Overview

The rules of international travel to most European countries are about to change. The need to exert stronger border controls, enforce counterterrorism measures, improve illegal immigration policies, and boost public health protection has seen Europe introduce a new travel authorization system – ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) that will become operational in the last quarter of 2026.

Currently, no action is required for travellers. However, after the transition period (by the end of 2026), Canadians looking to travel to 30 European countries can expect to be subjected to some new requirements. The specific date when ETIAS is expected to take effect will be communicated prior to the official launch. 

When this happens, Canadians with a criminal record who apply for ETIAS authorization may face some challenges unless they take a few necessary steps that will be discussed below. But first things first. What exactly is ETIAS?

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS can be defined as an electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt countries (including Canada) planning to travel to any ETIAS-eligible country. When ETIAS comes into effect, authorization will be needed to enter the listed European countries for short-term visits: up to three months in any 6-month transition period (180-day period). 

Applying for ETIAS

Applying will be as simple as visiting the official ETIAS site or mobile app, filling out an online application form, and paying a small application fee (if applicable). Under regular circumstances, ETIAS applications are expected to take only a few minutes. However, there may be eventualities that may make applications take longer to be processed. For this reason, travellers are supposed to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation early. Applications can either be approved or refused with decisions communicated via email. 

Does ETIAS Guarantee Entry to Europe?

No! It’s worth noting that the ETIAS electronic travel authorisation won’t guarantee automatic entry to the listed European countries even if you have valid travel documents. Some other entry conditions may still be applicable, especially for persons with a criminal record. Otherwise, there is a risk of being stopped by border officers/border officials at European border crossings.

ETIAS Criminal Record and Background Checks

Security/criminal background checks will be part of the ETIAS application process. Applicants can expect to answer security questions relating to their:

  • Past criminal activity, like their history of major and minor offences 
  • Previous travel history including deportations and entry denial/refusals
  • Public health status/risks like recent travel to high-risk locations

The specific questions aim to establish if an applicant poses any security risk or if they are a security threat to the EU and its citizens.

ETIAS Criminal Record 10 Years to 20 Years

ETIAS applications will require you to disclose if you have been convicted of any criminal offense/s in the last 10 years for the following serious crimes:

  • Sexual exploitation of minors & child pornography
  • Human trafficking 
  • Drug trafficking (trafficking of narcotic drugs & psychotropic substances)
  • Trafficking of weapons, explosives, and ammunition
  • Money laundering
  • Corruption & fraud   
  • Cybercrime or computer-related crime
  • Rape
  • Murder or grievous bodily harm
  • And other serious crimes considered threats to public security

ETIAS applications will require you to disclose terrorist activities/related criminal offences committed within the past 20 years. 

Criminal record information will be cross-checked against international security databases like Interpol, the Schengen Information System, and Europol. If a criminal record is ascertained, your ETIAS application is likely to be denied. If you have a criminal record, it’s time to take action. 

Getting a Record Suspension (Pardon) Before Applying for ETIAS

If you’ve been convicted of a crime and you completed your sentence, paid all fines linked to the criminal conviction, and refrained from re-offending, you can have your criminal record sealed, which means it won’t appear in criminal record checks like the ones that will be done for ETIAS applications.

It’s worth noting that criminal records aren’t automatically erased even after you complete your sentence. You must apply for the records to be sealed.

You can get a pardon by completing an application and submitting it to the Parole Board of Canada. However, pardon applications can be rejected for many reasons, including incomplete information, lack of eligibility, and more. 

To avoid wasting time on a simple online process and delaying future travel plans, the pardon application process is best left to experts like Canadian Pardon Application Services with a track record of securing over 500,000+ pardons and related applications for Canadians with criminal records.

Getting a Record Destruction (Expungement) Before Applying for ETIAS

If you have a criminal record because you were charged but never convicted, you should apply for criminal record destruction to completely erase all your criminal records, including fingerprints, police records, court records, photos, etc., related to your arrest. If you already have a pardon, you can apply for a record destruction to completely erase your record. It’s worth noting that a pardon simply seals the records; however, the information can still be found if thorough background checks are done. 

A record destruction or expungement gives you peace of mind since your records are completely removed from all databases, ensuring they don’t interfere with your future plans, such as applying for ETIAS and traveling to Europe.

Like pardons, you can apply for expungement yourself, however, you risk making errors. We suggest you use immigration experts to avoid any errors and unnecessary delays.

 

Final Thoughts

If you have a criminal record and plan to travel to select countries in Europe in late 2026, you’ll need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization. However, once active, ETIAS authorization will consider criminal history when processing applications. It’s therefore advisable to seal or expunge your criminal history first before applying for ETIAS.

Luckily, there are experts like Canadian Pardon Application Services who can assist with pardons, expungement, immigration authorisation without family/with family, and other immigration related issues, i.e., visa application process, and entry requirements that can vary from country to country.