Urgent help needed for asian travel! Please Help!!

[ceemania]

Hi There,

Just wondering if you could help me. About I was out and about and I picked up what I thought was my camera, it wasn’t and I got accused of taking someone’s camera, instead of giving it back I panicked and through it in the toilet. I told the truth straight away, went to court and got a fine with no conviction.

My question is I am getting married in Feb, and I am wanting to travel to do 5 days in Kuala Lumpur, 5 days in Hong Kong & 15 days in Thailand. Will I have issues getting into the country? Does the forms that you fill out state do you have a criminal conviction or does it say have you been found guilty? Should I tell the relevant embassy’s before hand?

I’m really worried and I need some help I don’t want to ruin our honeymoon but am so worried I have screwed things up. This is my one only blemish on my record.

 

[samh004]

Re: urgent help! please please help!

Hi, you didn’t need to ask the question in two areas, there’s no need for that.

How long ago did you throw this camera in the toilet?

As you had no conviction though, I don’t think it’s a problem, but am not sure.

 

[bossreggie]

No Conviction = No Worries!!

Enjoy your trip.

 

[ceemania]

it happened around Feb 2009 so it will be 2 years by the time i travel

 

[ceemania]

No Conviction = No Worries!!

Enjoy your trip.

Wow is it really that simple??? I am still a little concerned

 

[bossreggie]

Youare always asked about "Convictions"

If NO convicttion has been recorded then there should be zero issues.

 

[medhead]

Youare always asked about "Convictions"

If NO convicttion has been recorded then there should be zero issues.

Unless you are going to the USA. But last time I checked Thailand is not the USA.

 

[Mal]

From what I recall on the various immigration forms for those countries, previous convictions/arrests etc are not requested.

Asia tends to have a fairly relaxed attitude to "Western" tourists - it's countries like the United States, and to an extent Australia and New Zealand that particularly care about previous arrests/convictions etc.

 

[ceemania]

Okay so I shouldn't have too much to worry about, what would happen if I wanted to go to the US later on??

 

[NM]

Hong Kong arrivals card asks:

• Family name
• Sex
• Given names
• Travel document No
• Place and date of issue
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Address in Hing Kong
• Home address
• Flight No/Ship's name
• From
• Signature of traveller

I can't find a Malaysia arrivals card at the moment. Its a 3-section card and does ask questions such as if you have ever entered Malaysia under another name and is it your first time to Malaysia. But I do not ever recall any questions about criminal history. One section of the form is kept in your passport for departure.

I have only been to Thailand once and can't remember what was on the form.

So long as not going to the USA I expect you will not have any issues.

 

[JohnK]

From memory inbound immigration forms to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines do not ask about previous convictions.

Okay so I shouldn't have too much to worry about, what would happen if I wanted to go to the US later on??

The are a number of threads on AFF for travel to the USA with previous convictions. It basically means you are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (or now ESTA) and need to apply for a visa to enter the USA.

 

[medhead]

The are a number of threads on AFF for travel to the USA with previous convictions. It basically means you are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (or now ESTA) and need to apply for a visa to enter the USA.

And the USA is not only concerned about convictions. They also ask if you've been arrested.

 

[munitalP]

... instead of giving it back I panicked and through it in the toilet...

Lucky it wasn't my camera otherwise I would have got a conviction...


munitalP

 

[ALLAN]

Immigration and Customs of various Asian countries have direct link with Interpol (International Police) thru UN database. The Immigration Office carry a watch list of persons of interest (fugitives, suspected terrorists, poedophile, etc). If you are from another country and you have raised their suspicion, whether by random choice or luck, they can easily access the UN database which has a link on every UN member country and get a print-out of your person based on the details of your passport. If you have a derogatory record filed and you failed to disclose or declare it when you applied for the visa, and depending on the gravity of the case, the immigration official will use its discretionary power if they will allow you to enter the country or not. I suggest you come clean and for all you know, they may decide in your favour - that it was a minor offense; you were of minor age then; you were not convicted; and/or the case happened over 10 years ago. Hope this helps.

 

[metoyou]

can anybody confirm if its ok to travel to those countries? or whats on the landing card(on a section 10- 5yrs ago)? i hate to be embarrassed. i know japan asks. but not sure about those countries, can anyone pls let me know. thankyou.

 

[straitman]

can anybody confirm if its ok to travel to those countries? or whats on the landing card(on a section 10- 5yrs ago)? i hate to be embarrassed. i know japan asks. but not sure about those countries, can anyone pls let me know. thankyou.

Personally if I was as worried as you seem to be then I would look at all the relevant Government web sites and get factual information rather than asking on an open forum.

Good luck with your search.

 

[metoyou]

^thanks for your reply. I have actually done alot of searching beforehand but they dont seem to say anything. I ask the embassy of the country they said unsure (which im suprised), they told me to check with aus police. but they werent helpful at all. travel agent said i dont need an visa, but i just wanted to know for frequent traveller if they know if those countries ask "that question".

i was also just wondering, if i have dual citizenship, do i need to fill in one of those landing cards cause i remember once, they didnt and checked my ID card only, but then that was 10yrs ago, so my mind is blank.

i will search the net again but would appreciate any replies.

cheers