[diabeticguy]

I am cruising to Miami later in the year, non-stop. Staying two nights in Miami and then flying home. Do I still need a visa, I have a criminal record that is 14 years old. What if I travelled without one ? What are the entry documents one has to complete on the boat / train ?
Your thoughts and advice are very much appreciated.

[tripper]

No worries, mate. A tourist does not need a background check from the FBI. As long as you can get a passport from your country and are not on the USA terrorist watch list, you can visit the USA. The FBI background check comes into play if you want a visa for work, student, or immigration. Typically, you can be a tourist for up to 90 days.

Since you are from Australia, you do not even need a visa. Currently, 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, as shown below:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wi...html#countries
Visa Waiver Program - Participating Countries.
Andorra Iceland Norway
Australia Ireland Portugal
Austria Italy San Marino
Belgium Japan Singapore
Brunei Liechtenstein Slovenia
Denmark Luxembourg Spain
Finland Monaco Sweden
France the Netherlands Switzerland
Germany New Zealand United Kingdom
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If you need a visa…

If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program you will need to apply for one at your nearest Embassy or Consulate.

There are several steps you need to follow:

* Locate a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
* Ask about specific processes, requirements, fees, and make an appointment
* Attend the appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with all requirements and fees along with ITS America’s invitation letter
* Obtain the visa

How to locate an U. S. Embassy or Consulate

Please check U.S. Department of State Official website at:
http://usembassy.state.gov/
for full contact information of all U.S. Embassies or consulates worldwide.

If you need a visa for work, study, or immigration:
How Immigration Security Checks Work