immigration Rules for Visitors state, in relevant part:
V 3.1 This Part applies to all applications for visit visas, leave to enter, and an extension of stay as a visitor except where explicitly stated otherwise.
(As a US citizen, you do not require a visit visa in advance; under the UK immigration rules you will apply for leave to enter by presenting your passport at the UK Border at the airport.)
V 3.4 An application (except for an application for an extension of stay as a visitor) will be refused if the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence for which they have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of:
(a) at least 4 years; or
(b) between 12 months and 4 years, unless at least 10 years have passed since the end of the sentence; or
(c) less than 12 months, unless at least 5 years has passed since the end of the sentence.
Where this paragraph applies, it will only be in exceptional circumstances that the public interest in maintaining refusal will be outweighed by compelling factors.
...
V 3.5 An application will normally be refused if:
(a) within the period of 12 months before the application is decided, the applicant has been convicted of or admitted an offence for which they received a non-custodial sentence or out of court disposal that is recorded on their criminal record (except for an application for an extension of stay as a visitor); or
(b) in the view of the Secretary of State the applicant’s offending has caused serious harm; or
(c) in the view of the Secretary of State the applicant is a persistent offender who shows a particular disregard for the law.
So, your friend should be fine to travel to the UK, if at least 12 months have passed since his probation ended.
Be aware, though, that:
- Your friend should be aware that when they visit the UK, they might be delayed at immigration for an extended interview. People can find this very stressful, but he should just try to relax and play it straight.
- Your friend should not attempt to conceal his criminal record at the UK border. There's no reason to do so, and lying to an immigration officer is also a great way to get refused entry.
answered Jan 1 '17 at 6:43
Michael HamptonMichael Hampton
34k278158
2
Do UK immigration officers routinely ask about criminal convictions? Or would it show up on their computer screen because of the Five Eyes treaty?
– JonathanReez♦
Jan 1 '17 at 9:31
3
It is a good question what the UK knows about Americans. I know the US and Canada share their criminal records databases with each other, but this only started not too many years ago and they are closer to each other than the UK. I also know that UK Registered Travellers (Canadians at least) will get kicked out of that program if they have something as minor as a customs violation at home, so the UK gets even very trivial information for (at least) that subset of people. They might not have access to US criminal records but I wouldn't bet on it.
– Dennis
Jan 1 '17 at 23:40
add a comment |
The UK Immigration Rules for Visitors state, in relevant part:
V 3.1 This Part applies to all applications for visit visas, leave to enter, and an extension of stay as a visitor except where explicitly stated otherwise.
(As a US citizen, you do not require a visit visa in advance; under the UK immigration rules you will apply for leave to enter by presenting your passport at the UK Border at the airport.)
V 3.4 An application (except for an application for an extension of stay as a visitor) will be refused if the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence for which they have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of:
(a) at least 4 years; or
(b) between 12 months and 4 years, unless at least 10 years have passed since the end of the sentence; or
(c) less than 12 months, unless at least 5 years has passed since the end of the sentence.
Where this paragraph applies, it will only be in exceptional circumstances that the public interest in maintaining refusal will be outweighed by compelling factors.
...
V 3.5 An application will normally be refused if:
(a) within the period of 12 months before the application is decided, the applicant has been convicted of or admitted an offence for which they received a non-custodial sentence or out of court disposal that is recorded on their criminal record (except for an application for an extension of stay as a visitor); or
(b) in the view of the Secretary of State the applicant’s offending has caused serious harm; or
(c) in the view of the Secretary of State the applicant is a persistent offender who shows a particular disregard for the law.
So, your friend should be fine to travel to the UK, if at least 12 months have passed since his probation ended.
Be aware, though, that:
- Your friend should be aware that when they visit the UK, they might be delayed at immigration for an extended interview. People can find this very stressful, but he should just try to relax and play it straight.
- Your friend should not attempt to conceal his criminal record at the UK border. There's no reason to do so, and lying to an immigration officer is also a great way to get refused entry.
answered Jan 1 '17 at 6:43
Michael HamptonMichael Hampton
34k278158
The UK Immigration Rules for Visitors state, in relevant part:
V 3.1 This Part applies to all applications for visit visas, leave to enter, and an extension of stay as a visitor except where explicitly stated otherwise.
