ETIAS will start in 2026 and become a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt non-EU citizens shortly after.
Whilst it is expected that most applications will be approved quickly, ETIAS visa waiver refusal is possible.
Only non-EU citizens with a valid ETIAS visa waiver linked to their passport will be able to travel to the Schengen countries visa-free.
This article explains why ETIAS could be denied - including criminal background and health and security concerns - and what to do if it happens to you.
REASONS FOR ETIAS VISA WAIVER REFUSAL
Most ETIAS applications will be approved soon after applying.
Nevertheless, to keep Europe safe for residents and visitors, it is necessary to prevent some individuals from crossing the border.
Here are some of the reasons ETIAS may be rejected, and how to avoid them.
ETIAS APPLICATION FORM FILLED IN INCORRECTLY
Although the ETIAS application will be easy to complete, it is important that all the information provided is accurate.
Special care should be taken when introducing details such as the passport number. Mistakes may lead to delays or even rejection.
In addition, all questions must be answered truthfully and thoroughly to be granted a visa waiver for Europe. An application will be refused if there are significant doubts about the reliability of the information provided.
Applicants must double-check their answers before submitting the application form.
ETIAS CRIMINAL BACKGROUND AND OTHER SECURITY CONCERNS
When applying for ETIAS, past criminal convictions will be taken into account.
However, the ETIAS visa waiver can be obtained despite having committed an offence in the past. People with a criminal background should not be deterred from applying.
Only individuals considered to be a current threat will be denied entry to Europe. This is based on information held in international security databases and will be flagged during the screening process.
ETIAS is concerned with serious cross-border crime, in particular, terrorism: going to Europe with a criminal record is possible in many other cases.
The ETIAS National Unit will review the details of each application closely and decide whether ETIAS with a criminal record is appropriate.
RETURNS DECISIONS AND PREVIOUS REFUSED ENTRIES TO EUROPE
ETIAS may be denied if the applicant has been refused entry to the Schengen Area on a previous occasion.
Travellers also need to declare if they have been subject to a returns decision recently.
LOST, STOLEN, OR INVALID TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
If the passport or other travel document used to apply for ETIAS is reported to have been lost, stolen, or invalidated, ETIAS will be refused.
Travellers must apply for ETIAS with their own, valid passport.
FAILURE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS OR ATTEND AN INTERVIEW
The ETIAS regulation states that an interview will be required in fewer than 0.1% of cases. Interviews will be the last resort when there are doubts about the information provided.
Failure to attend an interview, or provide any additional requested documentation on time, will result in ETIAS refusal.
HEALTH CONCERNS AND ETIAS VISA WAIVER APPLICATIONS
Travellers are not asked for medical information when applying for ETIAS. The form does not include questions about an applicant’s health condition.
However, ETIAS may be denied if the applicant is considered a ‘high epidemic risk’.
According to Article 3 of the ETIAS regulation, this refers to a disease with epidemic potential defined by the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organization (WHO) or the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) plus other infectious diseases.
HOW TO AVOID ETIAS VISA WAIVER REFUSAL
To further reduce the likelihood of an ETIAS application being rejected, travellers are advised to:
- Double-check the information provided, especially spelling and numbers
- Provide the name as it appears on the passport
- Answer ETIAS criminal record questions truthfully
- Avoid leaving any blanks, ensure the form is fully complete
- Don’t overstay the maximum permitted stay on any trip to Europe
The visa waiver is multiple-entry and valid for 3 years. However, ETIAS can be revoked or annulled if the ETIAS requirements are no longer met, to keep European destinations safe.
THE ETIAS SCREENING PROCESS
ETIAS is being introduced to improve border security and protect public health and safety.
Like ESTA for the US, ETIAS provides a means of prescreening visa-exempt citizens before they cross the border.
Travellers from eligible countries must provide basic personal information and passport details. They will also give security information. The risk factors outlined above will be taken into account.
Once the form has been submitted, the information provided is automatically cross-checked against several international databases, including the ETIAS Watchlist and Interpol.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE ETIAS APPLICATION IS REJECTED?
If there is a security alert during the screening process, the application will be analysed manually by the ETIAS Central and National Units. A decision must be reached within 2 weeks.
In the rare case that the request is eventually denied, applicants are informed by email. The notification includes the following information:
- Why the visa waiver application was denied
- The ETIAS National United that refused the application
- Information about how to appeal the decision
The country that refused the application will be responsible for processing the appeal.
CAN I APPLY AGAIN IF MY ETIAS APPLICATION WAS REFUSED?
Travellers can apply for ETIAS again if their original application was refused. A denial does not automatically mean a new application will also be rejected.
Complete a new online application with accurate and up-to-date information.
ETIAS CAN BE REVOKED OR ANNULLED
Although most ETIAS holders will have no issues crossing the border, an approved visa waiver does not guarantee access to Europe. The decision to grant entry lies with border officials.
In addition, ETIAS can be revoked by authorities of EU Member States or the ETIAS National Unit of a Member State. The decision to revoke or annul a visa waiver may be taken when there is evidence that:
- The ETIAS visa waiver was obtained fraudulently
- The conditions under which it was issued are no longer met
ETIAS can be revoked if there is a new alert in a European security database. The alert could be about a refusal of entry or a reported stolen travel document.
The ETIAS Central Unit will verify that the alert corresponds to a particular travel authorisation which will then be revoked.
The ability to annul or revoke existing ETIAS visa waivers will help keep European countries safe for residents and visitors.
YOUR RIGHT TO APPEAL AN ETIAS DECISION
All ETIAS applicants have the right to appeal if their authorisation has been refused, revoked, or annulled.
When you receive an email stating that one of the above decisions has been made, it will also include details on how to appeal. The procedure will depend on the laws in the country with which you originally applied.
