US embassy in Colombo warns ‘Even minor offences may bar entry to US’

The United States Embassy in Sri Lanka has warned that criminal convictions, including those for seemingly minor offences, can permanently prevent individuals from entering the United States and urged visa applicants to be truthful about their criminal history.  

In a message posted on its official Facebook page, the Embassy said consular officers have access to applicants’ criminal background information and are able to detect previous arrests and convictions during the visa screening process.   

“Criminal convictions can permanently bar you from entering the United States. Even minor offenses can trigger visa denials. Consular officers have access to your criminal background and will discover past violations or arrests,” the Embassy said.  

The Embassy cautioned applicants against providing false information in visa applications or during interviews, warning that dishonesty could result in being permanently barred from obtaining a US visa.   

“Tell the truth on your application and in your interview, lying can get you banned,” the Embassy added.