Travellers with criminal records may be concerned about how ETIAS will affect their opportunities to visit Europe.
Having a criminal record will not automatically prevent you from travelling to Europe, even following the launch of ETIAS.
The new travel authorisation system is aimed at preventing serious cross-border crime—whether or not ETIAS will be approved if you have a criminal record depends on several factors including the type of crime committed.
CAN I TRAVEL TO EUROPE WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD?
If you have a minor criminal record, you can usually still travel to Europe.
Although there are strict policies for foreign visitors with serious convictions, entry may be granted to travellers with lesser convictions, especially if a significant amount of time has passed.
Examples of less serious criminal convictions include minor driving offences, petty theft, or trespassing.
Generally speaking, admissions policies for Europe are less strict than for North America.
WHAT ABOUT TRAVELLING TO EUROPE WITH A SERIOUS CRIMINAL RECORD?
Whilst criminal records for minor offences are unlikely to stop you from travelling to Europe, more serious offences could cause issues.
From 2026 , you will need to pass the ETIAS screening process.
If, based on a serious criminal record, a traveller is considered a threat to the safety of the Schengen Area, ETIAS will not be granted. If ETIAS is not granted, you cannot travel to Europe.
More information about ETIAS and serious criminal offences is provided below.
WILL I BE ASKED ABOUT MY CRIMINAL RECORD AT THE SCHENGEN BORDER?
Although the policy can differ between individual countries, in general, you will not be asked questions about your criminal history at the Schengen external border.
This will be even less likely with the introduction of ETIAS as security screening will take place before you reach the border.
If European border authorities do require security information, you must answer questions accurately and honestly.
HOW DOES A CRIMINAL RECORD AFFECT MY ETIAS APPLICATION?
According to Artivle 4 of the ETIAS regulation, one of the aims of ETIAS is to ‘contribute to the prevention, detection, and investigation of terrorist offences and other serious criminal offences’.
It does this by identifying potential security risks before they reach Europe.
Personal and passport information provided on ETIAS applications is automatically screened against international security databases.
WILL ETIAS BE DENIED IF I HAVE A CRIMINAL RECORD?
If there is an alert in any of the security databases, your ETIAS application will go on to be reviewed manually.
A criminal conviction may result in an alert, but this does not mean automatic refusal. The application goes to the ETIAS National Unit responsible. You may be asked for additional documentation or, in a small number of cases, to attend an interview.
You can still apply for ETIAS, even if you have a criminal record. Each case is reviewed individually.
CRIMINAL RECORD QUESTIONS ON THE ETIAS FORM
You need to answer some safety and security questions when completing the ETIAS application form. These include information about past criminal convictions.
You must provide accurate and honest information on your ETIAS form. Having a criminal record does not mean your application will be automatically rejected. It depends on:
- The type of crime committed
- When the crime took place
ETIAS will be rejected if, based on this information, the applicant is considered a current threat to Europe.
THE ETIAS WATCHLIST AND SUSPECTED CRIMINAL OFFENCES
To achieve the goal of preventing crime in Europe, ETIAS also takes into account people suspected of having committed serious offences.
Serious criminal include terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and organised crime.
In such cases, travel to Europe may be blocked even though the individual has not been convicted. Names are added to the ETIAS Watchlist only when there are reasonable grounds to suspect the participation in serious criminal activity.
HOW DO EUROPEAN COUNTRIES SHARE INFORMATION ON CRIMINAL RECORDS?
The European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS) allows for the exchange of information about EU nationals with criminal records.
This will be extended to third-country nationals convicted of crimes in the EU through ECRIS-TCN. ECRIS-TCN allows EU countries to identify member states holding a criminal record on the third-country national being checked.
Law enforcement agencies can easily access information on a non-EU national’s criminal history, regardless of the Member State they were convicted.
The system makes it easier and faster for law enforcement agencies to identify third-country nationals previously convicted in the EU.
ETIAS AND ECRIS-TCN INTEROPERABILITY
ETIAS and ECRIS-TCN are managed by eu-LISA. Six eu-LISA systems will be interoperable:
- EES
- ETIAS
- ECRIS-TCN
- SIS
- VIS
- e-CODEX
The interoperability of these key systems will better protect Europe from criminal activity.
CAN I APPLY FOR ETIAS IF I HAVE A CRIMINAL RECORD?
Yes, you can still apply for ETIAS even if you have a criminal record. As explained above, minor criminal convictions are unlikely to result in denial.
If you have a more serious criminal record, you may apply even though the result could be negative. Speak to the embassy or consulate of the European country you wish to visit if you have concerns.
Should your ETIAS application be denied, you’ll be given a reason for the refusal. You’ll also be sent information about the appeals procedure.
