One of the sections on your ETIAS application form is the ETIAS criminal record section which will contain a set of security questions that the applicant must answer honestly; otherwise, their application will be rejected. Being a security program for vetting intending visitors to Schengen Europe from Visa free countries, it is imperative that you answer this section as correctly and honestly as possible lest your desire enter Europe is truncated.
As you may already know, the ETIAS visa waiver for eligible visitors will come into full effect by November 2023 to boost the security and safety of all Schengen member nations. So pay close attention to the information on this page when filling out your ETIAS form in the nearest future.
The Importance of ETIAS Security Questions
ETIAS security questions are an important aspect of vetting for all visitors coming to Schengen Europe from Visa free countries. The various Schengen countries want to be sure that the people coming into their jurisdictions pose no security threats to their assets and citizens hence the need to enquire whether they have a questionable past.
However, this will come as a cause for concern for those with previous criminal convictions as they fear their applications will be rejected. Despite their concerns, the European Commission has stated that those with criminal records can still be admitted into Europe as ETIAS can still be granted to them.
The current practice in the Schengen Area is not to ask visitors about their criminal records when coming for short-stay visits, but if they are asked, visitors are advised to answer truthfully.
But with the impending unveiling of ETIAS, such information will be mandatory.
Security Databases For ETIAS Verification
Once an application is submitted to ETIAS, the system will run the information through several databases such as Europol, Eurodac, Interpol, Schengen Information System, Visa Information System, and the European Criminal Records Information System.
These criminal history checks will be conducted in a few minutes using the information gleaned from the application form.
EUROPOL
Europol data will be used to create a special ETIAS watch list containing people on the suspect list of criminal offenses or those who have taken part in criminal activities and have been sanctioned for it. The list will also contain information about known terrorists or those on the suspect list.
The Schengen Information System
The Schengen Information System will be used to run checks on passports to see if they have been reported as lost or stolen or to confirm whether there is a warrant already issued for the traveler’s arrest.
European Criminal Records Information System and ETIAS
Also called ECRIS, this database is used to facilitate the exchange of information between countries on non-EU citizens with previous or current major and minor criminal convictions. Applications triggered by this database will be processed manually as agents will want to sew if the applicant has completed their punishment and whether there is a possibility that they will break the law in the country they plan to visit.
Case By Case Basis
Decisions on whether to grant ETIAS will be made on a case-by-case basis, and those with minor convictions have nothing to worry about, as their applications will most likely be accepted.
ETIAS Criminal Record Security Questions
There are several security questions on the ETIAS form you must answer truthfully. The authorities expect you to answer questions about whether you’ve had any criminal convictions in the last ten years. Information will be required.
Questions about Criminal Records on the ETIAS Application Form
There are a series of security questions on the ETIAS form that applicants must answer truthfully, informing the authorities of any serious criminal offenses which have resulted in a conviction over the last ten years. These are the questions that will be asked of you
Terrorism conviction for the last 20 years
Human trafficking
Sexual exploitation of children
Rape
Murder
Drugs trafficking
All applicants will be asked to answer these questions, and cases of serious offenses may lead to entry denials into Europe. However, the manual unit will consider the gravity of the offenses when making a decision. Criminal offenses not rated as serious infractions may not result in ETIAS denial.
If you want to apply for ETIAS once it becomes fully operational, you must do so online via a reputable website like VisaHQ. The application process will take only a few minutes, and you don’t have to submit any physical document to the embassy or visa application center. Just do the following
Visit VisaHQ
Choose the Schengen country as your destination
Choose your country of citizenship
Select ETIAS
Complete the application form
Pay the application fee
Submit for processing
Ensure that you answer the ETIAS criminal record security questions honestly so your application will not be rejected.