ETIAS Criminal Record Questions – Detailed 2026 Guide

The ETIAS record questions ask whether you have been convicted of a serious offence listed in the Annex to Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 in the past 10 years, or 20 years for terrorist offences. Parking and speeding fines are not on that list, and ETIAS itself is not yet in operation. Behind the scenes, it cross-references every application against EU security databases: the Schengen Information System (SIS II), Europol and Interpol SLTD. Indeed, the ETIAS record questionnaire asks specifically about convictions for serious crimes in the last 10 years. Consequently, honest disclosure is crucial and fabrication creates much bigger problems than a truthful ‘yes’. Therefore, this guide walks through every nuance for 2026.

TL;DR: ETIAS is the EU’s upcoming digital travel authorisation for visa-exempt non-EU visitors to 30 European countries. It is not yet in operation and the EU has not announced a start date. It will cost €20 (no fee for applicants under 18 or over 70), be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allow multiple stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Once it launches, apply online before you travel — most applications are expected to be processed quickly, but some can take longer.

Quick Facts — ETIAS
Fee	€20 (one-time, free for under-18 and over-70)
Validity	Up to 3 years or passport expiry
Max stay	90 days within any 180-day period
Processing time	Usually minutes; up to 4 days in some cases
Coverage	30 European countries (Schengen Area plus Cyprus)

What the ETIAS Form Actually Asks

The form asks if the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence listed in Annex of the ETIAS Regulation within the last 10 years. Think drug trafficking, terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, sexual exploitation of children and serious violence. Indeed, the list is limited to 26 specific offence categories. Consequently, minor offences such as parking fines or a caution are never relevant. Learn more in our guide on last-minute application.

Pro tip: Once ETIAS launches, apply at least 96 hours before booking flights — though most decisions are expected to be quick, some require additional checks of up to 4 days, especially for first-time applicants.

Which Offences Trigger a ‘Yes’ Answer

Convictions for any of the 26 serious-offence categories within 10 years trigger a ‘yes’. The clock starts when the judgement becomes final, not on the offence date. Importantly, convictions for terrorist offences must be declared if they are from the past 20 years. Therefore, an honest ‘yes’ is mandatory where applicable. Learn more in our guide on border crossing.

How the System Cross-Checks Records

ETIAS queries SIS II (EU alerts), Europol (serious crime), Interpol SLTD (lost travel documents), EURODAC (asylum prints) and VIS (visa records). On top of that, an automated watchlist check runs alongside a rule-based screening algorithm. See ETIAS security questions. Learn more in our guide on Schengen vs EU.

Disclosing Past Convictions

Disclose every applicable conviction using the official category list. List the country of conviction, the date, the offence description and the outcome. Indeed, giving false or incorrect information can lead to refusal, annulment or revocation of the authorisation, and you may also be refused entry at the border. Therefore, transparency always wins. See denial and appeal. Learn more in our guide on ETIAS for families.

Spent Convictions and Pardons

The ETIAS Regulation asks about convictions for listed offences in the past 10 years (20 years for terrorist offences). It does not say how national rules on spent or rehabilitated convictions apply. Consequently, consult a lawyer if unsure. Learn more in our guide on minors and children.

Appealing a Refusal Based on Record

A refusal based on record can be appealed under Article 37(3) of the ETIAS Regulation. EU rules do not say that appeals are free: the appeal follows the national law of the deciding country, including any fees, costs and deadlines. The Member State whose National Unit issued the refusal handles them. The refusal email tells you which authority to contact, the procedure and the deadline. Keep court documents showing the date of the final judgment, as that date determines whether a conviction falls within the 10-year window. Review ETIAS denial and appeal. Learn more in our guide on eligible countries list.

Sealed or Juvenile Records

Juvenile records and sealed adult records vary widely across jurisdictions. Indeed, in most Schengen countries, offences committed before age 18 do not appear in SIS II. However, whether you must declare a conviction for a listed offence from the past 10 years (20 for terrorist offences) does not depend on whether the record is publicly visible, and the ETIAS Regulation contains no specific exemption for juvenile records. Learn more in our guide on denial and appeal.

Minor Offences That Never Trigger ‘Yes’

Parking fines, speeding, cautions, dismissed charges and civil judgements are all non-triggering. The 26-category list is narrow by design. Consequently, the vast majority of applicants answer ‘no’ legitimately. See ETIAS application process. Learn more in our guide on dual citizenship.

Practical Tips for Disclosure

If you answer ‘yes’, prepare certified translations of court documents. Keep the originals handy too, in case a border officer asks. Remember that only convictions for listed offences from the past 10 years (20 years for terrorist offences) have to be declared, counted from the date of the final judgment. Therefore, complete the form truthfully and keep proof. Learn more in our guide on travel insurance.

Common Offences and ETIAS Disclosure

Offence	Category	Trigger ‘Yes’?	Notes
Speeding ticket	Traffic	No	Never relevant
Shoplifting minor	Theft	Sometimes	Only if serious
DUI (conviction)	Driving offence	Often (varies)	Country-specific
Drug trafficking	Drugs	Yes	Automatic ‘yes’
Cybercrime conviction	Fraud	Yes	Automatic ‘yes’
Tax evasion	Fraud	Sometimes	Depends on severity
Assault (GBH)	Violence	Yes	Automatic ‘yes’
Caution (no conviction)	—	No	Not a conviction

Frequently Asked Questions

Will any criminal record automatically refuse my ETIAS?

No. Only convictions in the 26 serious-offence categories within 10 years trigger enhanced review — and even that is not an automatic refusal.

Should I disclose a DUI?

In some countries yes, in others no. Consequently, check whether your DUI is classified as a serious offence in the ETIAS Annex.

Are minor fines reportable?

