Will I Get Arrested in the UK Because of a Past Due NatWest Debt?

“Dear Steve,

In 1999 i was student in London, UK. I had a NatWest credit card and when I left (1999) i owed 300(three hundred) GBP.I returned to my country and I send money a couple of times to my account which was linked to my credit card to pay the debt.I send the last on 2002 but due to interests the amount was something around £500 ( i think).now (2012) i want to go back to london for a couple of days. will i get arrested? i called today the bank (sunday)but they told me to call tomorrow to speak to their collection office.

i want to go back to london for a couple of days. will i get arrested? i called today the bank (sunday)but they told me to call tomorrow to speak to their collection office.
thank you in advance

Marina”

Dear Marina,

No, you will not get arrested. Immigration has nothing to do with any dispute over a civil complaint by a bank for a past due debt. They may ask you a lot of questions as a visitor upon entry but it will not be related to an old NatWest debt.

However, at some point it would be wise to resolve that past debt and put it behind you.

Please post your responses and follow-up messages to me on this in the comments section below.