Source: etias.org
[Beginning first half of 2025] Criminal records can prevent you from being allowed to travel to the Schengen Zone. Any travellers applying for ETIAS for a short stay in Europe are likely to have their ETIAS application declined if they have committed a serious crime. Applications from people with minor offences will usually be approved for an ETIAS and granted entry to the 26 ETIAS countries.Any of the following serious criminal offences in the last ten years will need to be reviewed and likely to be declined:
Terrorism (in the last 20 years)
Sexual exploitation of children
Trafficking of human beings
Trafficking of drugs
Murder
Rape
And if it’s been more than 10 years, then it’s likely a go? Any idea if the various forms of 1203.4 type of dismissals make a difference?
Welcome to the global police surveillance state.
This is only going to get worse the more things become electronically digitized.
I’m reminded of a saying I heard once, “This world is a prison.”
In the online FAQs about this process it appears that convictions older than 10 years will not be held against someone.
Then you read further into the nitty-gritty and see this: “Spent convictions will not usually impact travelling to Europe, unless the offence included over 30 months’ of imprisonment.”
In other words, spent convictions which landed someone in prison for more then 30 months will still likely result in an automatic denial.
But, it does sound like they have a system for processing beyond that, starting with applying for a waiver/visa through the country you wish to visit directly.
For me, with a nearly 30-year-old conviction and a good record since, I’d apply for the waiver and have hopes of getting approval. Probably a good idea to involve an immigration attorney in the country first though to make sure all your ducks are in a row.
I’m involved in a similar process where I am now, and slowly working my way towards (hopefully) permanent status. There is hope.
I don’t remember “sexual offenses with minors” being on that list before. If that’s the case, most people on the registry will be impacted by Etias. And I’m willing to bet they include no contact pornography offenses, given that western countries falsely consider that offense a sex crime against a child vs a cyber crime. And if that definition doesn’t cover it, Etias will have it covered under ‘sexual exploitation’ Just like it’s defined in some US states
My conviction was roughly 24 years ago, so Im not worried.
Since many are likely to get disqualified under ETIAS, Turkey could become a back door into the European continent. However, Turkey recently dropped their VISA requirement for Americans. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing. Because having a visa in hand gives a little assurance of being allowed into the country. Thoughts?
Does this mean ACSOL might shut down the international comment 🤔 section? If Europe falls, that’s the last continent left besides Africa. And people on this forum have little interest in going there (although I’m game for it) It’s possible for a denied waiver applicant to fly to the Balkans, but it’s extremely hard without first transferring thru a Schengen country. Perhaps there are direct flights to Belgrade for megabucks. The biggest hurt will be flying to a country outside of Europe with the IML notice or the “Satan has entered, and might come for your kiddies” message on the front of the passport. So we’re basically rolling the 🎲 dice by flying into a non-Schengen nation. Maybe I’m just a paranoid old man. Hopefully I’m proved wrong, and the Europeans won’t be so picky, as long as we’re not flaming terrorists.
If Europe decides to follow California’s example persons convicted of a single misdemeanor with zero prison time and a perfect record since then will be banned for life.
FYI on the bottom of this site it says,
”TIAS.org is a privately owned website and it’s not operated by the government.
ETIAS.com is an informational site for ETIAS. The site contains paid links from our partners.” Which might explain why it’s so conflicting
Friends
the website in this article is not affiliated with any eu governmental body. It uses language and terminology from the UK system. I got tired of this, so I uploaded the entire law into ChatGPT and asked it a bunch of questions. I tried to copy and paste it here but it won’t let me. Essentially, if your conviction is older than 15 years, you’re good to go. Not sure where the 10 year came from as it’s 15 years in the actual law. There is no mention of the duration of your sentence, automatic denials, “spent” convictions etc. they saw if you are flagged, they will analyze on a case by case basis.
Hello friends! I have a question for my international travelers regarding ETIAS. From what I read, it takes effect next May of 2025. There’s a 6-month transitional period followed by 6-month grace period where Americans can only enter the Schengen one time, within 6 months after the transitional period expires. So in reality, we’re looking at May of 2026. That same year, I will hit my 10 year conviction anniversary in September 2026. My question is, should I wait until I use up the transitional & grace period before applying for ETIAS? Because I’m afraid if I apply too soon and get rejected, then I won’t be allowed into Europe during the transitional & grace periods. Then I’d have to wait until my late 2026 anniversary date to likely get approved for the visa. Is that how you guys read it? Will they still let us into Europe if we’re rejected during the implementation phase?
Thanks and happy travels!
This ETIAS thing is turning out to be bigger than we were led to believe. But it seems like they’re targeting no contact computer sex crimes vs the “traditional” hands on sex crimes. It’s another case of Europeans being stupid. Child pornography is mentioned, and I assume they also mean possession–again, computer crime. This article contains a list of what ETIAS might consider “serious” offenses. ETIAS goes by the “issuing visa’s” country to determine how long an offense is punishable under their laws, not US laws. So that’s a relief
https://www.mazzeschi.it/travel-to-schengen-with-a-criminal-record/
Majority of Europe does not consider pornography possession as exploitation. In fact in many countries it is still legal ( not condoning). They often just fine you on 1st offense if only possession. The entry will be based on the country entering’s definition of these offenses. I have checked with Spain, Austria, Italy and Germany. Each time they informed me that if my offense was misdemeanor possession and over 10 yrs then no issues.
Any more thoughts on ETIAS? Which sex offenses count as serious? Does it include no contact offenses like possession or trying to hook up with a minor via computer? How do we know the European equivalent to an American offense? Is ETIAS likely to shutdown European travel for pfrs?
Here’s a question: What age does Europe consider a person to be a “child” or a “minor”? I ask this given the fact that in some European countries the age of consent is as low as 14.
There is quite a lot of discussion about the ETIAS, which has gone through many changes for the last few years. Can anyone here state the exact law and when it will start? My guess is NO, as it hasn’t been officially implemented.
Why are we freaking out over something that clearly does not bar registrants from entry. Wake up folks— Europe HAS BEEN RECEIVING CRIMINAL NOTICES FROM US OFFICIALS WITH OUR CONVICTION AND PENALTY, AND STILL THOSE COUNTRIES ALLOW US TO VISIT. Let’s be rationale and logical here.
Thank you for this information and the very helpful link. Crossing my fingers hoping & all will be well. 🙏🏻