US citizen denied entry and then refused a visa 11 years ago, what should they expect at UK Immigration now?
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 25 Jul, 2023
- |
I’m going to post a milder version of Sheik Paul’s answer.
In the UK, refusals are tied to a person, not a passport or nationality, and embassies record your fingerprints, so they definitely have means of catching you.
There are obviously two options: entering visa-free or applying for a visa. The latter is clearly a lot safer.
Because, unlike in the US, a UK visa is not merely a permission to apply for entry, but a pre-approval of entry (hence why it’s also called an entry clearance).
Secondly, by obtaining a visa, your previous issues with UK authorities will be eliminated as a factor. It only costs £87, and, to my knowledge, only needs to be obtained once – once it expires you can enter visa-free and you’re still cleared of this specific issue (your previous refusal) thanks to that one visa you got.
If trying to enter visa-free now, you really should bring all pieces of documentation that you would attach to a visa application (for example, a couple of consecutive bank statements, invitation letter from your friends and family clearly stating the duration and purpose of your trip as well as their relationship with you, return ticket, and any and all other documents supporting the purpose and duration of your trip). Of course, don’t present all of this upfront, but on request.
Even with this, it’s likely you’ll be delayed, though you’ll probably be let in. Sheik Paul was unlucky and got to spend 6 hours in secondary inspection.
Whilst it’s not very likely your experience would be this extreme (in part because your issues with the UK were in a much more distant past), still, the most stress- and risk-free route by far is obtaining a visa.
Different name, new passport doesn’t really matter. You’re supposed to answer the question about previous refusals truthfully or risk being banned or seriously grilled, detained etc. You were a minor at the time and it’s twelve years ago, chances are they will forgive your transgression. Lying is a NO NO!
Preferably get a visa before going. Actually, not just preferably, ABSOLUTELY get a visa before going. Additionally make sure you carry all the necessary information and documents to prove you will return to your home country.
Do not take any chances whatsoever considering you’ve had two skirmishes with them albeit a minor at the time. They keep that information for up to ten years. Any false step and stubbornness in insisting on traveling visa free and you might end up like I did, or worse.
Credit:stackoverflow.com‘
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