(As a US citizen, you do not require a visit visa in advance; under the UK immigration rules you will apply for leave to enter by presenting your passport at the UK Border at the airport.)
V 3.4 An application (except for an application for an extension of stay as a visitor) will be refused if the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence for which they have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of:
(a) at least 4 years; or
(b) between 12 months and 4 years, unless at least 10 years have passed since the end of the sentence; or
(c) less than 12 months, unless at least 5 years has passed since the end of the sentence.
Where this paragraph applies, it will only be in exceptional circumstances that the public interest in maintaining refusal will be outweighed by compelling factors.
...
V 3.5 An application will normally be refused if:
(a) within the period of 12 months before the application is decided, the applicant has been convicted of or admitted an offence for which they received a non-custodial sentence or out of court disposal that is recorded on their criminal record (except for an application for an extension of stay as a visitor); or
(b) in the view of the Secretary of State the applicant’s offending has caused serious harm; or
(c) in the view of the Secretary of State the applicant is a persistent offender who shows a particular disregard for the law.
So, your friend should be fine to travel to the UK, if at least 12 months have passed since his probation ended.
Be aware, though, that:
- Your friend should be aware that when they visit the UK, they might be delayed at immigration for an extended interview. People can find this very stressful, but he should just try to relax and play it straight.
- Your friend should not attempt to conceal his criminal record at the UK border. There's no reason to do so, and lying to an immigration officer is also a great way to get refused entry.
answered Jan 1 '17 at 6:43
Michael HamptonMichael Hampton
34k278158
answered Jan 1 '17 at 6:43
Michael HamptonMichael Hampton
34k278158
answered Jan 1 '17 at 6:43
Michael HamptonMichael Hampton
34k278158
answered Jan 1 '17 at 6:43
Michael HamptonMichael Hampton
34k278158
34k278158
2
Do UK immigration officers routinely ask about criminal convictions? Or would it show up on their computer screen because of the Five Eyes treaty?
– JonathanReez♦
Jan 1 '17 at 9:31
3
It is a good question what the UK knows about Americans. I know the US and Canada share their criminal records databases with each other, but this only started not too many years ago and they are closer to each other than the UK. I also know that UK Registered Travellers (Canadians at least) will get kicked out of that program if they have something as minor as a customs violation at home, so the UK gets even very trivial information for (at least) that subset of people. They might not have access to US criminal records but I wouldn't bet on it.
– Dennis
Jan 1 '17 at 23:40
add a comment |
2
Do UK immigration officers routinely ask about criminal convictions? Or would it show up on their computer screen because of the Five Eyes treaty?
– JonathanReez♦
Jan 1 '17 at 9:31
3
It is a good question what the UK knows about Americans. I know the US and Canada share their criminal records databases with each other, but this only started not too many years ago and they are closer to each other than the UK. I also know that UK Registered Travellers (Canadians at least) will get kicked out of that program if they have something as minor as a customs violation at home, so the UK gets even very trivial information for (at least) that subset of people. They might not have access to US criminal records but I wouldn't bet on it.
– Dennis
Jan 1 '17 at 23:40
2
2
Do UK immigration officers routinely ask about criminal convictions? Or would it show up on their computer screen because of the Five Eyes treaty?
– JonathanReez♦
Jan 1 '17 at 9:31
Do UK immigration officers routinely ask about criminal convictions? Or would it show up on their computer screen because of the Five Eyes treaty?
– JonathanReez♦
Jan 1 '17 at 9:31
3
3
It is a good question what the UK knows about Americans. I know the US and Canada share their criminal records databases with each other, but this only started not too many years ago and they are closer to each other than the UK. I also know that UK Registered Travellers (Canadians at least) will get kicked out of that program if they have something as minor as a customs violation at home, so the UK gets even very trivial information for (at least) that subset of people. They might not have access to US criminal records but I wouldn't bet on it.
– Dennis
Jan 1 '17 at 23:40
It is a good question what the UK knows about Americans. I know the US and Canada share their criminal records databases with each other, but this only started not too many years ago and they are closer to each other than the UK. I also know that UK Registered Travellers (Canadians at least) will get kicked out of that program if they have something as minor as a customs violation at home, so the UK gets even very trivial information for (at least) that subset of people. They might not have access to US criminal records but I wouldn't bet on it.
– Dennis
Jan 1 '17 at 23:40
add a comment |
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