Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bulgogiboy]

I'm a UK citizen, and I'm wanting to visit a friend in the US at Christmas time.

I know normally UK citizens don't require a visa to enter the US, in fact I've been to the US before and simply signed a visa waiver form on the plane.

I have an old drink-driving conviction from almost 10 years ago(I got banned and fined), and the first time I entered the US I didn't give it a thought. It wasn't a problem, I went in no bother at all, the conviction didn't come up.

That was in April 2001, obviously things have changed alot since Sep 2001, with security tightening up significantly.

I've read if I have a conviction I need to apply for a special visa and maybe schedule an interview too.

Is this a new requirement after 9-11? Or was it always like this?

If not declaring the conviction wasn't a problem the first time, maybe it won't be a problem this time either, except I'm a little unsure in the post 9-11 paranoid/anti-terror environment.

Any advice from people who've been in a similiar situation?

Thanks,

[Wangja]

Ironic, huh? DUI is a qualification for US president but not for a tourist.

Anyway, I think that a DUI is a msidemeanour not a crime. But I could be wrong. I have been wrong before.

[kat2]

Some DUIs are considred a felony. It depends on a lot of things- the state, alcohol level, if you went to counseling, etc. Why don't you contact the American Embasay in the UK. They will be able to answer your questions a lot better than everyone on Dave's.

[ilovebdt]

If you are going to call the American Embassy in the UK, make sure that you have a lot money on your card or are prepared for a high bill. I called the US embassy once when I was living in the UK to ask them about a visa issue and it is a premium rate line, about 1.00 - 1.50 a minute. So, calling from abroad and being on the phone a while could be costly.

ilovebdt