Can you go to Spain with a criminal record?
Although most countries have no admission policies to foreigners with serious or violent convictions, some countries will still allow entry to those with minor criminal histories, particularly if they have been away for a long time. The policy of admission for travelers with criminal records in Europe tends to be less restrictive than that in North America.
As a general rule, all you need to enter Spain if you are not a wanted criminal is:
- If you are coming from outside of the Schengen Area, a valid passport must be stamped with a visa. You can also apply for a visa in your home country before you enter (tourists from certain nations need approval).
- You will need a work visa to enter Spain to teach or work with children. A criminal background check is required to verify that you are not convicted of any child abuse. If you have a criminal conviction, and you are not wanted under the law, it is up to the company to hire you. You will not be allowed to work in Spain if you have a criminal conviction for children.
What are the requirements to enter Europe if you have a criminal record?
While the policy may differ from country to country, generally, European borders do not conduct criminal conviction checks for foreign tourists who are visiting Europe for short-term stays. Citizens from countries that do not require visas to travel to Europe for holiday purposes will not normally be asked about their criminal records. It’s essential to tell the truth if you are asked your background by border officials. Lying could only make matters worse. For short stays, visitors from countries that were previously exempted from visa requirements will need to pre-register an ETIAS visa waiver online. To identify any potential public safety threats to Europe, the electronic travel authorisation application will require security checks.
Application for ETIAS and travel to Spain with a criminal history
Travellers are usually allowed to enter Spain despite minor criminal convictions. However, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System will now be a more stringent check on third-country visitors. Foreigners from countries that are visa-exempt can currently enter Spain and other Schengen nations with a valid passport. After ETIAS is implemented, pre-departure background checks are also required. Below are more details about how to apply for ETIAS or travel to Spain with a criminal conviction.
Can you travel to Spain if you have a criminal record?
It all depends on:
- The gravity of the crime
- Where and when was the offense committed?
It is unlikely that anyone convicted of misdemeanors will be prohibited from entering the country. Anyone with a criminal history for serious or recent offenses may be subject to additional restrictions on entry or a travel ban. Foreign visitors with criminal records must apply for ETIAS Spain (if they are eligible) or for a Spanish visa. They will be allowed to travel to Spain based on the outcome of their application.
ETIAS is able to check criminal records
ETIAS for Spain, as previously mentioned, will be implemented in 2025. It will be required for visa-exempt citizens. Before arriving in Spain, tourists and businesspeople from the United States, Australia and Japan must register online. ETIAS will improve border security through background checks of travellers who aren’t required to complete the visa application process. Individuals who pose a threat to the Schengen Area and Spain can be prevented from entering the country by pre-screening. Canadian citizens who are planning to travel to Europe will be subject to criminal record checks. Questions about criminal records in relation to the ETIAS application for Spain ETIAS is open to foreigners. To apply, must complete an online form. The basic information required for an application is to include the applicant’s passport details and personal information. Security questions are asked about the criminal history of the traveller. All information regarding criminal records must be provided. It is crucial to give truthful information. Applications are checked against security databases. False information will be detected. The finalization of questions regarding criminal records on the ETIAS form has not been completed. We will have more information closer to the 2025 launch of ETIAS. Criminal records for minor and major crimes Minor convictions will not result in denial of ETIAS. Tourists with a criminal history for a minor offense can apply for ETIAS. In many cases, they will be granted visa waivers. Spanish authorities are worried about terrorist acts and other serious offenses. It is unlikely that people who have been convicted for crimes such as terrorism or murder will be allowed visa-free entry through ETIAS. The applicant must also declare whether they were deported in the past from any EU or Schengen country. It is important to provide details about the crime, such as its location and time.
ETIAS and criminal records databases
The ETIAS application form will allow applicants to submit information for Spain. This information will be checked against international security database. The European Criminal Records Information System For Third Country Nationals ( ) will be the most important for criminal record checks. Soon, ECRIS-TCN should be available. This database will contain information on third-country citizens with criminal records in Europe. This new system will allow Spanish authorities to identify citizens from third countries with criminal convictions. ETIAS also conducts criminal record checks in other ways Information stored in these databases will be used to identify serious security issues.
- Schengen Information System (SIS)
- Data from Europol and Interpol
- Visa Information System
A ETIAS watchlist will also be created. It will contain the names of UN war crimes and anyone else who is likely to be involved in terrorism offences. If any of these systems fail to meet the requirements, the application will be manually reviewed by ETIAS units in Spain prior to a decision being made. An individual who has been convicted of a past crime may not be eligible for ETIAS. However, they might be able to travel to Spain with a Visa. The Spanish Embassy is the place to apply for a visa.
Criminal record following ETIAS approval
A ETIAS visa waiver can be used for three years and multiple trips to Spain or other countries in the Schengen Area.
However, the permit may be revoked if a crime occurs after the ETIAS approval has been granted or new information becomes accessible.
The visa waiver could be canceled if a new alert is sent to ETIAS security system. The permit will be void for any further visa-free travel to Spain.
Spain border checks upon entry
ETIAS is required to enter Spain or anywhere else in the Schengen area without a visa. The majority of travellers will be able cross the border with no problems if they have a valid passport or a waiver approved for visa.
ETIAS doesn’t guarantee entry. Border officials will make the final decision about whether or not to allow third-country nationals to enter Spain.
ETIAS Spain is valid throughout the Schengen Area. ETIAS holders who cross the Schengen border are usually not subject to additional border checks.