Overview
Travel restrictions are tightening globally. As the number of undocumented immigrants and/or those with criminal records soars, host countries have been forced to re-examine their immigration policies. At the top of issues with immigration is the number of travelers with a criminal record.
The United States has already enacted strong border controls to prevent persons with a criminal record from gaining unauthorized entry. The same is supposed to happen in Europe.
Introducing ETIAS
In the last quarter of 2026, Europe will implement a new travel system dubbed ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This new electronic travel authorisation system will be a requirement for citizens residing in 60+ visa-exempt countries (including Canada) who want to travel to 30 European countries for a short stay (up to 90 days), with any 180-day period.
Applying for ETIAS Authorisation and Other Entry Conditions
As of last quarter 2026, ETIAS will be mandatory for everyone (including Canadian citizens) who want to travel to Europe. Applying for authorisation will be as simple as going to the official ETIAS website or ETIAS mobile app and following easy instructions. ETIAS travel authorisation is expected to cost EUR 7 but some travelers may be exempted from paying the fee.
However, it’s worth noting that having ETIAS travel authorization won’t guarantee you automatic entry to 30 European countries. You must meet other entry conditions.
ETIAS and a Criminal Record
When you get ETIAS authorisation and travel to select European countries from Canada, you won’t be able to gain an automatic right of entry if you don’t meet some entry conditions, the most notable being having a clean record.
1. Can a Criminal Record Deny You Entry to Certain European Countries Even If You Have a Valid ETIAS?
Yes. ETIAS travel authorisation won’t be able to override certain border controls, meaning that entry can still be denied on specific grounds, including having a criminal history.
2. ETIAS Application and Criminal Security Checks
The ETIAS application process will consist of security-linked questions that include an applicant’s criminal past. Applicants can expect to be asked if they have any criminal record for serious crimes, such as violent crimes, within the past decade (or within the last 20 years for terrorism-linked offences).
The information that will be provided in the ETIAS application will be cross-checked against numerous European Union security databases including Europol data, Schengen Information System (SIS) and Interpol criminal databases. If the system flags an applicant due to an existing criminal record, the applicant may be denied entry or subjected to further manual reviews.
Factors Dictating Entry Denial for Persons with a Criminal Record: ETIAS Visa Criminal Record
Even with a valid visa and other documentation, you risk being denied entry based on the following factors:
- Seriousness and nature of crime: Serious offenders i.e., persons with records for drug offenses, rape, murder, human trafficking, terrorism-related criminal offences and crimes against children are likely to be denied entry even if they have ETIAS travel authorisation.
- Recent crimes: Recent criminal convictions may also cause a denial of entry, as they are viewed more seriously than older crimes.
- Length of sentence: If you have served a lengthy jail time, you may be perceived to pose a higher security risk than other individuals who have served shorter sentences.
- Ongoing legal issues: Individuals with pending criminal charges or those who are currently on probation/parole may also have a higher risk of being denied entry.
- Entry Bans: An existing entry ban to certain countries may also increase the odds of being denied entry to Europe when ETIAS comes into effect. So what should you do?
I Have a Canadian Criminal Record, but I Plan to Travel to Europe in 2026 and Beyond. What Should I Do?
You should get a pardon or record expungement! Here’s what you need to know:
- Secure a Pardon (Record Suspension)
A criminal record isn’t erased automatically even after you have served your sentence. You must take deliberate measures like apply for a record suspension (pardon) for the record to be erased otherwise such records will show up in police background or criminal record checks such as the ones that will be done for ETIAS applications or by border officials.
You can get a pardon provided you have completed your sentence and paid all fines linked to the conviction. You also need to have refrained from re-offending.
To obtain a record suspension, simply contact renowned immigration experts like Canadian Pardon Application Services. While you can apply for a pardon yourself by filling out an online application form and sending it to the Parole Board of Canada, the process is complex. Applications can be denied due to many reasons. It’s better and faster if you seek expert help.
- Secure a Record Destruction (Expungement)
If you have been arrested before and charged (but not convicted), that criminal record still exists and can be retrieved in a criminal background check, such as the ones that will be done for ETIAS applications. Obtaining a record destruction will ensure such records don’t interfere with your future travel plans to Europe.
A record destruction ensures all records (fingerprints, court records, police records, photographs, and other records associated with your arrest) are destroyed and removed from the CPIC (Canadian Information Centre) database completely.
To obtain a record expungement, simply contact renowned immigration experts like Canadian Pardon Application Services.
Final Thoughts
Europe is expected to tighten entry for many visa-exempt travellers in late 2026. The introduction of ETIAS as a prerequisite for entering Europe will create complications, especially for Canadians with a criminal record.
To avoid inconveniences such as being arrested by border patrol officers at the border port of entry, travel delays, and related issues, we suggest you get a pardon or record expungement ahead of time to erase or seal your criminal record. While a criminal record won’t automatically disqualify a person from getting ETIAS, it may result in inconveniences. It’s also possible to be denied entry.
Talk to experts at Canadian Pardon Application Services and get help sealing or destroying your criminal records for serious or minor offences that can interfere with your travel to Europe in 2026. You can also ask us about other services, including: travel document services (visa application process), entry waivers, entry rules/entry requirements, recent EU immigration law changes, consular assistance, and other international travel help, and more!
