The information included in a criminal record varies from one country to another. Potential employers, lenders, and other entities can use criminal history to assess a person’s trustworthiness. Your criminal record may also be relevant for travel from one continent to another.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is one of the popular systems designed for business or tourist travel. The system ensures travelers are well-checked against European databases for possible terrorist, security or criminal risks. During the ETIAS application, citizens are asked about their criminal record history.
Several ETIAS criminal record questions that applicants have to answer without falsifying the information will be asked. Most importantly, a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify an application for an ETIAS visa waiver. Factors widely considered include the severity of the crime, length of the sentence and aspects such as duration of stay or purpose of the visit are imperative.
The European Union doesn’t have an exclusion policy for travelers with a criminal history. Travelers with minor criminal records can enter countries eligible for ETIAS visa waivers. A key requirement when the ETIAS launches will be to disclose necessary information before travelling.
Ultimate Guide to Answering Criminal Record Questions
There are set questions that travelers will be asked concerning their past convictions. These questions are part of the ETIAS application process or when you arrive at the Schengen Zone. The European Union uses plans to use the system to screen incoming travelers to identify and counter potential security threats.
Here are vital questions about Criminal Records for the ETIAS application to answer:
What Criminal Offense Resulted in Your Conviction Over the Last 10 Years?
Crimes considered serious by the European Union that will make it hard to get an ETIAS visa waiver include the following:
- Drug offenses
- Human trafficking
- Terrorism
- Sexual exploitation against children
- Sexual assaults/rape
- Murder
Applicants must disclose any of the offenses committed within the last 10 years. The only exception is terrorism committed within the last 20 years.
Other helpful questions on the ETIAS include:
What Are Your Personal Information?
In your application form, provide several things:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Contact details and address
What Is Your Passport Information?
Provide the passport number, expiration date, and country of issuance.
Should I Provide Medical and Health Results?
The application process requires brief details of your medical conditions, including serious illness, infectious diseases and contagious parasitic diseases.
What More to Know While Applying for ETIAS
If you’re wondering how you should answer ETIAS criminal record questions, ALWAYS be honest and provide relevant information. Feel free to share information, such as whether you have stayed in any conflict or war zone in the last 10 years. Give honest reasons why you stayed or traveled there.
There are different databases used to check European Union travelers’ criminal history. Significant perks of using these databases include improved safety, streamlined border crossing, curb illegal migration and better border management. Security databases many nations embrace include:
- EUROPOL
- EURODAC
- Visa Information System (VIS)
- Schengen Information System
- European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS)
- Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database (INTERPOL)
Final Thoughts
Submitting an ETIAS application shouldn’t be daunting if you know where to start. Most importantly, you must provide correct documents and understand the criminal record questions. If stuck, it’s wise to seek help from friends, family members, or experts from the respective embassy. Provide correct and relevant answers in your application form, and be trustworthy.