No. Indeed, parking, speeding and civil fines are outside the ETIAS list.

Does ETIAS see sealed records?

The ETIAS Regulation contains no specific rule on sealed records. What matters is whether you have a conviction for a listed offence from the past 10 years (20 for terrorist offences) — answer truthfully, as incorrect information can lead to refusal or annulment of your ETIAS.

What happens if I lie on the form?

An ETIAS will be refused if there are reasonable and serious doubts about the authenticity of your data or the reliability of your statements. False information can also lead to an issued ETIAS being annulled or revoked and to refusal of entry at the border. The ETIAS Regulation itself does not impose a multi-year ban; any penalties are set by national law.

Can I appeal a refusal?

Yes — in the Member State that refused your application, under its national law. The refusal email tells you which authority to contact, the procedure and the deadline; EU rules do not say that appeals are free.

How far back does the ETIAS record check go?

Ten years for most listed offences and 20 years for terrorist offences, counted from the date of the final conviction, not the date of the offence.

Do I have to declare a spent conviction on my ETIAS application?

The ETIAS form asks about convictions for offences listed in the ETIAS Regulation from the past 10 years (20 years for terrorist offences), counted from the date of the final judgment. The Regulation does not say how national rules on spent or rehabilitated convictions apply, so if you’re unsure, check the official ETIAS FAQ or get legal advice.

Related reading: name correction, approval email, ETIAS security questions, health declaration. For the final word, the official European Commission ETIAS portal is the definitive reference.

Case Study — Old UK DUI From 2015

The following scenario is a hypothetical example, for illustration only. A UK national whose DUI conviction became final in 2015 applies for ETIAS once it launches — more than 10 years later. Even if the offence were on the ETIAS list, the 10-year window has closed, so the applicant answers ‘no’ to that question. The application is still checked automatically against EU and Interpol databases. Consequently, this case shows how timing matters: the 10-year rolling window is the single most important factor.

Case Study — US Felony Reduced to Misdemeanour

The following scenario is a hypothetical example, for illustration only. A US traveller had a 2018 felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanour in 2020. Both dates fall inside the 10-year window. If the offence is on the ETIAS list, the applicant should answer truthfully and keep court documents showing the reduction, as declared convictions are assessed individually. Consequently, document preservation is vital.

Support for Applicants Who Need Help

Travellers unsure whether a conviction is reportable can contact the relevant consulate or national authorities (once ETIAS is live, the national ETIAS unit) or a cross-border immigration lawyer. Expect €200 to €500 for a written opinion. Indeed, the Commission publishes a free FAQ but legal specifics require expert review. Consequently, spending €300 to prevent a refusal is cost-effective.

Statistical Overview of ETIAS Refusals

ETIAS is not yet in operation, so there are no official figures on manual review or refusal rates. Every application will be checked automatically against EU and Interpol databases, and convictions you declare are assessed individually. Consequently, answer truthfully and enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport.

Advocacy and Public Support for Rehabilitated Travellers

NGO networks like Fair Trials assist travellers whose refusal is based on outdated records. Indeed, the Commission’s latest FAQ addresses many concerns. Consequently, travellers facing refusal should seek professional legal help.

Practical Advice for Repeat Short Visits

Frequent business travellers benefit from a spotless ETIAS record; a clean three-year history speeds future renewals. Declaring the same details every time cuts friction. Indeed, the Commission’s risk-based model rewards consistency. Consequently, truthful and complete applications pay dividends.

Understanding SIS II and Why It Matters

The Schengen Information System (SIS II) holds alerts on missing persons, stolen documents, and wanted individuals. Authorities query it billions of times a year. Indeed, SIS II accuracy affects ETIAS outcomes. Consequently, erroneous entries can be corrected through GDPR mechanisms.

Interaction With US Global Entry Program

US Global Entry members receive no ETIAS discount. The two systems run on entirely separate datasets. Indeed, being cleared in Global Entry does not pre-clear ETIAS. Consequently, apply for ETIAS regardless of other trusted-traveller statuses.

Final Record Disclosure Summary

Disclose convictions within the 10-year window, use the correct category, provide court documentation when requested. For borderline cases, talk to a lawyer. Indeed, honesty is always the best strategy. Consequently, truthful and complete answers give your application the best chance.

Understanding Rehabilitation Laws Across Jurisdictions

Rehabilitation rules vary: UK’s Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 sets defined rehabilitation periods; Germany’s Bundeszentralregistergesetz applies similar timelines; US expungement varies by state. The ETIAS Regulation asks about convictions for listed offences in the past 10 years (20 years for terrorist offences), but it does not say how national rules on spent or rehabilitated convictions apply. Indeed, this is the most common source of confusion. Consequently, track both national and ETIAS timelines separately.

Support Organizations and Online Resources

Fair Trials Europe, Unlock in the UK and NACDL in the US provide free guidance on cross-border travel with convictions. Online resources help too: UK Gov’s “Travel with a criminal record” page and the free FAQ section on the official EU ETIAS website. Indeed, consulting these resources saves hundreds in legal fees. Consequently, self-education is often the most cost-effective first step.

Final Summary of 26 ETIAS Offence Categories

The Annex of Regulation 2018/1240 lists categories including terrorism, trafficking in human beings, sexual exploitation of children, illicit trafficking in narcotics, illicit trafficking in arms, corruption, fraud, laundering of criminal proceeds, counterfeiting of currency, computer-related crime and environmental crime. The list also covers racketeering, kidnapping, murder, armed robbery and a handful of other serious offences. Indeed, the complete list is public on EUR-Lex. Consequently, travellers can verify whether their past conviction falls in scope. Each category needs a conviction rendered final within the prior 10 years (20 years for terrorist offences) before disclosure kicks in. Therefore, the scope is narrower than many applicants fear.