Paul Kenyon, 62, made the error while filling out his grandson Harvey Kenyon-Cairns’ travel forms ahead of a family holiday to Orlando.
He claims he accidentally marked ‘yes’ in response to the question: “Do you seek to engage in or have you ever engaged in terrorist activities, espionage, sabotage, or genocide?”
As a result, Harvey’s ESTA (electronic system for travel authorisation) application was refused and the baby was called to the embassy in Grosvenor Square just three days before the scheduled flight.
Mr Kenyon travelled down with Harvey and his mother Faye from their home in Cheshire, but the Visa still failed to arrive in time.
The saga ended up costing an extra £3,000 as they had to buy new flights so that Faye, 27, her husband John and baby Harvey could fly out to Orlando later.
Mr Kenyon, a factory owner, told the Daily Star: “I had filled in the first five forms all correctly, but it was taking some time.
“I had no idea I had made a mistake on the baby’s form until Harvey’s travel was refused.
“I couldn’t believe that they couldn’t see it was a genuine mistake and that a three-month-old baby would be no harm to anyone.
“Harvey was even summoned down for an interview to the US Embassy. I really couldn’t believe it.
“I went down with him and his mum and took him in for the interview, but he can’t even speak as he’s so young.
“We went down on the Monday and flew on the Thursday, but sadly the visa didn’t come in time, so half of us went."
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