The European Union’s New ETIAS Travel Scheme: What It Means for UK Citizens, Including Those with Criminal Records

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, borders are being fortified with stricter regulations to balance the free flow of people with national security concerns. In line with this, the European Union (EU) is set to introduce a new travel authorisation system in 2025: the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This system, already delayed from 2021, is designed to bolster border security while facilitating smoother travel, but will bring significant changes for non-EU citizens wishing to visit the Schengen Area, including UK nationals.

If you’re a UK citizen planning a holiday or business trip to the EU (not the Republic of Ireland or Cyprus) after mid-2025, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the new ETIAS system, which also brings implications for those with criminal records and introduces a new fee of €7.

What is ETIAS?

The ETIAS system is similar to the United States' ESTA programme, designed to pre-screen visa-exempt travellers before they arrive at European borders. It is not a visa but rather an electronic travel authorisation that will be mandatory for citizens of non-EU countries, including the UK, who wish to visit Schengen Area countries for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).

This scheme is part of the EU's broader strategy to improve security and manage migration effectively. By requiring travellers to provide personal and travel information before they arrive, authorities can conduct background checks to identify potential security risks or individuals linked to serious criminal activities.

Key Aspects of ETIAS:

Eligibility: Citizens from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the UK, will need ETIAS approval to enter Schengen Area countries.
Cost: Travellers aged 18 to 70 will be required to pay a €7 fee for their ETIAS application. This is a one-off fee valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
Process: The application process is simple and is expected to take around 10 minutes. Applicants will need to provide basic personal details, travel plans, and answer questions regarding their health and criminal background.
Approval: Most applications will be approved automatically within minutes. However, in cases where further checks are needed, the process could take up to 30 days.

The Impact on UK Citizens with Criminal Records

A significant concern for many UK travellers is how the ETIAS system will handle applications from individuals with criminal records. The system will involve background checks using databases such as Europol, Interpol, and the Schengen Information System (SIS) to flag anyone with serious convictions.

Here’s what we know about the impact on travellers with criminal records:

Serious Crimes: ETIAS is primarily focused on individuals who are considered to pose a security or public safety threat to EU countries. 

Individuals convicted of these types of crimes may face denial of their ETIAS application:

Terrorism: Involvement in terrorist activities, planning, or financing.
Human Trafficking: Offences related to the trafficking of humans for exploitation, including forced labour and sexual exploitation.
Drug Trafficking: Large-scale production, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs.
Violent Crimes: Serious violent offences such as murder, assault, or armed robbery.
Sexual Offences: Crimes involving sexual exploitation or abuse, particularly against minors.

Recent Offences: Travellers with more recent convictions (less than 10 years) for serious offences may also face difficulties in obtaining ETIAS approval, as these records will be scrutinised more closely.

Minor Offences: Those with minor criminal records or non-violent offences are less likely to be impacted. While the system will conduct background checks, not all criminal records will automatically result in a denial. The application process will allow individuals to provide context or explanations for their convictions if necessary.

Case-by-Case Basis: Each application will be assessed individually, meaning that having a criminal record does not necessarily mean automatic rejection. The decision will depend on the nature, severity, and timing of the offences in question.

If an application is denied, travellers will have the right to appeal, and information will be provided on the reason for the denial. It’s important for travellers to be honest during the application process, as providing false or misleading information could result in further complications or a permanent travel ban.

What Does This Mean for UK Travellers?

For most UK travellers, the new ETIAS system will represent a relatively minor administrative hurdle. The online application is expected to be quick and easy, with approval often granted within minutes. However, the scheme also marks a shift from the pre-Brexit era, where UK citizens could travel freely throughout Europe without any need for additional paperwork.

UK citizens with criminal records may face more challenges under the ETIAS system, depending on the severity and proximity of their convictions. It’s important to be upfront during the application process and prepare for potential delays or denials if the background checks flag any issues.

This will not affect UK citizens travelling to the Republic of Ireland, as we have a Common Travel Area, and to date Cyprus has indicated that they do not wish to be part of this scheme

By mid-2025, UK travellers should be prepared to factor the new €7 charge into their travel budgets and ensure they apply for their ETIAS authorisation well before departure.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of ETIAS is one of the most significant post-Brexit changes for UK travellers visiting Europe. While the process itself should be straightforward for most, individuals with criminal records will need to take extra care with their applications. 

As 2025 approaches, it’s a good idea to stay informed about the latest ETIAS developments to ensure a smooth transition into this new travel landscape.