denied Leave of Entry UK - 9 yrs ago

hi all,
I was denied leave of entry to the UK in Nov 1998 and was sent back to Australia. I have not been back since. I am planning to go visit for christmas 2007 and my question is.(my sister currently lives there)
Do I need a visa to enter the UK as I am an Australian citizen (australian's do not need a tourist visa) I also have a new passport and I reside in the US now.

If I enter on a new australian passport will I be denied or told that I have to get a visa because I was refused once? Will my new passport be connected to the old one in the UK immigration system?

If Australians don't need a visa, why were you refused entry?

Why were refused entry in 1998? Even if you have a new ppt they could still trace you on the system, although I think it's highly unlikely that they would. Every leave to enter must be assessed on the current information the passanger supplies to the IO but previous immigration history can be taken into account when assessing the case. Be prepared that they might want to ask you questions regarding the previous refusal but if you satisfy all the criteria to enter as a visitor then you should not be refused entry. Intention to leave the UK at the end of the visit is very important.

I was denied entry due to the IO suspecting that I was not there for a vacation and I was removed. I had finished a contract in the US and I was going to spend a couple of months with friends before returning home.
. At the time I was working in the US but was residing in Australia and therefore i had to carry everything I owned on the trip. they went through my bags and saw dance clothes, headshots etc which I had to keep with me. So they had me removed.

It's been 9 years now.

stmellon wrote:If Australians don't need a visa, why were you refused entry?

Australian nationals do need visas. The difference is that an Australian does not need to get prior entry clearance from the British Consulate, but will get his visa on arrival at the airport in the UK.

It was a long time ago and you will probably be okay, but you may want to apply for the visa in advance anyway, just to be safe.

Victoria

I am going for one week to the UK will I be ok. how long do they keep the information in their system?

Hard to tell but I do get file of papers from the HO going back some 15 years!! As suggested above, apply for the entry clearance to be on the safe side so that you don't encounter the same unpleasant experience as before. If you have prior entry clearance it is much harder for the IO to refuse you entry into the UK... If they give you grief ask for the CIO.