23-11-2022

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is the EU’s new visa waiver scheme.

ETIAS will begin in November 2023 and will soon become a required entrance requirement for visa-exempt non-EU individuals.

While most applications are likely to be granted within minutes of submission, ETIAS visa waiver denial is conceivable.

If the ETIAS application is denied, the third-country national will be unable to lawfully enter an external Schengen Area border.

Only non-EU citizens who have a valid ETIAS visa waiver attached to their passport will be eligible to travel visa-free to Schengen nations.

This page outlines why ETIAS may be refused, including criminal history and health and security issues, as well as what to do if ETIAS is denied.

REASONS FOR ETIAS VISA WAIVER REFUSAL

Most ETIAS applications are approved relatively shortly after they are submitted.

Nonetheless, in order to maintain Europe secure for citizens and visitors, certain persons must be prevented from crossing the border.

Here are some of the reasons ETIAS may be denied, as well as suggestions on how to avoid them.

ETIAS APPLICATION FORM FILLED IN INCORRECTLY

Although the ETIAS application will be simple to complete, it is critical that all information submitted is correct.

Particular attention should be exercised while entering data such as the passport number; any errors may result in delays or even rejection.

Furthermore, all questions must be answered accurately and completely in order to be given a visa waiver for Europe.

Before submitting the application form, applicants must double-check their responses.

ETIAS CRIMINAL BACKGROUND AND OTHER SECURITY CONCERNS

Criminal history will be considered while applying for ETIAS.

However, the ETIAS visa waiver can be granted despite having previously committed an offence. People with a criminal history should not be discouraged from applying.

Only those considered a current threat to Europe will be denied entrance. This is based on data from international security databases, and it will be identified throughout the screening process.

ETIAS is concerned with serious cross-border crime, particularly terrorism: it is possible to enter Europe with a criminal record in many other cases.

Minor infractions in the past are unlikely to result in an ETIAS visa waiver refusal. Manual processing occurs on an individual basis.

The ETIAS National Unit will carefully analyse each application and determine if ETIAS with a criminal background is suitable.

HEALTH CONCERNS AND ETIAS VISA WAIVER APPLICATIONS

ETIAS will improve security while while preventing significant health problems. ETIAS health inquiries will assist European authorities in identifying persons who may endanger public health.

In order to avoid epidemics and safeguard world health, travellers with certain infectious illnesses may be denied an ETIAS visa waiver.

Health hazards connected with an applicant’s country of origin may be identified using World Health Organization (WHO) statistics.

OVERSTAYING A PREVIOUS TRIP IN EUROPE

When travelling overseas, it is important to follow the country’s visa or visa waiver policies.

This holds true for Europe as well. Citizens of visa-free countries can stay in Europe for up to 90 days. Overstaying this permit may result in complications and future admission restrictions.

Overstay will be tracked by ETIAS via the Entry/Exit System (EES).

Third-country nationals entering and leaving the Schengen Area will be registered by EES, and anybody who overstays will be identified.

Overstayers may face repercussions, including denial of the ETIAS visa waiver.

HOW TO AVOID ETIAS VISA WAIVER REFUSAL

To lessen the probability of an ETIAS application being denied, travellers should:

  • Double-check the information provided, especially spelling and numbers
  • Provide the name as it appears on the passport
  • Answer ETIAS criminal record questions truthfully
  • Complete all the relevant health information requested
  • Avoid leaving any blanks, ensure the form is fully complete
  • Don’t overstay the maximum permitted stay on any trip to Europe

The visa waiver allows for numerous entries and is valid for three years. ETIAS, on the other hand, can be withdrawn or invalidated if the ETIAS standards are no longer satisfied in order to make European destinations secure for everybody.

THE ETIAS SCREENING PROCESS

ETIAS is being used to enhance border security while also protecting public health and safety.

ETIAS, like ESTA in the United States, allows visa-exempt persons to be pre-screened before crossing the border.

Passengers from qualified countries must supply basic personal information as well as passport information. They will also provide security information and address ETIAS health inquiries. The risk factors listed above will be considered.

After submitting the form, the information is immediately cross-checked against numerous worldwide databases, including the ETIAS Watchlist and Interpol.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE ETIAS APPLICATION IS REJECTED?

If a security warning is generated during the screening process, the application will be manually reviewed by the ETIAS Central and National Units. Within two weeks, a decision must be made.

Applicants are notified via email if their request is ultimately denied. The following information is included in the notification:

  • Why the visa waiver application was denied
  • The ETIAS National United that refused the application
  • Information about how to appeal the decision

Travelers who are denied ETIAS may still be able to visit Europe, but must apply for a Schengen visa through an embassy or consulate. A refusal of a Schengen visa would prevent the individual from entering Europe.

ETIAS CAN BE REVOKED OR ANNULLED

Although most ETIAS holders will have no trouble crossing the border, an approved visa waiver does not guarantee access to Europe. The decision to grant entry is made by border officials.

Furthermore, ETIAS can be revoked by authorities in EU Member States or the ETIAS National Unit of a Member State. When there is evidence that:

  • The ETIAS visa waiver was obtained fraudulently
  • The conditions under which it was issued are no longer met

If there is a fresh warning in a European security database, ETIAS might be cancelled. The notice might be regarding a denied admission or a stolen travel document.

The ETIAS Central Unit will confirm that the alert corresponds to a specific travel authorization, after which it will be revoked.

The ability to revoke or cancel existing ETIAS visa waivers will aid in keeping European countries safe for residents and visitors.